Respite and Short Breaks

The word 'respite' means 'a short period of rest or relief'. Respite care is now referred to as a 'short break'.

What is a Short Break?

Short breaks have lots of benefits for families, children and short break carers. A short break could be day care, overnight or weekend care, activities and holidays. Different sorts of short breaks are right for different families.

More information about short breaks can be found on the Aiming High web page.

Local Short Break Services

There are a number of different local services providing short breaks. What you choose will depend on your family's needs, the availability of the services, and your eligibility to access the services.

• Bridges Resource Centre  

• Crossroads - home-based and community care for families

• Holiday Clubs for Children with Additional Needs

• The Me2 Club - matching trained volunteers to children, to support them at mainstream leisure and social activities

• Saturday and Weekend Club

• Short Breaks Scheme

Further information can be found in the Respite chapter of the CAN - Children with Additional Needs - Guide.