Shortbreaks for Disabled Children & Young People in Essex

Call Website Contact the organisation

Shortbreaks for Disabled Children & Young People in Essex Essex County Council ShortBreaks have been developed to offer children/young people with disabilities & their families support, opportunities & activities

Short Breaks have been created because it is recognised that there is an impact on everyday life if a child or young person has a disability. This impact is as individual as each child and their family is unique. Short Breaks are important to families who have a child with a disability. The challenges and complications which accompany a child or young person with disabilities can be very wearing. Day-to-day activities can be much more complicated and tiring. Short breaks give the family members, parents/carers, and indeed siblings a chance to have a break from their caring responsibilities or enable the whole family to take a break from their everyday routine and do something together

The family members are then able to continue their care refreshed and with renewed energy. At the same time the child or young person with a disability has the opportunity to try out new activities and make new relationships

• Short breaks can be anything from a couple of hours to overnight stays.
• They offer children and young people with disabilities the opportunity to have fun and take part in enjoyable experiences that contribute to their personal and social development.
• Enable parents/families to have a break from their caring responsibilities.
• Help children and young people with disabilities to develop new interests and take part in different activities.
• Families can catch up with everyday activities as well as having more time with their other children, their friends and hobbies.
• To offer children/young people and their families support, opportunities and activities so that families are enabled to live ordinary lives.
• Offer a wide range of opportunities, activities and support so families have choice.

06/10/2026

Our new activity has launched!
Register to book: https://www.interact.org.uk/children-young-people/registration-forms
Book your place: https://www.interact.org.uk/children-young-people/together-club/chelmsford-young-adults-together-club
Contact [email protected]

● Build confidence and independence 😊
● Form friendships and feel part of a group 🫂
● Beachcombing and coastal exploration 🐌
● Shells, seaweed and strandline discoveries 🐚
● Beach and shoreline scavenger hunts 🪸
● Nature-based arts and crafts 🎨
● Tides and water-safety 🌊

Brand new indoor venue 🏠☕ and fire pit! 🔥🍡

The National Lottery Community Fund
Essex Youth Service
Essex SEND Local Offer
Beach School Explorers

06/10/2026

📢 Have your say on the future of Short Breaks in Essex 📢

Essex County Council is planning for the future of Short Breaks Community Clubs and Activities (SBCCA) from April 2028, and we'd like to hear from parent carers.

Join one of our online consultation sessions to share:

✅ What's working well
✅ What's important to you and your family
✅ Ideas and suggestions for the future

Sessions available:

📅 Monday 12 October, 6:00pm to 7:30pm

or

📅 Tuesday 20 October, 6:00pm to 7:30pm

💻 Online via Microsoft Teams

To book, please click on this link:
🔗 https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/9sQxYgYWq5

Last night we made the most of what’s left of the lighter evenings with our Youth Club visit to the nearby Agricultural ...
06/10/2026

Last night we made the most of what’s left of the lighter evenings with our Youth Club visit to the nearby Agricultural Science Unit — an opportunity to explore, spend time with friends and feel part of the local community.

While our experienced team takes care of the details, parents and carers gain a valuable break and time for the rest of the family.

Are you a local family looking for a supportive, inclusive service for your young person with a disability? We’d love to hear from you as we have some availability in our Accuro Connections Youth Club in Saffron Walden. Send us a message to find out more and register your interest.

05/10/2026

Looking for an exciting October Half Term adventure?! We are so excited to see our friends FSC Epping Forest this month!

On Tuesday 27 October, 10am - 3pm we will be visiting Epping Forest Field Centre, High Beach for an inclusive outdoor experience designed for children and young people with SEND aged 8 to 14.

Minibeast hunting, Forest exploration, pond dipping, natural art and mud painting, sensory nature activities!

This is a supported drop-and-go session, helping young people build confidence, independence and friendships in a safe and welcoming environment.

Children will need to bring a packed lunch, drinks and weather-appropriate clothing.

Places are limited! Book now to avoid disappointment, and remember to include your child's Shortbreaks for Disabled Children & Young People in Essex ID when booking. Link to book in the comments!

Bright Futures are a Neurodiversity café, for parent carers of neurodivergent children and young people, based in Mid Es...
05/10/2026

Bright Futures are a Neurodiversity café, for parent carers of neurodivergent children and young people, based in Mid Essex. Their next meetup is Friday 9th October 10-12 @ Mace Playce, Chelmsford.

See below post for booking details ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Commissioners from the Short Breaks team will be attending the autumn term SEND Roadshows. We look forward to meeting yo...
28/09/2026

Commissioners from the Short Breaks team will be attending the autumn term SEND Roadshows.

We look forward to meeting you and hearing your views.

See the below post for more information ⬇️⬇️⬇️

With September here, we're getting ready for our autumn term SEND Roadshows.

This term, we'll be visiting:

• Epping Hall
• Richmond Hall, Benfleet
• Wickham Bishops Village Hall
• Frinton-on-Sea Lawn Tennis Club

Have questions about your child's development? Need advice, information or support?

Come and visit us at a Roadshow. No diagnosis is needed.

28/09/2026

🍂🎃 InterAct’s October Half-Term Activities are NOW OPEN 🎃🍂

October half-term is creeping up on us 👻 and we’ve got another fantastic week of adventures planned for our 8–18-year-olds!

🚤 Tuesday 27th October – CanalAbility | £49
📍 Pick-ups: Chelmsford & Maldon

🐻 Wednesday 28th October – Jimmy’s Farm | £37
📍 Pick-ups: Chelmsford & Colchester

🚴 Thursday 29th October – TrailNet | £45
📍 Pick-ups: Chelmsford & Colchester

🎃 Friday 30th October – Pumpkin Picking & Galleywood Club | £33
📍 Pick-ups: Chelmsford & Maldon

✨ Bookings are open NOW! Places are limited, so we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.

If you’re already registered with InterAct, you can book your October adventures using the link below ⬇️
🌐 interact.org.uk/children-young-people/holiday-day-trips

Not an InterActer yet? Contact us to find out how to register:
📧 [email protected]

Shortbreaks for Disabled Children & Young People in Essex
SEND Sensation - Essex Short Breaks: Clubs & Activities
Essex SEND Local Offer
Essex Youth Service

🎃🍂

28/09/2026

🎃 Together Club is off to Thorpe Park 👻

If you are aged 16-25 and already registered, you can book your place below

https://www.interact.org.uk/children-young-people/together-club/together-club-holiday-trips

Not yet registered with us and would like to know more, why not get in touch!

InterAct supports children young people & young adults aged 8-25 across Essex

[email protected]

InterAct
The National Lottery Community Fund
SEND Sensation - Essex Short Breaks: Clubs & Activities
Shortbreaks for Disabled Children & Young People in Essex
Essex SEND Local Offer

28/09/2026

Our October Half Term programme is open to book! Please book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Contact Disability Inclusion Officers, Emily and Lexi for further information:

Epping Forest / Uttlesford: Emily - [email protected]
Harlow / Uttlesford - [email protected]

We are so excited to team up with our friends FSC Epping Forest, Saffron Walden Museum & Castle Grounds, Gargs Animal Encounters, Epping Leisure Centre, Harlow Leisurezone, Agricultural Science Unit, CanalAbility for a range of activities this October Half Term!

Want to join us? Please make sure you have registered with Shortbreaks for Disabled Children & Young People in Essex and The West Essex Inclusion Project before booking! Our activities are for children and young people with SEND aged 0-14 across Epping, Harlow and Uttlesford!

Essex SEND Local Offer

Address

Essex County Council
Chelmsford
CM11QH

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+443330139889

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Shortbreaks for Disabled Children & Young People in Essex posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organisation

Send a message to Shortbreaks for Disabled Children & Young People in Essex:

Shortcuts

Share

Category