Short Breaks
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What is a Short Break?
Short breaks provide invaluable support for disabled children, young people and their families. While children are given opportunities to become more independent, have fun, enjoy new experiences, and form friendships with their peers; their families are able to take time out to recharge their batteries.
There are many forms that short breaks can take, including daytime, evening, weekend and overnight activities. They can take place in the child's own home, a family based setting, a residential, educational or community setting, or in their local environment. A short break can last from just a few hours to a few days or longer.
Examples of short breaks developments in Telford and Wrekin identified with the involvement of parents and young people are:
- access to sport and leisure activities, including skiing, go carting, bike riding, dance, drama and creative arts
- access to overnight short breaks in residential accommodation or via shared care
- summer playscheme and Easter activity for children with complex needs
- befriending and outreach services
- community nursing, hospices and support services
- direct payments
- parents offering leisure opportunities
- ican2 newsletter
- workforce developments i.e. Makaton training, a range of ASD training, challenging behaviour