Shortbreaks Commissioning

Descriptions

Devon County Council are seeking to engage with Providers to start the journey with us in improving our local offer for Disabled Children and Young People in Devon including our universal offer, targeted offer, through to Specialist Shortbreaks.

Disabled children and young people have the right to be supported at home and in their local communities, to have opportunities to meet and make friends, feel confident, and to thrive with a good family life. Short breaks help to do this by giving an opportunity for children and young people to meet new people, take part in activities, enjoy positive learning opportunities and have different experiences whilst giving their families a break from their caring responsibilities.

Short breaks can last a few hours, a whole day, evening, overnight or for a whole weekend, or during the school holidays. They can take place at home, in the community or in a residential setting. Childcare settings can sometimes be used as venues for short break activities.

They can include support to access activities such as sports, music, crafts, drama or community groups; this might be through support from workers often called 'enablers'. This could be for a limited time to help a child join in with an activity until they can attend independently, or ongoing depending on their individual needs.

They can also include group activities like youth clubs, Saturday groups and holiday clubs.

Support is also available in the home through short breaks, either to offer a child or young person's parents additional support while they are there or to allow family members to take a break from their caring role.