Got direct payments. Yay.

[frustratedpants]

We have had a manic holidays so far, cue me involving butane sure start and begging for help. Surestart did some ringing about and chaising things up for me, and was told Thursday that we have been approved for direct payments. 4hrs a week. We already have a 1:1 worker lined up, who knows dd well. So now we can start doing family things.
Just wanted to say YAY, and ask what you use your direct payments for?

Wow fantastic news and incredibly quick well done you and enjoy the respite it will bring.

*butane? Meant SS.

Taken 4 weeks, idiots supposed to be sorting it out on annual leave because thays clearly more important than a fsmily desprrately in need of respite and had to do things a bit in reverse, eg get insurance and bank sorted before pendrals, but been told we can start hrs straight away.
I can't wait to go out and not have to watch dd every second.

Good for you!!! I keep hearing no need to be assesed as ds is small..and Sure Start don't helo with ss in our area..oh well, will try again later.
What do you plan to do? I would like couple of hours in the evening to go out with husband e.g were thinking of playing badminton :)

Sure start don't do anything for SN in our area either. I just whinged to them about not coping.
Term time DCs have clubs and dd1 needs attention that isn't based around what dd2 needs.
Have been told that 1:1 can accompany us on trips, eg take DCs swimming or to do an activity where dd2 needs 1:1 and I don't have the physical or mental energy to continuously watch/chase her every second

Hi frustratedpants, I don't know your family circumstances (i.e. lone parent or if you have a partner or work?). Well done on getting the direct payments.

I get 10 hours DP per week, but I am a lone parent. So to answer your question, I sometimes use my free time for ME time. I go to the cinema, shop, have lunch, take a book out and read it in the park, sometimes I just go up to my bedroom and sleep. (I haven't got more than 5 hours sleep in 8 years).

Sometimes I take my other DCs out and spend quality time with them without everything being ruled by my ASD son. We can go to the cinema, or bowling, or a restaurant. DS2 doesn't mind. He loves his carer/PA.

So, I try to balance it. A bit of me time, a bit of focusing on the other DCs time. I am sure you will make the most of it.

x-posted. SN clubs here are few and far between. I would just say don't forget yourself in the whole mix of things.

You do not have to use the time to do something with your SN child. My PA stays in the house most of the time, while I escape for a bit. as I've said above.

Thankfully, the DCs are with my ex-h today which is why I have time to post.