Charity takes over Lincolnshire respite service

National charity Making Space has won a competitive tender to provide an emergency response and short breaks service in Lincolnshire.

The three-year contract with Lincolnshire County Council is for the management of two respite facilities and associated outreach services.

Swallow Lodge is a seven-bedded short term respite care facility on the outskirts of Lincoln city centre and Cedar House is a six capacity respite facility situated close to Spalding town centre. Both services provide short term residential respite care for adults with learning disabilities and complex needs who are living with parents/carers. The centres also provide day respite, emergency respite and outreach support in the family home.

The charity now has plans to enhance the services on offer. New eligibility criteria mean that more people will be able to access the service than had been able to previously. Improvements will include a steering group – to include parent carers, Making Space representatives and local commissioners –support with family holidays, changes to the booking system and a selection of community leisure and hobby groups.

Vicky Skeldon, Making Space’s area manager, Lincolnshire, said: “We have already opened up our booking system, now allowing carers to book stays up to six months in advance, where previously it was just three. Our new steering group, which includes parent carers, has its first meeting at the end of March. But perhaps most exciting are our plans for the future development of our short breaks service.”

Vicky also highlighted plans to increase the profile of one of the facilities, which has not previously been used to capacity. She said: “We feel that the excellent facilities at Swallow Lodge have been underused and are in the process of an extensive marketing campaign targeted at Lincolnshire-wide carers of adults with complex disabilities.

“Respite services provide a lifeline for carers and Making Space will ensure that Swallow Lodge’s care offer is clearly communicated to the right people”.

www.makingspace.co.uk