Short breaks for parents and carers of children with disabilities

Are you the parent of a child or young person with a visual or hearing impairment? You can find details of upcoming activities organised by the Sandwell Sensory Support Team on the Sandwell Sensory Support Team Facebook page.

New Youth Club provision for children and young people with SEND has started. Clubs are taking place during term time at Portway Lifestyle Centre and The Meadows School. The Portway Club is for ages 10 to 25 and runs between 6pm and 8pm. The Meadows Club is for ages 11 -25 and runs on Thursday between 6pm and 8pm. Both clubs are accessed by referral only. You can get further information from Kelly Crofts on 0121 569 8430 or 07973 550789. Download the flyers.

Sandwell Parents for Disabled Children (SPDC) offers  a range of activities for disabled children and their families. Visit the SPDC website and to get details of the latest round of activities.

The Creative Academies Network has a range of activities on offer for young people, including those with SEND. Visit thei Creative Academies Network website to see what's on.

Tipton Town Football Club is offering all-inclusive disability football sessions for children (aged 7-16) with additional needs or a disability. The sessions take place every Thursday at RSA Academy, Tipton, DY4 0BZ, 5.30pm to 6.30pm. To register please call Matt on 07896 661257 or Jon on 07874 976416. You must register first - you cannot turn up and play.

Why are short breaks important?

Breaks for parents and carers of disabled children are important for their health and well-being. As well as giving them a break from their caring duties they give them the opportunity to spend time with other children and to take part in their own leisure and recreational activities. They also provide disabled children with the opportunity to experience positive activities which they might not otherwise be able to do.

Under the 1989 Children Act and the 2011 Breaks for Carers of Disabled Children Regulations the Local Authority is under a duty to provide a range of short breaks that meets the needs of parent / carers in its area. It also has a duty to produce a Short Breaks Services Statement which sets out how the range of short breaks provided meets the identified needs of parents and carers in the area. Some short breaks are provided through social care and may include residential overnight stays or personal assistant support within the home. Others are available to a wider group of disabled children and may be provided by statutory or voluntary organisations.

If you are the parent or carer of a child with a disability we have a list of the specially commissioned short break services that are available without the need for the involvement of social care.  

You can check here to see if you are eligible for a particular type of short break.

If you have a social worker from the Children with Disabilities Team please talk to them about other short breaks that may be available to meet your needs. 

Leisure activities in Sandwell are managed primarily by Sandwell Leisure Trust. Contact them to find out details of activities for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

You can find a comprehensive list of activities taking place in Sandwell, including those for children and young people with SEND, on the Discover Sandwell website

The Family Information Service (FIS) can also provide details of school holiday events and activities for children with disabilities. Additionally the new FIS information hub has a wealth of information about activities and services to support families in Sandwell (including those with SEND). Alternatively, if you are interested in any of the activities or would like to find out more call 0121 569 4914.

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