The role of respite service

1. Let us talk about about respite services as such. What is especially notable in this kind of support?

People who care for a dependent family member on a daily basis tend to arrange their entire life around that care. As they commit themselves wholeheartedly and strive to provide the best possible care, they often forget about themselves and their own needs. Caring for a dependent person on a continuous basis can be very exhausting physically and mentally. That is why it is so important to give carers the opportunity for respite, a break from their demanding duties, a moment just for themselves, which is how I imagine respite services need to be implemented.

2. The next International Short Break Association (ISBA) conference will be held in September 2023. Why should people attend?

As a non-governmental organisation, we keep an open attitude and look for new solutions. We implement many ideas intuitively at first and then come up with proven solutions. However, we are aware that there are many such solutions and proposals, and many of them are already fully operational, including their legal aspects. That is why it is worthwhile to attend the conference - it will be an opportunity to participate in an international 'brainstorming', an 'idea factory', where we can both examine data presented by others and generate our own ideas. Join us!

3. The conference location, Wrocław and Lower Silesia - are they also assets of this year's edition?

Yes, definitely! Wrocław is a "meeting place" full of open-minded people. In the streets you can also come across little dwarf statues, among them those with disabilities. The city is the capital of truly magical Lower Silesia - you may want to see and experience its ambience for yourself.

4. Please, tell us about your Association/Foundation.

BONITUM - Wrocław-based Association for People with Intellectual Disabilities was established in 2014 by parents of adult children with intellectual disabilities. One of the Association's successes has been creating the BONITUM Community Self-Help Centre, set up in 2018. The Association organises numerous workshops, trainings, lectures both for people with intellectual disabilities and their families and friends, provides personal assistant and respite services, organizes integrative tourist trips, competes in numerous Special Olympics disciplines, cooperates in the Work Coach project. Members of the association also attend scientific conferences, co-produce award-winning THEM-movie series episodes and participate in international projects.