What are Short Breaks?
Short breaks enable disabled children and young people to have time away from their carers, explore new opportunities, have fun and broaden their social networks whilst promoting independence. They can provide families with an opportunity to have a break from their caring responsibilities, and can last from a few hours to a few days, evenings, overnight and weekends.
Benefits of Short Breaks
Providing short breaks has helped many families live a better quality of life, for example having a supported holiday together, with parents having some time to rest or spend with other children in the family and disabled children and young people taking part in many new activities which they have enjoyed.
In some cases, the support offered by the short break service has helped prevent family stress and breakdown. Many families have also felt it has enabled them to become stronger and better able to manage.
Children and young people have told us that they are now able to go out much more than before. They can choose what activities they want to do and who they want to go to activities with. There is more to do in their local area and they feel much happier.
Who Are Short Breaks For?
Short breaks are for families with children between the age of 0 and 18 who are affected in their everyday living by one or more of the following:
- A physical impairment
- A sensory impairment
- Chronic physical ill health
- A communication or language disorder
- An Autistic Spectrum Disorder
- A learning disability
Short Breaks Statement
>> Short Breaks Statement [PDF] 1MB
Please click on the link above to download our current Short Break Statement. In this document you can find out more about the range of Short Breaks available in RBKC, how to access them and how to get involved in helping us decide what Short Breaks to offer in the future.
Short Breaks Practitioners and Occupational Therapists
There are occupational therapists (O.T.’s) who provide assessment at home for children with a permanent disability which causes them significant difficulties carrying out daily activities. They will see the child at home to understand the practical difficulties they and their parents or carers are having. They will offer ways to minimise the difficulties, possibly using specialist equipment or home adaptation, or using different techniques and methods. Anyone can refer a child to this service, with that child and parent’s permission, including the parent or child themselves if they are able.
If you live in Kensington and Chelsea, you can contact Kate Young; kate.young@rbkc.gov.uk or Nicola Campbell; nicola.campbell@rbkc.gov.uk or phone 0207 598 4921 to ask for a referral form.
