Tag Archives: autism

Parents’ emotional appeal to save disabled respite services in Cornwall

Internet appeal to save threatened respite services for disabled children in Cornwall.

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Campaigners have launched an emotional internet appeal to save threatened respite services for disabled children in Cornwall.

More than 200 families in Cornwall use children’s short break respite homes in order to give disabled children more social opportunities as well as giving parents a break too.

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    Simon Judge with his son Gabriel who attendsSt Christopher’s Respite Home in Redruth

The Save St Christopher’s Redruth and Redwing Truro Respite Services petition was launched on Facebook on Tuesday.

It has already attracted more than 1,000 members, including parents of children using the services, after Cornwall Council said it may close both centres.

The petition calls on council leaders to retain the respite services, which many families say provide vital support.

In an impassioned plea Jodie Debenham wrote on Facebook: “Cornwall Council have proposals to close a much needed sanctuary and safe haven respite care unit in Redruth. Why should with severe disabilities and life limiting illnesses have the one tiny piece of enjoyment ripped away from them just because the government have overspent and need to claw some of the waste money back.

“ We plan to fight this all the way. We need sits, petitions, marches. We will not allow you to do this to our children.”

During a public meeting on Monday at Penventon Park Hotel in Redruth, officers outlined a proposal that would see the closure of St Christopher’s Respite Home in Redruth and Lowenna Redwing in Truro.

The Carer: ‘I dread the budget every year – we can’t take any more cutbacks’

Since the ‘Age of Austerity’ began, society’s most vulnerable have been hit hardest.

Today, Independent.ie spoke to mum-of-one Heather Hogan.

Heather is mother of teenager David (16).

Shortly after his birth, David was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

At the age of two, he was diagnosed with autism. In recent years, he has lost the sight in his left eye, with his remaining sight fading.

David needs care around the clock.

When the carer needs care

mum went and fell down the stairs

Wake up, eat, go out, come back, eat, play, sleep. Simple really.

And then mum went and fell down the stairs.

Kiss it better, put a plaster on it, don’t think about it and it will go away. Simple really.

Stop! Yes, you read that right: mum went and fell down the stairs. This isn’t a kiss it better situation. or a simple plaster affair. This is serious. This involved accident and emergency departments, a splint, bruising, pain killers and crutches. But it could have been so much more serious. And for that I am eternally thankful, despite the pain.

So what happens when the carer needs care?