What is Short Break Service?
Caring for a loved one is one of the most rewarding things a person can do. It is also one of the most demanding. Our Short Break Services are designed to give carers the time and space they need to rest, recharge, and attend to their own lives safe in the knowledge that the person they care for is in capable, compassionate hands.
A short break is a planned period of support during which a child or adult with care needs spends time away from their primary carer or family home, or receives care within the home while the carer steps away. Whether that means a few hours of supported community activities, a regular weekly arrangement, or flexible ad hoc cover during particularly busy periods, we shape the service entirely around what works for you.
Our flexible approach means that every package of support is built from the ground up, taking into account the individual’s needs, preferences, routines, and goals as well as the practical requirements of the family or carer around them.
Who Is This Service For?
Our Short Break Services support a wide range of children and adults who have care and support needs, including:
Children and young people (up to age 18) who have physical disabilities, learning disabilities, autism spectrum conditions, complex health needs, or a combination of these. Short breaks give young people the opportunity to socialise, try new activities, and develop their independence while giving parents and carers the essential rest they need.
Adults (18 and over) living with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, acquired brain injuries, autism, mental health conditions, or age-related needs who require additional support to participate safely in daily life or community activities.
Unpaid carers and families who need regular or occasional relief from their caring responsibilities. Whether you are a parent, a sibling, a spouse, or a friend providing informal care, you deserve support too. A cared-for person who is happy and well-supported is a direct reflection of a carer who has been given the space to look after themselves.
This service is suitable for both new referrals and individuals already known to their local authority or health services.
Eligibility Criteria
Referrals are accepted from Local Authorities, NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) teams, families self-funding or holding a Personal Health Budget (PHB), and via discharge planning from acute hospital or specialist inpatient settings. Eligibility is determined through a comprehensive needs assessment conducted by our senior clinical team, using the Care Act 2014 framework for adults and the Children and Families Act 2014 for young people.
We accept placements at short notice where safeguarding risk or carer breakdown requires an urgent response.
What Does Short Break Support Actually Look Like?
Every short break package is individual, but all packages share the same commitment: flexible, high-quality support that is led by the needs and preferences of the person being supported.
Where support takes place:
- Within the home A dedicated support worker comes to the individual’s home, allowing the carer to leave the property, rest, attend appointments, work, or simply have time to themselves. Home-based support is ideal for individuals who are most comfortable in familiar surroundings or who have complex care needs that are best met at home.
- In the community Support is provided out and about, accompanying the individual to activities, social events, leisure facilities, appointments, or simply enjoying time outdoors. Community-based short breaks can be transformative for individuals who benefit from social interaction and new experiences.
- A combination of both Many of our service users enjoy a blend of home and community support, and we are entirely flexible in accommodating this.
What a typical package looks like:
- Short break packages start at a minimum of two hours of support per session.
- Sessions can be arranged on a regular, recurring basis (e.g. weekly or fortnightly) or on a more flexible, as-needed basis.
- Support is delivered in line with an individually tailored care and support plan, developed collaboratively with the individual and their family or carer.
- Activities and routines are agreed in advance, ensuring consistency and familiarity for the person being supported.
Your support plan will consider:
- Daily routines, preferences, and any important rituals or habits
- Communication methods and any assistive technology in use
- Medical or health needs, including medication administration where required
- Dietary requirements and food preferences
- Mobility and personal care needs
- Hobbies, interests, and social goals
- Anything else that matters to the individual and their family
Everything is discussed, agreed, and documented before support begins.
Why Families and Commissioners Choose Special People
- Over 30 years of experience supporting children and adults with complex needs across London and beyond
- CQC-regulated with a registered provider number (1-129079456), ensuring independent quality oversight
- Ofsted registered for services involving children, with a strong track record of compliance
- 4.8-star Google rating from families, professionals, and partner organisations
- A values-led organisation built on the belief that care is an act of love — built on empathy, respect, and connection
Ready to Talk?
Whether you are a commissioning manager with a complex placement to place, or a parent who simply wants to know your child will be safe and happy in the community we are here, and we want to help.
Call us: 0207 686 0253
Email us: info@specialpeople.org.uk
Visit us: Brickworks Community Centre, 42 Crouch Hill, London, N4 4BY
Or use our online assessment request form to tell us about your needs and we will be in touch within one working day.
Special People Partnership Ltd. is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and Ofsted. All staff are subject to enhanced DBS disclosure and carry current specialist clinical training certificates relevant to their assigned caseloads.
Our short break packages start at a minimum of two hours’ support.