Provider Engagement for Community Short Breaks

Description

Community Short Breaks is a government term to describe activities for Children and Young People with disabilities to relax, have fun, make new friends and develop independence skills. This is different to respite, overnight care, personal assistant support and is not part of a social care package. Newcastle City Council’s current contractual arrangements for our Community Short Breaks offer are due to end on 31 March 2025, and we will be undertaking a commissioning exercise to explore options for new arrangements from 1 April 2025. The Council currently commissions the following services as part of Community Short Breaks offer: • Access Fund • Information, advice and support to parents • Youth Participation group The Culture and Tourism department support accessibility and inclusion in arts, leisure and cultural activities through the Arts Connect programme. The Council would like to consult with current and interested Providers around how our needs for the above forms of community short breaks and support can be designed / delivered to achieve best outcomes for Children and Young People, while being effective, sustainable, and responsive for both Providers and the Council. We are particularly keen to hear about arrangements that work elsewhere, and any new / innovative ideas that Providers may have. The Council will hold an engagement session on Tuesday 21 May, to discuss our initial thoughts for the services listed above. The in-person session will be held at Newcastle Civic Centre (Banqueting Hall) from 3pm – 5pm. This Provider consultation session will be undertaken as part of the commissioning phase for the provision of services from 1 April 2025. Attendance will be limited to a maximum of two delegates per Provider. Providers should express their interest in attending the session by completing the attached Expression of Interest form and returning it to the Council by emailing Louise Fitzgerald louise.fitzgerald@newcastle.gov.uk no later than 5pm on Friday 10 May. Keywords: disabilities , early intervention , Community short breaks , short breaks , sporting activities , SEND