Short breaks
Short breaks give disabled children and young people a chance to try new and fun experiences and to be more independent. At the same time, their parents and siblings get an opportunity to relax and spend time doing other things.
There are many different types of short breaks services. For example, holiday playschemes, Saturday clubs, overnight respite, befriending, family activities, and more. Short breaks can take place in the community, in the home of an approved carer, or in the child's home. Families can choose to receive direct payments instead of a short breaks service.
In addition, the Council's popular short breaks grant programme has been continued for another year. The scheme offers families the opportunity to claim a one-off payment of up to £400 per family. The money can be used to pay for a holiday or short break activity, such as a weekend away, a health club membership, attraction tickets, car hire, etc. Please note that the new deadline for applications is 31 December 2011!
Consultations
- Consultation on short breaks provision in Sheffield (April 2011)
- Focus Group on SNIPS (coming soon)
Useful Links and Documents
- SIGN fact sheet on short breaks
- Sheffield City Council's Short Breaks Statement
- Application form for Short Breaks Grant
- Map of clubs working in partnership with SNIPS
This map shows all clubs and playcare services in Sheffield that are currently working with SNIPS support to include children and young people with additional needs. Please note that "ASC" stands for "After-school club". Clubs designated as "Range of abilities: Mixed" cater for disabled and non-disabled children, whilst "Range of abilities: Disability specific" means that these clubs can only be accessed by disabled children.