I can only afford 3 holidays abroad a year.

[parasiticworm]

Does this make me fortunate? I have a LD and serious MH problems which means I don't have to make a contribution towards my care hours. I'm going to Turkey with my staff (again) in April for 10 nights. I can bank my hours one week before I go and one week afterwards, which makes the staff cost cheaper at £2600 I will be billed for the hours?

I'm going on a 10 day coach holiday to Italy in May with a good friend. This is not expensive really

Also looking to go somewhere in November for my birthday with my staff for 7 days, maybe Itally or Turkey again,

2025 and I'm to have a big holiday in November so only 2 abroad holidays in 2025.

Does this make me fortunate?

[skydivesurvivor]

Holidays? Still learning to renew my passport 20 years after tbi. Fill out one with simple things like coffee mornings and celebrate my tbi?!! At least am unable to feel desperate. Frustrated for more than 20 seconds before it’s gone!! Never thought I would be glad of being unaware!! Keep safe & SMILE to spite it. They may think we’re mad but we know different?!!

[Clarinet22]

Yes, if you enjoy them. No chance here for a proper holiday for 7 years UK or abroad.

[Lucacielle]

YES!!!!!

[SBDBJB]

Hi

Like many other people- I have not had a holiday for more than 10 years , either abroad or in the uk I would say that you are very fortunate to be able to afford so many lovely holidays. Green with envy lol. Hope you enjoy every minute and make some special memories.

Best wishes Sharon

[Galwaybay2]

You have a right to all the holidays you can afford, but would be interested on what basis you do not have to pay a social services contribution to care costs. It may be relevant to many of us who do.

[catladie in reply to Galwaybay2]

My daughter didn't have to pay for years then they changed the criteria & now we do. its a joke my daughter can't do anything without me nothing she needs 24hr care, can't walk, talk feed or dress herself & is totally dependant on me & has to have 221 support, shes also doubley incontinent. when I say a joke I don't mean you) going on holiday i mean changing the criteria..

[Galwaybay2 in reply to catladie]

I understand your frustration, but there is a wider point here about how decisions are made around contribution. My son has learning disability and mental health diagnosis, but not physical impairment. I genuinely want to know on what basis some do not contribute, as appears to be the case here and it is not a criticism. It is possible that I have misunderstood but there could be some real inconsistency in applying the contribution that needs to be flagged. Mencap, are you aware of this?

[catladie in reply to Galwaybay2]

HiI'm sorry if I've upset you that was not my intention, I'm dyslexic so if I seem frustrated with you I apologise. my daughter also has a learning disability to if that helps?

[Galwaybay2 in reply to Galwaybay2]

Of course you didn't upset me. You have a lot of things to deal with, don't add anything else to that.

[parasiticworm in reply to Galwaybay2]

Section 117 aftercare, because I've been sectioned - means I don't have to pay for care costs at all.

[catladie]

I say enjoy every minute lv. I used todo same for my daughter but because I made it work the ccg & social care put obstacles in my way to stop me from doing it.if you can do it then do it for as long as you can.

Happy holidays !

[Greatauntie]

Very very, lucky. With previous providers always had a holiday, a member of staff would accompany relative for numerous days out, long weekends etc. With latest care provider can't get them to take out for a full day because of split shifts. Lots of Mencap days or Mind events missed. Usually plan a cinema or theatre trip around annual review time and list it as though it is a regular activity. Sounds like you need to hang on to current care team.