Fife Short Breaks provides a range of support through outreach and residential short breaks to families who have children and young people with learning disabilities up to the age of 18 years who live within the Fife area.
There are two houses offering weekend and holiday residential respite, one at Lochwood Park, Dunfermline and the other at Collydean, Glenrothes. As well as the provision of weekend and holiday respite, Fife Short Breaks also offer
support to children and young people through an Outreach Service.
Service aim and what we offer
The aim of Fife Short Breaks is to enable families to continue looking after their child by providing a short break from caring. Fife Short Breaks endeavour to offer everyday living experiences to all children and young people who attend the service. This includes:
• providing the children and young people with the opportunity to be with peers and have fun through activities appropriate to their likes and choices,
• keeping the children and young people informed through various communication strategies,
• supporting children and young people to manage their anxieties and reduce behaviours,
• supporting children and young people to develop to their full potential.
Who we work with
Fife Short Breaks work with:
• children and young people with learning disabilities up to the age of 18 years who live within the Fife area,
• families,
• Social Work Services,
• health professionals including SALT and psychologists,
• Fife Sleep Clinics,
• schools who are involved with the child/young person.
General service information
The Outreach Service for Fife Short Breaks operates every Monday to Thursday evenings during school term time. Collydean and Lochwood Park are open from 12noon Friday until 3.30pm on a Sunday.
Outcomes
This service contributes to the following Scottish Government National Outcomes.
• Our young people are successful learners, confident individuals, effective communicators and responsible citizens.
• Our children have the best start in life and are ready to succeed.
• Our children live longer, healthier lives.
• The life chances for children, young people and families at risk have improved.
Funding
The funding for Fife Short Breaks comes from a partnership between Fife Council Social Work Dept and Aberlour. We also respond to requests to provide individualised services which are funded separately.