About short breaks
Short breaks enable children and young people with disabilities or additional needs to join in with safe and fun activities. They give parents or carers an opportunity to have a short break from caring.
Printable short breaks leaflet
- Who can take part
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With effect from 1 April 2019 short breaks are for children and young people who:
- have a disability or additional needs
- need support to take part in leisure activities
- 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
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Short breaks can last from a few hours to a whole day. They provide a positive experience for all.
Short breaks could:
- be a fun activity just for your child
- help your child or young person to join a club or recreational activity in their community
- Cost
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All activities have a standard cost which you have to pay whether your child is disabled or not. You will have to pay this yourself.
If you are not able to pay the parental charges, please speak with the provider.
The Charging and Concessions policy sets out the recommended market rates providers should be charging for each activity.
Some activities have a standard cost which you have to pay whether your child is disabled or not. You will have to pay this yourself.
The short breaks programme can pay for any extra support you might need.
- Finding out about short breaks
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- Register for a free Gateway card and choose to receive updates
- The Family Information Directory - lists family services and childcare information and leisure and recreation activities
- Ask activity providers if you can get regular updates from them
- How to book
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You can book activities directly with the provider.
You will need a free Gateway Card to take part in any activities funded by the short breaks programme.
- Service statement
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The service statement is for parents and carers of children and young people with disabilities and 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.