Who you can Refer...

The families referred to our Supported Breaks Programme are those who are at risk because of their personal circumstances. Families are often subject to a high level of stress and have issues relating to parenting, health, bereavement, housing, financial, addiction problems, are socially isolated and in need of a lot of support and care. We have worked with families who have health issues and children within the family who are experiencing a lot of stress, fear/anxiety and may have mental health issues themselves. We accept referrals for those parents who have learning difficulties or mental health issues and who are often subject to high levels of medication.

Families may be undergoing parenting assessments and whose children may be at risk of care proceedings. Over the years we have worked with young pregnant teenagers, young mums, single parents (including dads) and families separated because dad may be in prison or who has just been released and comes with the family as a way of reuniting with them.

We have worked with young carers and their families, with refugee families, with grandparents and with extended families where they live together or where support is needed within their personal family dynamics.

• Families who are in crisis because of parenting issues and whose children are known to social and health services as being at risk and who may be on the child protection register
• Children who are on the brink of being separated from their parent/s or those families who are about to be reunited with their children who may already be in care
• Families who are experiencing a lot of stress in their lives and who may have mental health or learning difficulties
• Families who have health issues and who need time out to recuperate and to receive the benefits of being in a supportive and healing environment
• Parents whose children are carers for them as a Break of this nature would benefit the whole family
• Young mums or pregnant teenage girls
• Mothers and children who are currently living in a Refuge escaping domestic violence
• Single fathers who are carers for their children
• Any family who have been identified as being in need of such a supportive break and who would benefit from such a programme