Short Breaks Services in Cheshire East

Short breaks can last from just a few hours to a few days - from daytime and evening activities to weekend and overnight or maybe longer. They provide disabled children and young people with:

• positive and safe things to do and places to go
• the opportunity to spend time with friends, to develop personally and socially, and reduce isolation
• the chance to undertake new activities and have new experiences

They can take place in a community setting, the child's own home, the home of an approved carer or in another setting. They also provide parents and families with a necessary and valuable break from caring responsibilities.

Level of need provision

Provision in Cheshire East fits into three key levels of need:

Universal needs

Universal short break services are available to all children. They promote the inclusion of disabled children and young people in activities with their peers, for example: youth clubs, activity groups and leisure centres.

For up to date information on these activities in Cheshire East visit the Family Information Service.

Targeted needs

Some children and young people with disabilities will require a specific disability group or activity.

We’re delighted to share that The Endorphins Group has now begun as the new lead provider across the borough.

The Endorphins Group is a well‑established provider of inclusive wellbeing and community programmes, currently working with over 25 local authorities across the UK. They are committed to creating welcoming environments where every child feels valued and included.

Their programmes not only support young people but also offer families vital respite time, giving parents and carers the chance to recharge, knowing their loved ones are thriving in a safe and supportive setting.

We know from your feedback how much families valued the previous offer, and this is an exciting opportunity to build on that. By working with The Endorphins Group, we aim to deliver more personalised support that helps each young person flourish and reach their full potential.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll continue working closely with parents and Endorphins to ensure any changes are clearly communicated and smoothly implemented, with minimal disruption for families.

If families have specific questions for The Endorphins Group, they can contact them directly by calling 0330 133 2642 or emailing Bookings@endorphins.uk.

Complex/specialist needs

These services are for children with more complex or critical needs. Needs will usually be assessed by the Family Help service or children's social care working closely with the family and other agencies. Further information is outlined on the support for disabled children page.

Short breaks statement

Cheshire East Council has published its Short Breaks Statement 2022 - 2025 (PDF, 561KB), which outlines the short breaks services available to families with disabled children and young people. The statement explains the type of services available, how these have been designed to meet the needs of families and how they will continue to be developed in response to feedback from parents and carers, children and young people.

We will regularly consult with disabled children, young people and their families on the short break services provided in Cheshire East.