Protect Vital Short Breaks Services for Adults with a Learning Disability and / or Autism in Northern Ireland

For many adults with a learning disability and / or autism, short breaks services are not a luxury. They are a lifeline.

These services provide opportunities for friendship, independence, social inclusion, skill development, and meaningful experiences in the community. They also give families and carers essential respite, helping them continue in their caring roles and preventing crisis situations.

We are deeply concerned about the lack of proportionate regulation for the short breaks services that, if a solution is not found, will impact the service currently delivered by incredABLE. Thousands of hours of support, social opportunities, and respite for families are at risk. The impact would be felt not only by those who directly use the service, but also by parents, siblings, carers, and wider health and social care services.

Without access to regular short breaks:

• Adults with a learning disability and/ or autism may become increasingly isolated.
• Families and carers may experience greater stress and burnout.
• Pressure on statutory health and social care services could increase.
• People may lose opportunities to develop independence, confidence, friendships, and community connections.

We recognise the importance of ensuring quality, safety, and appropriate regulation. However, any decisions affecting these vital services must place the rights, wellbeing, and voices of people with a learning disability and / or autism at the centre.

We are calling on the Minister of Health, the Department of Health, and the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority to:

• Take urgent action to ensure continuity of short breaks services for adults with a learning disability and / or autism.
• Work collaboratively with providers, families, and service users to find sustainable solutions.
• Ensure that people who rely on these services are not disadvantaged by regulatory or policy gaps.
• Develop a clear framework that supports the provision of safe, high-quality short breaks services across Northern Ireland, such as that applies in Scotland.
• Protect the wellbeing of individuals and families who depend on these services now and in the future.

Every person deserves the opportunity to live a full, connected, and meaningful life. Please sign this petition and help us protect these essential services.

TAKE ACTION NOW and help ensure that adults with a learning disability and / or autism continue to have access to the short breaks they need and deserve.