Help carers get the breaks they need

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“My name is Jeanette. I am a full time carer to my 27 year old son who has Down's syndrome and a severe learning disability. I currently receive 28 nights’ residential short breaks per year, but I am worried that without a bit of extra help things could reach crisis point.

“I asked for two nights’ temporary increase in respite per year in order to see us through this difficult patch but I've been told I cannot have any more and must use it on an emergency basis only.

“I feel so guilty because I feel I am not properly meeting my son’s needs at the moment. I've had some awful times when I have felt completely devoid of energy to look after him. I have thought ‘This is it. I've got nothing left’.”

Over the past few years many councils have been cutting short breaks services for carers of people with a learning disability. Please email your council leader and your elected councillors, asking them what their plans are for short breaks in your area in the next financial year. Family carers like Jeanette need more support, not less, and we want to know what councils are doing to protect these vital services.

Fill out your details in the form below and you can edit your message to your council on the next page.

Please note: this only applies to people who live in England and Wales.

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