Children's Services

Short Breaks Scheme

For disabled children and their carers

The Short Break Scheme aims to provide regular short term breaks for children and young people with disabilities, by linking them with approved carers who look after them for short periods of time. This can be from a few hours to a weekend a month.

The children who use the service may have a physical disability, a learning difficulty or sensory impairment. The Short Break Scheme gives them a chance to make new friends and to widen their experiences by spending time away from home with supportive carers.

The service is provided to families following an assessment of the young persons needs. The Short Break Carers receive full training and support as well as small allowance to cover expenses.

Each arrangement varies according to what is best for the child and his or her family and the amount of time the Short Breaks Carer can realistically offer.

Becoming a Short Breaks Carer

Becoming a Short Break Carer can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience.

You can be single or with a partner and over 18 years
You can come from all walks of life
You do not need qualifications or experience - it's the person that counts!
You enjoy working with children and young people
Someone who has a good sense of humour
Someone who likes working as part of a team

You will receive help and encouragement from the Short Breaks Coordinator and also meet other carers. All short break arrangements are carefully planned and you will receive considerable preparation and training for this valuable role.

You could be just the person we are looking for!.

If you want further information on the Short Break Scheme, or you are interested in becoming a carer, please contact the Short Breaks Coordinator at the address shown.

She will be happy to provide you with more information and leave you to decide if you want to make the next step. You can telephone outside normal office hours, leave your name and telephone number and we will get back to you.

Alternatively, information is available on the Shared Care Network.

If English is not your first language, or you would like more information on audio-tape or in large print - please contact us on the number shown.

Contact

Short Breaks Coordinator

512a Heathway

Dagenham

RM10 7SJ

Tel: 020 8227 5974

Fax: 020 8227 5832

Textphone: 020 8227 5826

Email: shortbreak@lbbd.gov.uk|

Children's self assessment form|