DERRY DAILY CAMPAIGN: When the news of proposed cuts of over 70% to children’s respite services in Derry first broke in November, the mother of one 15 year old boy Jacqueline Gallagher questioned how a life-line like this could even make its way onto a list of cuts.
In describing these children as ‘Little angels with broken wings’ Jacqueline touched on the essence of this issue, these cuts target the most innocent of the innocent and the most vulnerable of the vulnerable.
The business case for these cuts is witheringly weak, the savings are nominal but the impact profound. They shame our city and they shame the Western Trust.
MLA Maeve McLaughlin insists the savings would be just £40,000.
The Cottages provide a wonderful service; giving children support – while parents get a break, sometimes for three or four days each month.
The sister of one boy told Derry Daily how the service is a lifeline to him – and to her mother. Cuts would mean long round-trips to Omagh for a family with no car.
Beyond that, these planned cuts when actioned will leave Newry (pop. 30,000) and Omagh (pop.50,000) each with 5 times the level of service capacity that will remain in Derry (pop 110,00).
In short, these cuts not only target the most vulnerable children in our society and their families/carers but they create a situation of untenable disparity in the provision of these services in Derry, and are unjust and inequitable.
We agree with the families that they must be fought.
Like those families, we call on our political representatives to bring the Western Trust to account on these decisions, and we call on the other carers in our community and right thinking people everywhere to register their support for this cause.
Play the brilliant video made by the families above and then…..
Please sign the petition on the link below. Almost 1,500 people already have.
How it will affect one family. Our story from last week:
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