Why short breaks services are so important for children with disabilities

A short breaks service offers young people and children with learning disabilities and complex health needs a range of opportunities to make friends, try new things and have some fun. They also provide families of a disabled child or young person with a break from their caring responsibilities. This is sometimes also referred to as ‘respite care’.

Young people can be referred to short breaks services by their social worker. The type of support will depend on a young person’s unique needs, such as a physical disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or other special educational needs. It could involve after-school tea visits at home, weekend day care, or overnight residential stays at a dedicated centre.

Whether it’s meeting new people, seeing the latest blockbuster or exploring their passions, short breaks offer young people with disabilities experiences that many children take for granted.

Action for Children provides a range of short breaks services in locations around the country.

Through short breaks, young people are also supported to develop new skills. Our support workers encourage young people to set ambitious goals for themselves and work with them to make those goals a reality.

For example, a young person may want to learn self-care skills such as how to make themselves a cup of tea or brush their teeth. Or they might want to work on something they find overwhelming or challenging in daily life.

This support and encouragement helps young people to build resilience and confidence. They develop a greater sense of what independence looks like to them. In one review of local short breaks services, young people said it has enabled them to go out and do more with friends in the local area, which makes them happier.

As they approach the age of 18, learning new skills can also help them prepare for adult life.

Short breaks are also important for parents and carers. Parenting is hard work and if a young person has additional or complex needs, it can be uniquely stressful and challenging – sometimes contributing to family breakdown. While young people are enjoying their short break, parents and carers can rest, recharge and spend time with any other children.

In this way, short breaks enable carers and families to feel better able to continue caring effectively for their disabled child. They provide support that helps the whole family to be happier and healthier.

According to Mencap, more than 350,000 children aged 0-17 have a learning disability in the UK. Families of disabled children on average face extra costs of £581 a month. Yet almost half of all carers provide 90 or more hours each week in care, so it’s not surprising that only two in 10 carers are in full-time employment. This can make it hard for carers of disabled children to earn enough to stay out of poverty and makes these families extremely vulnerable as the cost of living crisis deepens.

Every child deserves to get the support they need to have a safe and happy childhood. We’re committed to being there for children with disabilities and their families, no matter what. With your help, we will be.