Short Break Stories

Turning Point Scotland Dumfries & Galloway Short Breaks Service

A story by Turning Point Scotland

We provided group activities for 1.5 hours each Thursday evening for up to 20 children with learning disabilities, autism and other related long term conditions, whilst their parents had a break from their caring role.

The activities, included cooking (taught by an experienced chef over a 4 week period), painting, games, outdoor pursuits, and entertainment was also provided.

We also had a short term respite care service at Kinvara, a home in Stranraer which provided valued respite care for children and adults supported by Turning Point Scotland. There was overnight respite each month for children at Kinvara, plus 1 day activity following the sleepover. The service concluded with an activity weekend to Kielder in January 2017.

What Turning Point Scotland Dumfries & Galloway Short Breaks Service did

Our Service ended in January 2017 with a weekend break to Calvert Trust, Kielder. This involved indoor and outdoor activities in a spectacular setting and it was attended by children that had used the Youth Group Service and Kinvara Respite Service. Staff from Turning Point Scotland attended to provide support, along with some of the parents and the weekend was a huge success.

2 brothers were able to have weekends away from their parents at Kinvara Respite Service. They would go to the Ryan Centre in the evening and enjoy the activities. They would also assist with cooking in the house.

The parents developed their own support network from the Youth Group and would communicate outwith the Youth Group. They were also able to enjoy different activities with their children, for example there was a 4 week cooking lesson with a qualified chef.
The feedback from the parents was that the weekend trip to Kielder was a huge success.

What Turning Point Scotland has learned

Engaging with young people and their families is truly worthwhile and a benefit to Turning Point Scotland. Without the funding we would not have been able to provide valuable support to young people and families in our area in relation to respite care and activities.

There is a need for respite care in the Dumfries and Galloway West and partnership working is key to the success. This relies on referrals from Local Authorities.
Top tips Turning Point Scotland's top tips for an organisation that wants to run a similar project
Tip 1:
Ensure guaranteed referrals from Local Authorities and also opportunities for self referral and self-direct support.
Tip 2:
Partnership working.
Tip 3:
Complete a comprehensive Business Development Plan.