What are Short Breaks?
Short breaks provide invaluable support for disabled children, young people and their families. It provides disabled children and young people with the opportunity to experience new relationships, environments and positive activities which provides them with valuable social skills and independence. Families are able to take time out to recharge their batteries or provide additional support so that the whole family can enjoy activities together.
Find out more about the Short Breaks For Disabled Children and their Families full service offer.
There are many forms that short breaks can take, including daytime, evening, weekend and overnight activities.
Access
The following services are available to all disabled children in Bath & North East Somerset. Parents/carers of disabled children can apply directly to these services, but access will be dependent upon the capacity of the service.
If your child has additional or more complex needs a social care assessment will be undertaken by the Disabled Children’s Team. Having been assessed as being eligible for help, there are various options that may be available to you:
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Overnight stays in an Ofsted registered children's home.
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Registered family carers providing daytime or overnight care
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Daycare and sessional services to undertake specific tasks with a young person, such as helping with independence, etc.
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Support to purchase your own care package or contract carers
There are eligibility criteria for social care assessments which ensure that children with the most complex needs are able to access these specialist resources.
If you prefer, you can also be referred for an assessment by a GP, Social Worker, School Nurse or Health Visitor.
Parent Carers Aiming High
Parent Carers Aiming High (PCAH) is a new, independent group led by local parents which provides an opportunity for parent carers to work together to have their voices heard and influence changes in local services. PCAH is for parent carers to meet other parents caring for children with any kind of disability. This group enables the enthusiasm and commitment of parents with disabled children to make real improvements to services which will directly affect them and their children.
Parents with disabled children are experts in their child’s needs and can collectively transform services for all children and families.
To find out more about PCAH, please contact Lorraine Frapwellat:
The Care Network, 1 Riverside Cottages, Radstock, Bath BA3 3PS. Tel: 01761 431388
Email: Lorraine.Frapwell@banescarerscentre.org.uk
Young People's Participation
Children and young people are consulted mainly through special schools and youth groups. The group of young people being consulted is called YAGA (Youth Action Group for Access), and is the consultative body for disabled young people in Bath and North East Somerset aged 13-19. If you know of a young person who might wish to join YAGA please contact Nikki Cox via email Nicola.Cox@childrenssociety.org.uk or at the Youth Democracy Office on (01761) 300 302.
Other Useful Links:
Disabled Children
Disabled Children - Childcare and Play
Diamond Travelcard
Special Needs Link
Family Information Service