Happiness and escape at Les Cigalières with the respite houses

Employees of the association, elected officials, representatives of the State, Education and health services, mobilized, together. Midi Libre – A.A

In the Valdegour district of Nîmes, the Gard association Cigalières inaugurates Parenthèse, a temporary and specialized reception time to support children with disabilities and allow their families to breathe.

The “Parenthèse” service, also known as the respite house, opened in November 2024 within the IEM la Cigale, managed by the Cigalières association, which now has more than 400 employees spread across the association's 24 establishments and social services).

Inaugurated this Friday, January 31, with enthusiasm by the team and officials alike, the Intervalle and Parenthèse spaces were designed to offer children and their families an enchanted interlude. “A place where children find friends, eat pancakes, have parties and even picnics on the beach,” explains Laura Domenech, project manager at the association.

At the same time, it is also an opportunity for relatives who take care of these children with disabilities to be able to rest, think about them or be able to devote a little time to other members of the family.

Parenthèse is intended to accommodate children with disabilities and offers places in day care and/or boarding school during weekends and school holidays. It accommodates children and adolescents from 6 to 20 years old with an orientation I.M.E. (Medical-Educational Institute), I.E.M. (Motor Education Institute) or E.E.A.P. (Establishment and Service for Children and Adolescents with Multiple Disabilities).

90 days a year to escape from everyday life

Intervalle, was designed to accommodate children with dual vulnerability. Who have a disability and are placed by child welfare services in foster homes or living spaces.

Both offer children and caregivers 90 days a year outside of daily life. With a flexible and family-friendly operation in order to encourage a dynamic close to home. On the menu, therefore, improvised activities, meal preparation with adults, all in safe spaces in order to meet their immediate and emotional needs.

It is also offering young people mixed stays in age, gender and orientation (whether they are in IME or Sessad) in order to offer an inclusive and non-institutional approach in a reassuring and favorable place.

Support for families, a priority of the Departmental Council

“What a satisfaction to visit this structure, the result of a call for tenders to which the association responded (several did the same and were thus selected in the department, Editor's note), explains Christophe Serre, the vice-president of the Departmental Council delegated to the autonomy of the elderly and disabled people. Support for parents and families, as well as the plural care of children are at the heart of our roadmap. Our common commitment is to do everything to improve the quality of life of families”.