Have-a-Break Family Support Service

Have-a-Break is a Home Based Respite Scheme which facilitates children with special needs to have a short break in the home of a Host Carer.

The scheme is hugely beneficial in that:

• It provides the child with a holiday and an opportunity to make new friends.
•   It gives the family a well-earned break from continuous care.
• It gives an opportunity for families in the community to share their home and their time with a child with a disability.

The scheme caters for children with special needs up the age of 18 years in the Mid West region.

The ‘Have-a-Break' scheme is run by an interagency committee in the Mid West Region which also includes host and natural parent representatives.

Catherine O'Sullivan, Social Worker with the Daughters of Charity emphasises that no previous experience is necessary as all training will be provided under the scheme. The scheme also makes provision for the payment of expenses to host families.

If you are interested in becoming involved in the scheme as a Host Carer, please contact Catherine O'Sullivan at the Daughters of Charity, St. Vincent's Centre, Lisnagry, Co. Limerick on 061 501 438/ 501 400 or catherine.osullivan@lim-docservice.ie or log onto www.haveabreak.ie