About short breaks

Short Breaks provide opportunities for children and young people with disabilities and/or additional needs to take part in activities, make friends, build confidence and develop independence. Short Breaks also support families by helping children and young people access activities that meet their needs.

There are different ways to access Short Breaks:

  • Family activities and community activities, where parents and carers attend with their child or young person. This may include discounts and concessions available through a Gateway Card at participating attractions, leisure venues and activity providers.
  • Short Breaks funded activities, where children and young people attend independently, allowing parents and carers to have a meaningful break from their caring responsibilities. These activities may include holiday clubs, youth clubs, weekend clubs and buddy schemes and require a Gateway Card+.
Gateway Card Discounts and Community Activities

Gateway Card holders may also be able to access discounts, concessions and offers at participating activity providers and attractions.

Examples may include:

  • Zoos
  • Farms
  • Visitor attractions
  • Leisure activities
  • Community-based activities

Offers vary between providers and families are encouraged to contact providers directly before booking or visiting.

Hampshire-funded Short Breaks activities

Short Breaks are for children and young people who: 

  • are in possession of a valid Gateway Card+
  • have a disability and/or additional needs
  • need support to take part in accessing play schemes, community groups
  • need 1:1 support to access the community (Buddy Scheme only)
  • are between 0 and 17 years old
  • live in the Hampshire County Council authority area (excluding Portsmouth, Southampton, Isle of Wight and neighbouring local authorities) 
Activities

Short Breaks can last from a few hours to a whole day. They provide a positive experience for all.

Short Breaks could:

  • offer 1:1 support to attend activities and build independence (Buddy Scheme)
  • help your child or young person to join a Holiday, Weekend or Youth Club
Cost

Each activity/club has a standard cost that applies to all children, including those with disabilities or additional needs. Parents and carers are responsible for paying this fee.

The Short Breaks programme can fund the additional support a child may need in order to access a play scheme or activity, such as the cost difference for one‑to‑one support or the provision of specialist equipment required to enable meaningful participation.

If you are not able to pay the parental charges, please speak with the provider.

The Charging and Concessions policysets out the recommended market rates providers should be charging for each activity.

Finding out about short breaks
How to book

You book all activities directly with the provider.

You will need a free Gateway Card+ to take part in any activities funded by the Short Breaks programme. Gateway cards are free to apply for. 

Service statement

The service statement is for parents and carers of children and young people with disabilities and/or additional needs. It explains what services are available in Hampshire and how to access them. 

The statement covers the whole range of short breaks, including daytime activities and overnight breaks.

Shorts breaks service statement