Short breaks give disabled children and young people a chance to join regular activities like after-school clubs, activity groups, and day care. This lets them spend time away from their main carers. It also helps parents and carers by giving them a break from their caring duties.
Short breaks can also include special sessions for children and young people with more complex needs. These can be during the day or overnight.
These breaks let children and young people make new friends, try new things, and have fun doing positive activities.
The Breaks for Carers of Disabled Children Regulations 2011 explain what local authorities must do for carers of disabled children and young people.
The regulations say each local authority must make a Short Breaks statement so families know:
- What services are available
- Who can use these services
- How the services are designed to meet the needs of families with disabled children in their area
Find out more about short breaks for disabled children from Portsmouth Local Offer.