PROPOSED changes to respite care that helps children in Tenbury and those who care for them are out for public consultation.

If approved, it would mean that families using the service and living in Tenbury and the Teme Valley would no longer be able to use the nearest unit in Ludlow Road in Kidderminster.

A public consultation has been launched on the proposed future model for the delivery of overnight short break services for children with disabilities in Worcestershire.

Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet has formally supported plans to consult with families and other stakeholders on a new model which has been developed in partnership between the county council, which commissions these services, and the provider, Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust.

Currently, this service is provided across residential units at Ludlow Road in Kidderminster, Osborne Court in Malvern, Moule Close, Kidderminster and Providence Road in Bromsgrove. Together they provide overnight and some weekend respite care for children, young people and their families. The proposals include increasing both children’s and adult provision at the Osborne Court site and closing the unit at Ludlow Road.

“Worcestershire County Council remain committed to the continued provision of a wide range of support for children and young people with disabilities and their families,” said Andy Roberts, cabinet member with responsibility for children and families.

“The consultation period agreed in Cabinet allows us to continue to work closely with the families, children and staff affected by the current and future proposed delivery model. It will ensure that the thoughts, concerns and individual needs of those who use Ludlow Road are reflected accurately in the new proposals.

“This will help us to build trust and confidence with parent carers to shape our strategy for future provision of overnight unit-based short breaks for children with disabilities and adult replacement and respite care going forward.”

“The proposed changes at Osborne Court would also help the transition for young people when they move into adult services and Osborne Court also has facilities such as a hydrotherapy pool, sensory rooms and extensive accessible garden areas and outdoor spaces.”

Ludlow Road is a self-contained four bed converted bungalow.