Devon County Council expands Short Breaks scheme for disabled children

Devon County Council is widening its Short Breaks programme, which provides respite and community activities for disabled children and young people. The council plans to create a county‑wide network of quality‑assured providers, offering a broader range of options such as sports, music, creative arts, drama, community groups, holiday clubs and outdoor activities. Around 1,500 children and young people currently use the service, and the council intends to use the £5.5 million annual budget to support a stronger, sustainable provider network that reaches families across the county.

Councillor Richard Jeffries, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Social Care, said the expansion will give disabled children more opportunities to build confidence, independence and friendships while giving parents and carers a valuable break. A parent praised the scheme, describing it as “life‑changing” after their child attended a SEND basecamp at Pixie’s Holt on Dartmoor and a family day at Haven Banks in Exeter. The new offer will complement, not replace, the existing Devon Wallet platform that families use to arrange personalised short breaks and support plans.