08/10/2026
Last week, we met with Alison Thewliss MSP, Minister for Community Care, to talk about short breaks for carers of disabled children.
Along with parent carers and sibling carers, members of our Policy and Public Affairs team visited Scottish Parliament to discuss how vital short breaks are. They also covered what role Take a Break Scotland can play, and the importance of accessible information and support.
Leona, one of the parent carers, said:
“It means a lot to me to be able to partake in this meeting, alongside my oldest son who is a sibling carer to his brother. And help make a change in making sure all parent carers and sibling carers can access the respite and short breaks they deserve to rest, recharge, and make fun memories together.”
We want to say a huge thank you to Lynne, Leona and Thomas, and Siobhan and Lillith, for joining us and sharing their powerful stories. Thanks too to Ms Thewliss, for acknowledging how important it is to engage with families raising disabled children to inform future policy development.
Together, we can work towards a Scotland in which the right to breaks for carers is a reality.
Image description: Staff members from Family Fund, as well as a group of parents, carers, and children, are meeting with Alison Thewliss MSP. They are standing together in a meeting room, looking at the camera. Alison has a board in her hands, which has text that says: Proud to support families raising disabled children.
