Holidays are a highlight in many people’s lives and for people with a learning disability and their parents and carers holidays have an added dimension.  For carers it is often a time to relax and to revitalise themselves in order to carry on caring.  It is also part of the important process of learning to let go and allowing the person you care for to experience being away from their home and family.  For the person with learning disabilities it may be a chance for new experiences and challenges and an opportunity to be more independent.
 

ADULT AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

If a person is entitled to help under section 29 of the National Assistance Act 1948, that is, they are aged 18 or over and are visually impaired or deaf, cannot speak, or suffer from a mental disorder, or are substantially and permanently disabled, the local authority has to consider whether the person concerned needs services that can be provided under the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970.  If the local authority decides that the person concerned does need any of these services it has a duty to arrange for the provision of these services, which can include holidays at holiday homes or elsewhere.

Any financial help provided will be based on a financial assessment of the person with a learning disability.  It should be noted that the financial assessment is not on the carer but on the person who has a learning disability (if they are18 years old or older).  Any financial support is related to the additional costs of the holiday because of the individual’s disability.

Contact your Social Worker or

Customer Services                                        Telephone:  0845 034 9410

THE FAMILY FUND

The Family Fund may provide financial help for families with severely handicapped children (under 16 years), contact:

The Family Fund Trust                                     Telephone: 0845 1304542
P O Box 50
York YO1 2ZX

HOLIDAY CARE SERVICE

This is a charity that offers a free information service by post or by telephone on all aspects of holidays, at home or abroad, for people with special needs and their carers.  They do not book your holiday but from their fact sheets and database they can help you with all the information you need including where to find financial help and transport.

Contact:
Holiday Care Service                                       Telephone: (01293) 774535
2nd Floor, Imperial Buildings
Victoria Road
Horley RH6 7PZ