Short breaks for parents
Short breaks offers respite for children with disabilities aged 0-18 years. Whether they have learning difficulties, autism or a physical impairment, all children can benefit from the chance to try new activities and become more independent. For more information please see our Shared Care leaflet or visit the Short Breaks Network.
The scheme recruits volunteers who provide regular short breaks, including overnight stays and day care to give parents a break. Short breaks are kept as informal and flexible as possible to allow friendships to grow and develop.
Assessment, training and support for volunteers
We are looking for adults with good parenting and life skills. Many short break carers have little or no experience of disabilities, and so training and support is available as required. This isn't a barrier and a willingness to listen, learn and take on new experiences is generally what is needed. Carers can be single, with a partner, retired, working or unemployed, with or without children of their own.
As with fostering, all carers are assessed, must be in good health and agree to relevant checks being carried out.
Following your approval as a short break carer you will be carefully matched with a child, depending on your experience and circumstances. Specialist training relating to the child will be available where necessary. We aim to offer training at weekends or during evenings to suit carers who work.
Children are usually allocated 28 full days a year, which can be split into overnight, day and part days to suit your circumstances.
Allowances
All our short break carers receive allowances to cover costs and expenses such as mileage.
Please contact us for more information on 0800 801 530.