Shropshire Council works to fund a range of Short Breaks services for children and young people up to 18 years with disabilities or additional needs living in Shropshire. (Short Breaks provision was previously referred to as respite services). The aim of short breaks is to enable children to have fun and take part in activities and social opportunities whilst giving parents/carers some time away from their caring responsibilities. Short breaks can also support preparation for adulthood and help develop confidence away from the family home or support.

Short breaks may be after school, at weekends, during school holidays or overnight. Activities could range from drama, sports, clubs and social activities to a stay with a short break foster carer or in a residential home. Short breaks can also include support at home.

• Universal activities available to all children, such as sports clubs, after school clubs etc
• Early Help and targeted short breaks are activities specially designed for children and young people with disabilities. They help children who are not able to take part in universal activities without additional support. They are currently provided through the All In Programme, delivered by Actio on behalf of Shropshire Council.
• Specialist short breaks are activities for children and young people with the most complex needs. They need to have a social work assessment to be able to take part in these activities and include overnight short breaks.

Shropshire’s All In Programme provide a range of opportunities for children and young people with disabilities. All In short breaks are available for those up to their 18th birthday who cannot take part in the same activities as others their age without additional support.

You can find out more about the All In Programme on our website.

This survey has been designed to find out more about the views and experiences of families who have a child with a disability and how they may benefit (or have benefitted in the past) from short breaks provision. There are different versions of the survey to help us gather feedback from as many stakeholders as possible.

Feedback will help us to understand what works well and any areas for improvement. It will help to determine if the right types of short breaks are on offer and what impact they have on those who use them. The survey should also help to identify what parents would like to see in the future and influence the way Shropshire Council commissions and funds short breaks provision. The survey builds on previous discussions with families of disabled children and young people about the Shropshire Short Breaks Offer.

The survey should not take long to complete unless you have a lot to tell us. 

To have your say just click on the 'How to get involved' tab on this page. Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey.

Easy Read versions of the survey are available here:

• Easy Read parents/carers
• Easy Read children and young people

If you would like the survey in another format, please use the email below to request a copy or telephone Shropshire Council’s Customer Services on 0345 678 9000 and explain any support you need to allow you to respond.

You can also respond in writing:

Email: TellUs@shropshire.gov.uk
Post: Feedback and Insight Team, Shropshire Council, Shirehall, Abbey Foregate, Shropshire SY2 6ND.