Can You Get Funding for a Short Break?
Short breaks and accessible adventure holidays can help provide exciting new opportunities for people with disabilities, encouraging independence, self-belief, improved social skills and much more, while also allowing families and carers to rest and participate in activities too.
However, despite all these great benefits, accessing short breaks can come with some financial concerns. Many may worry they won’t be able to afford this time away or will have questions about funding such a trip. Here we consider what is deemed a short break and what kind of financial help is often available for those that need it.
Here at Calvert Exmoor, we provide inclusive residential breaks for people with disabilities and their families. What we do is made possible with our adaptive equipment and the help of our devoted team, ensuring our fantastic range of outdoor adventure activities is accessible to all!
What is a Short Break?
Short breaks come in all different shapes and sizes – our action-packed adventure breaks are just one option. Primarily, short breaks are designed to give families and people with disabilities an opportunity to rest and take some time away from the difficulties faced in daily life.
Some families will access their short break through a centre, others may take part in a placement scheme, and some might organise an accessible break themselves.
Things that fall under the umbrella of ‘short break’ that you may be able to receive funding for include:
- Holiday leisure and activity programmes
- Overnight care in approved care homes
- After-school and Saturday clubs
- Care at home
- Family link schemes
- Daycare away from home
If you are a parent or carer of someone with disabilities, you may be eligible for various other kinds of support. Read our blog exploring potential financial support options for parents and carers to find out more.
The Importance of Short Breaks For Families
Taking a short break as a family can be especially beneficial as this time away from everyday challenges supports carers’ wellbeing while maintaining a positive family relationship.
Short breaks provide opportunities for respite, quality time with others and the chance to pursue an array of interests, often within the community.
Thanks to several avenues to access short break funding, opportunities like this are made possible for more people.
Who is Entitled to Short Break Funding?
Eligibility will depend on your county of residence and chosen organisation, so it’s important to double-check your local area. For the most part, families with children aged 18 or under with disabilities may be entitled to short break funding.
To be eligible, they will need to be affected throughout their everyday living by one or more of the following:
- Severe physical disability
- Learning disability
- Sensory impairment
Who Provides Funding for Short Breaks?
These incredible opportunities can be made available through grants, some of which will need to assess children or young people with disabilities to confirm eligibility. Here is a list of some short break providers that may help with funding:
- Family Fund grants
- Happy Days Children’s Charity
- Barnardo’s Short Breaks
- National Autistic Society
- Springboard
- Playwise
- Keen 2 Go
- GOV.UK
However, it is worth looking into your area of residence to find local providers and grants. We also recommend checking GOV.UK for your local county to see how they may be able to support you and your short break.
If your family is after adventure and adrenaline, an accessible holiday with us at Calvert Exmoor is the ideal solution! Please take a look at our blog to find out more about the Calvert experience, and when you’re ready to book your trip, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our wonderful team.