Your Care - Aiming High... for the county's disabled children

What is Aiming High?

Aiming High for Disabled Children is a nationwide programme for transforming disabled children’s services. In Cumbria, the county council and the Primary Care Trust are working with disabled children, young people and their families to make this transformation happen. Aiming High includes improving information on services, improving co-ordination of services, increasing parents’ involvement, improving transition to adulthood, improving access to child care for disabled children and access to essential equipment. Above all, Aiming High involves supporting parents to have a break from caring and gives disabled children and young people more opportunities for positive activities.

We know that families’ number one priority is regular and reliable short breaks. A short break can be anything from a couple of hours in a sports club to an overnight stay. The council has now been given new funding by the government to help make sure disabled children and young people can access more of the places and activities they want, are aware of all the opportunities that exist for them and are able to access the support they need so that they can be as independent as possible. 

Change has already started to happen. Last year, disabled children and young people in Cumbria were able to take advantage of extra holiday and out-of-school activities. There is clear guidance on how the money from the government should be spent; therefore stakeholder forums across the county have been set up to bring together local organisations, parents and carers with an aim to develop longer term plans for the future. What we need to do now is develop this work and agree together how we are going to significantly increase the volume, quality and range of short break provision based on the identified needs of all eligible disabled children, young people and their families. 

Change is happening, but don’t just take our word for it...

Robert, supported by Locality Manager Carol Abernethy, has made the most of the various fun activities on offer to him. Robert told us that: “The play scheme was great, I especially enjoyed the horse riding and want to go again please!” Robert’s mum added: “The Aiming High projects have been fantastic. It has given Robert the opportunity to get out there and meet new people and take part in experiences that I wouldn’t have been able to give him. All the staff in each different event we attended have been great and their support has really improved Robert’s confidence.”

For more information on Aiming High please contact Jon Parnaby on 01228 221156 or email jon.parnaby@cumbriacc.gov.uk. For short break enquiries please contact Maria Kielty on 01539 713309 or email maria.kielty@cumbriacc.gov.uk