Alf and Keith's story

A 2013 report by Mencap reveals that 8 out of 10 families surveyed have reached breaking point, because they are being denied the breaks from caring that they need. Despite this, local councils are steadily reducing their spending on short breaks for people with a learning disability and their families, and a third have closed short breaks services in the last three years. Alf is 91 years old and is a full-time carer for his son Keith. Cuts in their area mean that Alf and Keith cannot afford as many short breaks as they used to. Mencap is calling on councils to protect short breaks services from future cuts so that families get the support they need to care for their loved ones. Please, ask your council leader what they are doing to prioritise short breaks in your area.