Short Break Services
Short Breaks are available for disabled children and young people aged 0 – 25 years and are intended to have positive benefits for both children and young people and their parents and carers.
Short breaks provide opportunities for disabled children and young people:
- To spend time away from their parents/carers
- The chance to develop new friendships
- To develop their independence
- To take part in new experiences and to have fun doing positive activities such as swimming, youth clubs, day trips with friends and much more.
Short breaks aim to provide parents and carers with:
- A necessary and valuable break from their caring responsibility
- A chance to rest and unwind
- To spend time with other members of the family
Short Breaks provision can range from a few hours a week to an allocated number of overnight breaks per year and anything in between.
Redcar and Cleveland’s Short Breaks Offer is provided under 3 categories; Universal Services, Self-Referral Clubs and Social Worker Referral Services.
Universal Services 0 – 25 years
The majority of parent/carers are able to get a short break by using free or low cost local services that are open to all. These may include: soft play areas, trampoline parks, school clubs, stay and play sessions, leisure services or uniformed groups such as Scouts/Guides.
Service providers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments and must not treat a disabled person less favourably. Some offer sessions specifically for children and young people with additional needs. However, not all universal services will be suitable for everyone. It is advisable to contact the provider to discuss your child’s needs and what they can offer.
For more information on what Universal Services are available in Redcar and Cleveland please visit our SEND Local Offer webpage or contact Family Information Services on 0800 073 8800.
Self-Referral Clubs 5 – 17 years
Our Self-referral clubs are regular clubs such as After School and Holiday Clubs and are specifically for children with disabilities. These clubs are funded by the Local Authority and are provided by our own staff and by specially selected organisations.
The clubs take place around the Borough providing children and young people with an opportunity to meet new people and try a wide range of activities such as Sports, Arts and Crafts, Swimming and Cooking. Some clubs will require families to make a small contribution to attend which will be used to fund activities and equipment.
Families can contact the groups direct without the need for a social care assessment or social worker referral. For more information on what clubs are available please visit our SEND Local Offer webpage or contact Family Information Services on 0800 073 8800.
Social Worker Referral Services 0 – 25 years
Sometimes a child or young person may have more significant or complex needs due to their disability and/or family circumstances and will need more specialist support. The level of support needed will be identified by a Social Worker Assessment and may include a mixture of specialist provision such as a personal assistant, respite care or group provision. These services will be commissioned specifically for the child’s needs or alternatively a family may choose to take a Direct Payment to arrange the services themselves.
If you are interested in these services please contact your Social Worker. If you do not have a Social Worker but feel you require more support please ring:
- 0 - 17 years Children’s Hub 01642 130700
- 18 -25 years Single Point of Access 01642 065070
Short Breaks Statement
Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has a duty to produce and publicise a Short Breaks Service Statement. The Statement must detail:
- The range of services on offer
- Eligibility criteria for accessing services
- How to access services
- How the range of services has been designed to meet the needs of local carers
Our Statement is currently being updated and will be re-published shortly.
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