Short breaks for children and young adults with disabilities
What are Short Breaks?
Short Breaks form part of a range of services provided by the Children and Young People with Disabilities (CYAD) Service. The team work with children up to 25 years old.
Short Breaks are:
- an opportunity for children or young people to take part in fun and exciting activities
- a break for parents and carers from care giving
- activities that can take place within or away from your home, after school, at the weekend, during school holidays or overnight.
Regular Short Breaks can contribute to building resilience in families.
Who can access short breaks?
There are two different ways to access short breaks.
1. Children with a CYAD Assessment of Need and agreed Care Plan
If a child meets the CYAD criteria, a full assessment of their and your needs will be carried out.
To arrange an assessment, see Children and Young Adults Disability Service.
2. Core Offer Short Breaks
Core Offer Short Breaks are available for children and young people who:
- are under 18 years old
- have a disability
- receive Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payments at a medium or high rate
Families who qualify for Short Breaks can also use their Core Offer funding for the 14 approved providers below.
How to apply for a short break
To apply for a short break:
- If you do not already receive a service from Harrow's CYADS, call the MASH team on 020 8901 2690
- If you are already known to Harrow's CYADS, you can Apply for a Social Work Assessment or Review
Providers
These are the 14 Approved Providers from 2025-2028.
Kids can achieve (ages 5-18)
Kids Can Achieve (KCA) supports children and young people aged 5+ with learning disabilities and autism to build confidence and independence.
They offer inclusive after-school, weekend and holiday clubs, plus personalised one-to-one support in Harrow.
D-Triumph Care (ages 5-18)
D-Triumph Care's Short Breaks in Harrow offer tailored support for children with additional needs, building confidence and independence through fun, structured activities.
These include trips to parks, swimming, cinema, soft play, and community outings.
All for care (ages 0-25)
All For Care offers person-centred short breaks for children and young people aged 0-25, promoting independence and wellbeing.
The service combines safe care with community activities, giving families meaningful respite.
Better Families Social Work Services (ages 0-25)
Providing CQC registered short breaks and support for children with disabilities, including personal assistance and hospital watch.
Their service offers safe, specialised care while giving families essential respite.
Harrow Carers (ages 5-18)
Harrow Carers provides short breaks and support for children and young people, offering opportunities to relax, have fun, and give families a break from caring responsibilities.
Visit Elitespecialistcare.org.uk
Care4ocus (ages 0-18)
Care4ocus provides person-centred Short Breaks Care for children and young people up to 18, supporting independence and wellbeing.
Their service includes tailored care, community activities, and respite for families.
Community Connex (ages 5-18)
A range of fun activities for children and young people aged 5-18 in Harrow, supporting independence.
Care Consort (ages 13-18)
Horizons offer creative, therapeutic short breaks for young people aged 13-18 with additional needs.
Their structured sessions build confidence, independence, and emotional wellbeing through engaging, personalised support.
Star Maris (ages 6-16)
Star Maris offers a "home away from home" short breaks service for children aged 6-16, with fun community activities like bowling and swimming while providing respite for families.
Visit StarMarisHealthcare.co.uk
Endorphins (ages 8-16)
Inclusive sessions for SEND children and young people, offering activities like dance, drama, arts, and games in a safe, supportive environment.
With a high staff ratio, the service helps build confidence, friendships, and participation for all abilities.
Gold Crest (ages 5-18)
Gold Crest provides short breaks in Harrow for children aged 5-18, with sports, creative activities, and after-school sessions.
The service supports independence and offers families planned respite.
Visit GoldCrestHealthcareService.com
Lifeserve Solutions (ages 5-18)
Lifeserve Solutions provides short breaks with fun, accessible activities for disabled children and young people aged 5-18, supporting a range of abilities.
Visit LifeserveSolutions.co.uk
CYAD Assessment of Need and Agreed Care Plan activities
If Short Breaks are recommended as a result of the assessment, the activities will be constructed to achieve agreed outcomes.
The activities can be delivered by either:
- a Direct Payment to you to use to pay for activities with a wide range of providers within and outside the Borough, or
- the CYAD team can arrange for your child to access activities delivered by the providers on the Short Breaks Framework.
Further reading:
How the Core Offer is applied in Harrow