New short breaks provision for Torfaen's little stars
A ‘home from home’ is how a new short breaks facility for disabled children is being described.
BBC Wales’ Newsreader, and new mother, Lucy Owen recently opened ‘Sêr Bach’ (translated as ‘little stars’) and said its name was ‘perfect’ for ‘a wonderful place’.
The new family-orientated service, which operates in partnership with Monmouthshire Social Services, means that Torfaen children with a wide range of disabilities can enjoy overnight stays in a ‘home from home’ environment where they will have their own bedroom.
Foster carers, Karen and Rob Breakwell live in the large, adapted house with their own children.
"This isn’t a centre, it’s a home," said Karen. "I hope that all the children who come here will be very happy."
Lucy Owen said, "I’ve looked around the house and it really is a wonderful place. As a new mum I’m beginning to get a bit of an understanding of how important centres like these can be for parents. Sêr Bach, or little stars, is the perfect name for a great facility."
Councillor Brian Mawby, Executive Member For Health, social care and wellbeing, said: "It’s particularly pleasing that our councils are supporting parents in Monmouthshire and Torfaen by working together to achieve this wonderful service.
"We are achieving things together that we couldn’t do alone."