Short break services
Short breaks allow children with additional needs to take part in activities away from their parents and carers.
These services also support parents and carers by providing a break from their caring responsibilities to:
- rest and unwind
- spend time with other children
- undertake training, education or leisure activities.
A short break can range from one hour to several days and can be a lifeline for some children and families.
Not all children and families will need the same level of short break. Some may need more than others for several reasons including:
- the impact of the child’s disability on the wider family
- the lack of other support (for example from family and friends)
- a family or personal crisis.
There are three levels of short break services available:
- universal short break services
- targeted short break services
- specialist short break services.