Short Breaks Opportunties

Dear Provider

We currently have a number of disabled children and young people who require a support worker to enable them to access their local community to allow parent/ carers a short break from caring. Within the Government Guidance, respite/ short break care is still able to be provided in local communities, however in order to prevent the spread of the virus service delivery is being considered on a geographical basis.

The Local Authority Commissioners are keen to engage with Providers who have existing capacity to assist in meeting this demand, or would like to discuss how capacity could be developed to enable future delivery.current demand for support worker hours on a geographical basis.

The below shows current demand for support worker hours on a geographical basis.

East : Term Time 36 hours / School Holidays 70 hours

Durham and CLS : Term Time 15 hours / School Holidays 28 hours

Derwentside: Term Time 14 hours / School Holidays 28 hours

Dales: Term Time 8 hours / School Holidays 8 hours

Sedgefield: Term Time 15 hours / School Holidays 42 hours

Please could you advise if you would like to discuss meeting this demand further by responding to Lyndsey Dunn, Commissioning, Planning and Policy Officer at lyndsey.dunn@durham.gov.uk.