Everyone benefits from a short break or a holiday, even more so when a family has a child with learning disabilities (mental handicap).

Breakaway is a family placement scheme, run by St John of God Carmona Services in Glenageary and other caring agencies, which involves ‘host carers’ in the community taking such a child into their home for a break. Host carers have found the experience demanding but very rewarding, and the parents have had the opportunity of a short break from caring, and the chance to spend time with their other children. There are 133 ‘host carers’ in the Eastern and North Eastern region at present but there are approximately 1,600 children under 19 with moderate or severe learning difficulties, so only about eight per cent of them have been able to enjoy these breaks.

Break Away Social workers, who provide assessment, training and on-going support to ‘host carers’ are currently looking for people and families who would be interested in becoming carers.

 Social worker Beata Drewniak is the person to contact at St John of God Carmona Services if you feel you would like to become involved. Phone 285 2900, or email  carmona@sjog.ie