Inverness family relying on respite summer clubs plead with Highland Council not to withdraw the service
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An Inverness family say the support they receive from respite services is vital.
Andrew Greig and his wife Kim, from Hilton, Inverness, have two children – Charlotte (4) and Andrew (6) – who both have autism and normally attend summer clubs that will not go ahead this year due to Covid restrictions.
Mr Greig (34) said: “As far as I understand it, the council have cut the funding for direct childcare for the summer clubs, which means they will not go ahead this summer.
“We have two young children who both have autism. They have been at home with just me and my wife for the lockdown, which for any family is a long time. For us, it has meant the children don’t see anyone else – a situation that is hard on all of us.”
Mr Greig, a support worker, said that part of the funding for individual children attending clubs came from payments through Self Directed Support (SDS), a fund that is managed through Highland Council.
He said: “The money was allocated at the start of the financial year but has not been spent. We have a fear it will be lost altogether.”
Mr Greig is worried that looming financial difficulties for Highland Council caused by the coronavius pandemic could see services for children with learning or physical disabilities facing cuts.
“The last thing the council should cut are services that allow families to thrive,” he said.
“I sometimes feel bad for saying that we need support, but I know that I am not only talking about me, and my kids. I know there are many other families in the same situation who do not feel able to speak out.”
A Highland Council spokesman confirmed any money not spent this financial year will not be carried forward, but said that a decision on the funding for respite clubs had not yet been taken.
“The council has a grant funding scheme for early years provision, which includes applications relating to holiday club and similar types of provision,” he said.
“The council is still determining these applications and considering the latest implications for such holiday provision as a result of recent Scottish Government announcements re. Covid-19.
“The council will be updating applicants as soon as possible.”
