Over 140 people attend information meeting in Armagh as Charity urges urgent action to protect support for people with learning disabilities and autism.
incredABLE has renewed its call for urgent intervention from the Minister of Health, the Department of Health and Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly following an at capacity Parent and Carer Information Evening that highlighted growing concern about the future of its Adult Short Breaks Service.
For almost three decades, incredABLE has provided support to children and adults with learning disabilities and autism through a range of community-based services designed to promote independence, inclusion, personal development and social participation. A key element of this support has been the provision of short breaks, residential experiences, peer support opportunities and respite for family carers.
More than 140 people who benefit from incredABLE’s short break service, participants, family members and carers alongside supporters and stakeholders, attended the meeting in the Armagh City Hotel to hear directly about the potential impact of a recent regulatory determination that threatens the continuation of community-based short break services supporting over 150 people with learning disabilities, autism and their families across the Southern Health and Social Care Trust area.
The meeting was also attended by local political representatives including Dáire Hughes MP, Eóin Tennyson MLA, Gareth Wilson MLA and Doug Beattie MLA, who heard first-hand from families about the importance of the service and the devastating consequences that could arise if it is forced to cease operating, and all committed to lobby for a quick solution at the highest level.
The event followed incredABLEs public appeal on October 9, when the charity warned that a disproportionate imposition of residential care regulations could result in the loss of a service that has operated safely and successfully for more than 20 years. Assurances were given that no safety or quality concerns had ever been raised about this service, and recent monitoring visits by the Southern Health and Social Care Trust had been very positive.
This situation has arisen because the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) advised the Charity that its Adult Short Breaks Service requires registration or it must ‘cease and desist’ this critical service.
The Charity fully supports appropriate regulation and has been proactively seeking registration for this service. However, it remains in the impossible position of being required to register in order to operate, while no existing registration category adequately reflects the nature of this innovative, community-based short break model.
The overwhelming message emerging from the evening was a shared determination among families, participants, elected representatives and the charity to work together to challenge the current interpretation of the regulations and seek a practical solution that protects services while broader regulatory issues are addressed.
Parents and carers spoke passionately about the difference the service makes to their lives, highlighting the opportunities it provides for individuals with learning disabilities and autism to develop independence, friendships, confidence and life skills, while also giving families vital respite and support.
The charity believes the issue raises wider questions about whether Northern Irelands current regulatory framework, developed more than twenty years ago under the Health and Personal Social Services (Quality, Improvement and Regulation) (Northern Ireland) Order 2003, remains fit for purpose in an era where public policy increasingly promotes community-based, person-centred support.
incredABLE has warned that, if the current interpretation were applied consistently across Northern Ireland, other charities and social enterprises providing similar community-based overnight support services could potentially face comparable challenges in the future.
Speaking after the meeting, Nigel Hampton, Chief Executive of incredABLE, said: “The strength of feeling expressed by families at this meeting was both powerful and deeply moving. The message from the room was clear: people do not want to see these valued services disappear and they expect all parties to work together to find a solution.
“For more than 20 years, our Adult Short Breaks Service has provided safe, high- quality community-based support that enables people with learning disabilities and autism to enjoy meaningful experiences, build independence and develop lasting friendships. At the same time, it provides essential respite for family carers who often provide round-the-clock support.
“incredABLE fully supports appropriate regulation, safeguarding and accountability. Our concern is that the current regulatory framework was not designed with modern disability support services in mind. We believe there is an urgent need for the Department of Health, RQIA and elected representatives to work collaboratively to identify a proportionate solution that protects existing services while longer-term legislative issues are considered.
“Ultimately, the people who stand to lose the most are individuals with learning disabilities, autism and their families. They must not become unintended casualties of an outdated regulatory system.”
The charity is continuing to engage with the Department of Health, elected representatives, and other stakeholders in an effort to secure a resolution.
As part of its campaign, incredABLE has also launched a public petition on Change.org and is encouraging families, supporters and members of the public to add their name in support of protecting community-based short break services.
The charity is calling on the Minister of Health, the Department of Health and MLAs to:
- Take immediate action to prevent the loss of existing short break services.
- Establish interim arrangements that allow services to continue operating while issues are resolved.
- Provide greater transparency regarding the interpretation and application of registration requirements.
- Develop an appropriate regulatory framework for community-based overnight support and short break services.
- Ensure the rights, independence, inclusion and wellbeing of people with learning disabilities and autism remain at the centre of decision-making.
incredABLE remains committed to working constructively with all relevant agencies to secure a positive outcome that protects vital services for individuals and families across the Southern Health and Social Care Trust Area.
People wishing to support the campaign can sign the petition via Change.org and share it through social media using the hashtag #SaveOurShortBreaks.
