MEMBERSHIP

Short Breaks for Families with Disabled Children

Waltham Forest Parent Forum has been involved in the commissioning of short breaks services since we set up the forum in January 2008. Over the past three years the forum has worked in partnership with the borough to find short break new services and to give feedback on current ones.

What is a Short Break?

 Short Breaks offer a wide range of opportunities, activities and support so families have choices

 Short Breaks have been developed to offer children, young people and their families support, opportunities and activities

 Short Breaks are a part of everything else in the lives of children and young people with disabilities and their families

 Short Breaks can be anything from a couple of hours to overnight stays

 Short Breaks offer children and young people with disabilities the opportunity to have fun and take part in enjoyable experiences that
  contribute to their personal and social development away from their parents

 Short Breaks help children and young people with disabilities to develop new interests and take part in different activities

 Short Breaks give opportunities for children and young people to have something to do – especially at weekends and during the school holidays.
  They can see their friends, make new friends
 
 Short Breaks enable parents and families to have a break from their caring responsibilities

 Short Breaks help families catch up with everyday activities such as sleep, cleaning, shopping as well as having more time with their other children,
  their friends and hobbies

Short Breaks in Waltham Forest

In Waltham Forest a service has been created where disabled children, young people and their families can have a short break when they need it and have a good time. Short breaks in Waltham Forest are provided to disabled children without charge, though some providers may ask for a small payment towards activities e.g. trips out, refreshments etc.

Examples of short break services would include:
After school clubsWeekend clubsOvernight staysYouth GroupsHoliday Schemes

You can find out more about short breaks in Waltham Forest by reading the London Borough of Waltham Forest Short Breaks Statement link.....

Details of services available until the end of March 2012 can be found by following the link below:

For further information contact:

Tony Connole
Short Breaks Coordinator
Waltham Forest Council
Specialist Children's Services
92 Leyton Green Road
London
E10 6DA

Email: anthony.connole@walthamforest.gov.uk
Tel: 020 8496 1423