Wheelchair Accessible Holidays Under Threat

Seaside family holidays for disabled children are under threat because of a lack of council funding.

The caravan breaks in Blackpool are offered as respite for Lancashire parents, carers and disabled children but the service could be stopped if council bosses don’t find the money.

The wheelchair accessible caravan, which is rented by Blackburn with Darwen Council, has served as a holiday home for over 100 youngsters and their families. The short break scheme was launched in 2011 after the Department for Education provided a one-off £80,000 grant to cover the rental costs.

No More Funding

Now the holiday funding is due to run out in next month.  Blackburn with Darwen Council says it’s struggling to find cash to keep renting the specially adapted static holiday home. It is now hunting for generous individuals, organisations and companies to plug the £20,000-a-year cash gap.

Save the Service

Sam Morris, chief executive of Blackburn with Darwen Carers Service, said: “This is a very rare and special service and I hope someone can step in and save it.

“It’s really rare for families with a disabled child to be able to holiday together including any brothers and sisters. The accommodation has to be specially-adapted and can cost hundreds of pounds a week.

“Many families with disabled children are on very tight budgets and free breaks in a suitably-equipped caravan like this is something very special.

“I just hope there are people or companies out there who can help save it for the long-term future.”

Anyone who wishes to help save the service should contact the children’s disability service for Blackburn with Darwen Council on 01254 503773.