Hello I am a parent of a child with multi complex needs who from the age of ten has received respite care in fife through Aberlour trust. We get 1 weekend in every 6 and usually 1 week either in april, the summer holidays or October... Although we are waiting on official letter we have recently learned that the weeks respite will no longer go ahead due to no funds being made available from fife council and that our weekends are not safe as they do not have to give us overnight respite legally. We feel as parents that respite is not a luxury it is a necessity. caring for special needs children 24/7 can be challenging and effects the family physically emotionally and financially, short breaks can alleviate the pressures and stress of the situation. Respite care aims to enhance the qualities of life of a person who has support needs and their carers and to support that relationship. For young people with support needs short breaks provide oppertunities to participate in activities with friends and peers vital to their personal social and educational developement adding to self confidence and well being. Respite care is in such short supply leaving a waiting list and not much hope for the future generations. We all know what lack of support can lead to through different news stories.We are very concerned that funds may not be made available all over the country due to the financial climate and know that it will cause distress to both parents and children alike. If at any point parents could not manage to look after these children and they had to go into care the cost would run into thousands of pounds yet nothing is being made easier for the thousands of parents who continue to devote their lives to looking after these special individuals. Like other parents our time is totally taken up with looking after our child and through know fault of our own we have always got to fight for one thing or another to make sure his needs are met, that he is treated fairly and that he has the rights he truly deserves. It is always the vulnerable who suffer,  I would be grateful for your help in delivering a message to these councils and goverment that we need respite services... thankyou

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