Sian Mulholland, Alliance MLA for North Antrim, has warmly welcomed the announcement this week by the Minister of Health regarding a substantial investment in short breaks and community support services for children with disabilities.
The Minister has committed up to £13 million annually to address the critical shortfall in respite care, an issue that has deeply impacted many families across North Antrim.
Mulholland had been contacted by a number of local families distressed by the removal of their much-needed short-term respite services.
These services were halted as short breaks units were repurposed to meet the growing demand for long-term residential care, leaving families without essential support.
Sian had actively raised these concerns with the Minister of Health and Jennifer Welsh, Chief Executive of the Northern Trust, advocating on behalf of affected constituents for the urgent restoration of respite provisions.
Speaking on the Minister’s announcement, Sian Mulholland MLA said:
"I am hugely relieved by the Minister’s commitment to increasing short break capacity. Families across North Antrim who have faced enormous pressure after losing their respite services have been telling me how vital this support is for them and for their families. I’ve been in direct contact with the Minister and the Northern Trust on this issue, and I am glad that the concerns of our community have been heard and acted upon.
"This investment provides a lifeline to those families who have been struggling without these essential services. I truly hope it will lead to the reinstatement of the short-term respite care that so many parents and caregivers desperately need, and will offer much-needed support to the children and families in our area.
"The strain on families who care for children with complex needs has been immense. For many, short breaks provide a necessary respite that allows them to continue caring for their loved ones. I am hopeful that this funding will lead to swift and meaningful improvements in service provision here in North Antrim, helping those families who need it most."
The North Antrim MLA said she will continue to work with the Minister and the local Trust to ensure that families in North Antrim see these vital services restored and strengthened.