HSE announces Summer Respite Initiatives 2026 for adults and children with a disability

HSE Disability Services has approved funding for over 250 projects for the Summer Respite Initiative, as well as 60 centre-based and alternative respite services through core funding in 2026.

Total funding is valued at €25 million, with €5 million available for the Summer Respite Initiative. Each project is designed to enhance the availability, diversity, and accessibility of respite supports.

These projects will support the continued development of more flexible, person-centred respite supports, enabling individuals with disabilities, children, families, and carers to access meaningful, tailored supports.

By strengthening the capacity of local communities and service providers, this initiative supports a more inclusive model of care. It enables individuals and families engaged with HSE services to access flexible supports closer to home, while ensuring that services are delivered in a manner that is respectful, empowering, and responsive to individual circumstances.

The Summer Respite Initiatives support a wide range of funded initiatives and activities, ensuring an innovative and holistic approach to respite provision. Initiatives include:

• Sport and physical activity
• Performing and creative arts
• Health and wellbeing programmes
• Outdoor and environmental education
• Science, technology, and learning initiatives
• Music and cultural engagement.

The Summer Respite Initiative 2026 represents a significant and targeted investment to enhance respite provision nationwide. It highlights a continued focus on innovation, collaboration, and quality in service delivery, while ensuring that the needs and voices of individuals with disabilities and their families remain central to all supports.

Speaking of the GAA and HSE national partnership supporting children with additional needs to attend Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps across Ireland this summer, Niall and Emma O’Gorman said: “Watching both of our children enjoy Cúl Camps together this year was incredibly special. Thanks to the inclusive sessions in Kilkenny, our son Jack, who is autistic and deaf, was welcomed with understanding, supported every step of the way, and given the opportunity to simply be a child, have fun and belong. Seeing his smile alongside his sister Pippa’s made this a summer we’ll never forget. Thank you for making inclusion a reality for families like ours."

“As parents, seeing both of our children enjoy Cúl Camps together this year meant more to us than we can put into words. Our 9-year-old daughter, Pippa, has attended every year, but this was the first time our 8-year-old son, Jack, was able to take part."

“Inclusive opportunities like this don’t just create memories - they give children a true sense of belonging. We are so grateful to everyone involved in making Cúl Camps accessible, and we hope many more families get to experience the same joy that we did.”

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, said: “Respite services are a vital support for people who need them, their families and carers. They provide opportunities for participation, independence and social connection, while also giving families and carers an important break from their caring responsibilities. I warmly welcome the HSE’s Summer Respite Initiatives for 2026, which will support more than 250 projects across the country. These initiatives will help to ensure that disabled people and their families have access to meaningful, inclusive and enjoyable experiences in their communities throughout the summer.”

Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Emer Higgins, said: “It is particularly encouraging to see such a wide range of activities being supported through this year’s initiative, including sport, creative arts, wellbeing programmes and community-based activities.

“These projects reflect the importance of flexible, person-centred supports that respond to the individual needs and preferences of disabled people and their families. I want to acknowledge the work of the HSE, service providers and community organisations across the country who make these opportunities possible and help deliver meaningful respite supports for families.”

Speaking of the new initiatives, Anne O’Connor, CEO, HSE added: “What is so powerful in Ireland is our communities and how we are connected with each other, this ensure initiatives such as Summer Respite are possible and so successful. These projects show how the alignment of policy, investment, workforce planning, our partnerships, and strengthening the capacity of local communities and service providers can lead to meaningful supports for our service users and their families.”

In addition to the Summer Respite initiatives, the HSE is also supporting more than 60 long-term respite projects through core funding. This is a vital investment to ensure families have continued access to respite supports that promote wellbeing, inclusion, and sustainable care in their communities.