RQIA withdraws plans to register IncredABLE's Adult Short Breaks Service as a care home

Disability charity that supports hundreds of people with learning disabilities and autism across the region has secured a major reprieve after regulatory action that threatened one of its most valued services was overturned.

IncredABLE, based in Co Armagh, can continue operating its Adult Short Breaks Service after the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) withdrew plans that would have forced the charity to cease providing overnight stays.

The decision follows a legal challenge brought on behalf of a family who rely on the service for respite support. Earlier this year, the RQIA informed the charity that it would be required to register as a care home and meet the same standards as facilities with permanent residents.

The charity argued that its service, which provides short-term overnight breaks rather than long-term residential care, does not fit within the existing regulatory framework and would be unable to comply with requirements designed for traditional care homes.

The original ruling had caused widespread concern among families, carers and elected representatives, with fears that the loss of overnight respite provision would leave more than 150 adults with learning disabilities and autism without a key source of support and social inclusion.

Founded almost 30 years ago, IncredABLE has become one of Northern Ireland's leading learning disability charities. Established by parents, volunteers and professionals determined to create more opportunities for people with learning disabilities, the organisation delivers a range of community-based services focused on inclusion, independence, friendship, personal development and participation in everyday life.

Over the years, the charity has expanded its work to support both children and adults through youth programmes, social activities, skills development opportunities, supported living initiatives and short-break services. Its work is centred on helping people with learning disabilities and autism play a full and active role within their communities.

The Adult Short Breaks Service has been operating for more than two decades and provides individuals with opportunities to socialise, gain confidence, develop life skills and enjoy greater independence while offering family carers essential respite from caring responsibilities.

Support for the service has been evident in recent weeks, with more than 140 people attending a parent and carer information event organised by the charity. Families spoke of the positive impact the service has on their loved ones and the challenges they would face if overnight support was withdrawn.

Alliance MLA Eoin Tennyson, whose grandson uses the service, had previously criticised the regulator's position. He said families had confidence in the charity and emphasised that there had been no concerns raised about safety or safeguarding standards.

Solicitor Claire McKeegan of Phoenix Law, who represented the family involved in the legal challenge, welcomed the outcome.

She said the regulator's original instruction had caused stress for families and uncertainty for the charity, adding that many people with learning disabilities already face limited service provision across Northern Ireland.

In a statement, IncredABLE chief executive Nigel Newell thanked families, carers, elected representatives and supporters who had backed the campaign to protect the service.

He said the charity remained committed to working constructively with regulators and government departments while continuing to advocate for the people who depend on its services.

Mr Newell stressed that IncredABLE fully supports appropriate regulation, safeguarding and accountability but believes the current regulatory system does not adequately reflect the reality of modern community-based short-break services.

He said people with learning disabilities, autism and their families should not lose access to essential support because there is currently no registration category that properly reflects the model of service being delivered.

The charity is now calling on the Department of Health, the Health Minister and members of the Northern Ireland Assembly to work with all parties to find a practical long-term solution that protects existing services while wider regulatory issues are addressed.

Although the RQIA has stated it does not accept that it acted unlawfully when issuing the original notice, it has confirmed that no further enforcement action will be taken at this time.

For the hundreds of individuals and families who rely on the service, the decision provides immediate relief and ensures a vital source of support, independence and respite can continue while discussions take place on the future regulation of community-based short-break provision in Northern Ireland.