The Respite Association Reveals the Human Impact of Systemic Care Failures

​Partizan has debuted a short film for The Respite Association, directed by Rob Sanderson, telling the story of disability advocate Isaac Harvey MBE and the systemic failures that left him without the support he urgently needed.

Member of the British Empire is a two-and-a-half-minute film that documents Isaac’s experience of being forced from his family home after his local council was unable to provide appropriate respite care for his 83-year-old mother. The film reflects on how delay, confusion and unsuitable solutions can leave disabled people without dignity, safety, or certainty at the moments they most need support.

Directed and edited by Rob Sanderson, the film is grounded in his signature approach to working with real people and real situations, capturing emotional truth with restraint and clarity. The camera remains close to Isaac, allowing his voice and lived experience to lead the story, while subtly exposing the wider failures of the system around him.

“When I saw Isaac’s social media posts, his sense of frustration and powerlessness was palpable,” said Rob. “He writes brilliantly and conveys his emotions with authenticity and clarity. I found it so affecting that I wanted to turn that complex swirl of emotions, relationships and circumstances into a film. Conceptually, it came together almost instantly. All that was left was to make it.”

With support from Partizan, the project became a collaborative effort rooted in shared purpose.

“With the help of Partizan, the filmmaking world really rallied around,” Rob continued. “It’s one of my favourite films I’ve made. The cause behind it, and the support of the community makes me really appreciate the work I get to do. My work is about real people and real places, and finding that shared moment between subject and audience that makes the story ring true.”

Produced for The Respite Association, the film highlights the essential role respite care plays in protecting both disabled people and their carers, and how fragile that safety net becomes when the system fails to respond.