Discussions with children and their families revealed their number one priority was to establish better, regular and more reliable short breaks where children could enjoy new activities and make friends and their parents could benefit from planned free time.

To support this, the government committed substantial funding for a three year period to a Short Break Transformation programme across the whole country.

Dorset County Council was chosen as one of the initial pathfinder authorities to develop new schemes and ideas for short breaks paving the way for other authorities to follow from March 2009. Numerous consultations have taken place and various new ideas received from children, parents and service providers. Development has focused on extending the role of current providers in Dorset and providing more services to an increased number of families. In addition, the programme has explored new ways that families can have a break from caring for their child whilst their child enjoys an activity.

Funding has also been invested in the purchase and setting up of new resources across the county.

Eligibility for Short Breaks and The Short Break Eligibility Framework

Short Break Eligibility Framework (pdf, 131kb) (opens in a new window)

Details on some of the programme schemes

• A Contract Carer Scheme to establish carers who will look after children in the carers own home for a regular payment
• Improvements to how direct payments are provided to young people and families with more choices as to how they can purchase the services they need
• More youth clubs, Saturday clubs and holiday activities across the whole county
• Befriending Volunteer opportunities
• More day time opportunities for pre-school children
• More activities in special schools
• Increased opportunities for young people to undertake artistic activities
• Better ways for families to find out about activities in their area
• A way of listening to the views of young people who are disabled and their families so that these views shape how services in the future are provide

If you would like further information about the Aiming High Short Break Transformation Programme or to receive copies of the Programme newsletter, email the Short Breaks Project team

Take a look at some of the Programme Newsletters to see more about what has been happening.