Short Breaks Services

A short break can last between a few hours and several days.

It can take place:

• in your own home
• in a supported setting
• within the community

It provides families with a break from their caring role and time to spend with other family members or to have time to themselves.

The Short Breaks Statement of Purpose is currently being updated and has been removed from this page.

A copy of the latest Hartburn Lodge Statement of Purpose can be requested from Hartburn Lodge by emailing hartburn.lodge@stockton.gov.uk or calling 01642 527994.

Short Breaks Grant - applications update

The Short Breaks Grant has now closed for this period, and we have finished processing all applications. We are unable to accept any new applications at this time.

If you applied for the grant, you should now have received the outcome. If you have not seen a decision, please check your email inbox and junk or spam folders before getting in touch.

All applications were considered carefully and assessed against the eligibility criteria. Unfortunately, we were not able to approve every application.

Thank you for your patience and understanding while we worked through a high number of applications. We really appreciate your cooperation.

View the Short Breaks Grant Offer. (PDF, 296 KB)

Important information about bookings

Please note:

• the grant is designed to support your child's activities, but it may not cover activities booked before your award is confirmed
• if you choose to book activities in advance, the cost cannot be guaranteed

Returning receipts

Please ensure that all receipts or unspent money from previous grants are returned. Unused money need to be returned on our secure payments page. Select Other Payments, Short Breaks, Short Breaks Repayments from the drop down menus. Failure to do so will impact future applications.

Stockton Parent Carer Forum (SPCF)

This grant has been co‑produced with Stockton Parent Carer Forum (SPCF) to ensure it reflects the experiences and priorities of local families.

SPCF are parents and carers of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), aged 0 to 25. They work in partnership with the local authority to help shape services and support for families.

If you have questions about the grant, SPCF can also offer advice, guidance, and peer support on 07985 245668.

Further information

The grant offer has been co-produced with the Stockton Parent Carer Forum and you can contact them by telephone 07985 245668 or email info@stocktonparentcarerforum.co.uk.

Visit the legislation.gov.uk website for further information about short breaks for carers of disabled children which can be found under The Breaks for Carers of Disabled Children Regulations 2011.