2018/19 - Children's Targeted Short Breaks and Play Scheme Grants Available

The allocation process and opportunity to bid for 2018/19 grant funding is now open for all providers that currently deliver, or have an interest in delivering, targeted short breaks/play schemes to disabled children & young people from Leeds. Grants will be awarded to organisations based on the effectiveness and sustainability of their provision whilst developing a personalised approach to meet the needs of children, families and the city. Leeds City Council is very keen on providing a diverse and personalised offer in all areas of the city, therefore ALL applications will be considered. In response to recent consultation and in consideration of the preventative, early-intervention strategy, this process will look to expand the range of targeted short breaks in Leeds with a specific focus on opportunities at weekends and during school holidays. The deadline for applications is 12pm, 30th November 2017. If you have any questions, please contact me on 0113 378 5429 or email Daniel.clark@leeds.gov.uk. What is a Short Break? A short break gives disabled children and young people enjoyable experiences away from their primary carers and also gives parents and carers a valuable break from caring responsibilities. Short breaks can include activities which last: a morning; an afternoon; an evening; a day; overnight; a weekend; or longer. They can take place in: the child's own home; the home of a carer, a residential or community setting. Short breaks form part of packages of support that should be personalised for the child or young person and their family based upon holistic assessment and agreed outcomes. Paragraph 6(1) (c) of the Children Act 1989 requires Local Authorities to provide services designed to assist carers of disabled children by giving them breaks from caring. This Duty came into force on 1st April 2011 and requires each Local Authority to: • Offer short breaks as a preventative early intervention strategy • Offer a range of short breaks services to parents/carers • Publish a statement of those services to parents/carers and to regularly review the statement.