Small Steps = Big Changes has been formed by a group of parents and carers of disabled children in Redcar, working to have their say about services, reflecting their children's wishes for care and respite provisions as part of the Aiming High for Disabled Children programme . This initiative puts decision making about the type of services that will improve care provision in the hands of the families themselves. Parents, carers and families are the most important influence on outcomes for children and young people and the programme aims to ensure that support for parents becomes routine, particularly at key points in a child or young person's life.

Right now, Redcar and Cleveland Council is looking for suppliers that can provide the type of services, activities and short breaks to meet the needs highlighted by parents through Small Steps = Big Changes.

Parents have, until now, found it difficult to access information around the time of their child's diagnosis. Small Steps = Big Changes helps by inviting participation through focus groups, encouraging parents to talk about three key issues: short breaks, key working and information. The website also provides:

• An information or resource centre
• An online directory for service and service providers
• An events diary and latest news updates
• Information about how parents and carers to get involved

For more information or to get involved visit the website here