Our CEO Claire Bryant was pleased to be invited to write an article for the latest edition of SEN Magazine – a UK-wide publication for special educational needs professionals. 

The topic was short breaks, and in the article Claire explains just why the type of short breaks we provide at Cherry Trees are so vitalfor our families.       

It was great to have the opportunity to explain the many ways in which short-break respite care can help both the children we care for, and their wider families.

As Claire says very powerfully in the piece: “Short breaks can change the destination of children with complex disabilities. They help challenge the perceptions that these vulnerable children can’t contribute meaningfully to society. 

“They can demonstrate that it doesn’t need to be a straight route from residential school or children’s care to adult residential care - these children can have the ability to live independently with support. Their daily struggles with life can be transformed into an enjoyable and fulfilled life, and families don’t need to stay in survival mode - they can thrive.”

The article also features Pippa, mum to Jesse and Libby who have both attended Cherry Trees for many years. It’s wonderful to hear in her own words just what our very special home-from-home means to her family.

You can read the full article on the SEN Magazine website here.