Become a short breaks carer

You can make a difference in the life of a disabled child or young person as a short breaks carer.

When you share your time to provide short breaks, you give disabled children time away from their family to enjoy new experiences with another family who can provide some care for them.

We provide people like you the opportunity to spend time with disabled children and young people in a setting away from their everyday family life.

Many families who offer short breaks find it rewarding as they contribute to disabled children's overall experiences, development and fun.

Flexible care

Short breaks are flexible to meet the needs of the child or young person and their family - such as a few hours or overnight once a week, or perhaps several weeks during school holidays. Short breaks usually take place in your own home.

Short breaks also provide a valuable and often necessary break for the parents, carers and families of disabled children and young people.

Providing short breaks

People who provide short breaks:

come from a variety of backgrounds
can be adults of all ages - there is no upper age limit
do not need experience - training is provided
undergo a thorough vetting process, normally the same as a fostering assessment
receive a small allowance depending on the length of care
must be willing to learn about the needs of disabled children and prepared to work with the child's family and professionals involved with the child's care

Short breaks support disabled children and young people to:

have new experiences and explore new activities
develop independence and skills
make friends and have fun

Short breaks can be a very positive experience and great fun both for carers and for the disabled children and young people they look after.

Become a short breaks carer

Flexible care

Providing short breaks

Contact us