AN afternoon tea event was held at Usk Centenary Hall last Wednesday (8th July) to allow people to share their views on the council's short break respite services.

Organised by Monmouthshire County Council's (MCC) children with disabilities team, it encouraged service users to share their positive experiences or their thoughts on how they think things could be improved.

The cabinet member for social care and health, councillor Geoff Burrows, said: "The event was a big success, allowing service users to provide invaluable feedback in a relaxed, informal environment. It also allowed people to mix and socialise with others in similar situations. We will be analysing all the feedback provided and use it to further improve the service we provide to residents."

Service users can also voice their opinion in a short online survey at https://goo.gl/elhSNE">https://goo.gl/elhSNE before Friday 24th July.

There are currently eight short-break carers in Monmouthshire, but more are needed.

Councillor Burrows said: "Carers do a wonderful job and their dedication is unquestionable. However, sometimes, in attending to the full-time demands of their loved one, they neglect their own health. They may eat irregularly due to lack of time for cooking, and may have little opportunity to exercise or even to take a walk in the fresh air. Respite care helps alleviate this.

"Short breaks provide an opportunity for disabled children to have fun, gain independence, learn and develop. While families get to take a much needed break from their 24-hour caring giving them time to spend with other children, rest or just go shopping."

For more information about short break respite services, telephone 01291 637857 or speak to a social worker.