Family Wellbeing Short Breaks Services

Before you think about Short Breaks, take a look at our Family Services Directory and Young Merton website. These detail activities, clubs and events for children and young people in Merton. They are all 'universal' which means they are open to everyone; you don't have to be eligible to use them. If they offer additional support for Special Educational Needs and disabilities (SEND), this is indicated by a SEND Local Offer blue triangle logo. The SEND Local Offer includes a range of activity and leisure services just for children and young people with SEND which don't require referral for you to be able to access them.

Short Breaks Services (previously called respite care) are fun and /or educational activities for children and young people with disabilities and additional needs. They support disabled children and their families who can't use universal services. They give children and young people a chance to socialise and gain independence while their families get to take time out from caring. Short Breaks Services can be offered during the day, in the evenings, at weekends or  during school holidays.

The Short Breaks are designed depending on your child's level of need. Targeted Short Breaks are activities where additional support is provided for groups of children with a disability or additional needs to take part. Merton Council subsidise some of these activities and they're run by organisations we have special arrangements with. Specialist Short Breaks are where we assess your child to find out how we can provide specialised groups or activities to help them take part.

To view Short Breaks Services in Merton, click on the 'View all services' option below.

For more information about the Short Breaks Services in Merton, please contact fsd@merton.gov.uk  If you have any comments or feedback about this website page, please email localoffer@merton.gov.uk or you can use the 'contact us' option at the foot of this website page

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