Quarriers Transforming Lives

Foxden Respite Service

Raising a child with a disability is a challenge and a joy for any parent. It's relentless and there aren't many places to look for help. Foxden is our newest service.  It was created in partnership with South Tyneside Council, and after just a few short months it's proving its worth. Until its arrival in South Shields, the children and families in the community had to travel to Newcastle for help.

They deserved something local, something accessible, a place to provide respite and a safe place for children. This is what we're instinctively good at. We're proud to say Foxden has already helped 16 families and we aim to reach more than 25 in the next year.

The staff and facilities are fantastic. We've a sensory room (funded by the Postcode Lottery) that is a great chillout zone with full-length mirrors, a comfortable foam mattress and glitter balls etc.  We were lucky enough to be able to source a ‘safe space’ – a large, blue purpose-built tent which means that children with particular needs can feel safe away from their home environment.  Foxden's huge garden is secure and we're developing 'roads' with signage to help teach road awareness.

It's a warm, friendly place and it feels like a family home.

Gerry is 9 and has never been away from his mother Raffaella. We're building up their visits so everyone becomes comfortable and are aiming towards an overnight stay. Apart from Gerry's needs, it's a big adjustment for Raffaella to let anyone else look after her son. She's used to always being on the lookout for him. Our staff strive to learn how to deal with every eventuality so Gerry will always be safe at Foxden.

Robert's parents have never had a holiday without him. They tried once but another facility couldn't cope and called them back. That won't happen at Quarriers. They're just back from their first ever family holiday.  They went to Scarborough to relax with their daughter, but Robert wasn’t left behind – his time at Foxden was a holiday for him too.

James is about to turn 18 and needs to become more independent. Foxden is the place for him to do this and meet other people his age.

In addition to the facilities and allowing overnight visits, there are many more benefits: children meet and make friends with children their own age. This space away from parents helps develop independence. Parents can get some time to themselves, time to concentrate on other siblings, get a good night's sleep, perhaps enjoy a first holiday.

Whatever we provide, it's a big step. For most families it's the first time the children will have spent an overnight away and progress has to be made at a sensible pace.

Families are always welcome at Quarriers Foxden Service.

Families for Foxden

All of the families we've mentioned are already in awe of the services Foxden has to offer. They've teamed up to create 'Families for Foxden' and meet to fundraise so it's become yet another Quarriers service that helps people to help themselves and others.

Lives have been changed for the better.