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Short Breaks for Parents/carers of disabled children

What is a Short Break?

A short break provides opportunities for disabled children and young people to spend time away from their primary carers and enable their carers to take a ‘break’ from care.

During a short break, young people can learn new skills, meet new people and become more independent.

Apply for a Short Breaks Grant

Completing this service should take around 10 minutes.

Access the Multi-Agency Referral Online Form

PLEASE NOTE - We are no longer accepting direct referrals for short breaks. From 1st September 2026, these will now be requested via the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (City MASH).

How to apply:

  • You will now need make a referral by completing a Multi-Agency Referral Form (MARF).
  • When completing the form, it must state that you are requesting a Short Break Needs Assessment, along with highlighting the reasons why you are making the request.

Please use the button below to access the Multi-Agency Referral Online Form

What happens after I apply?

The MASH team will screen your form, and any referrals will then be sent to the Short Breaks Team.

Click here to complete the Multi-Agency Referral Online Form

Eligibility

  • Young people between the age of 5 to 18.
  • Young person must be Nottingham City resident.
  • Young person must have diagnosed or identified disability.
  • Young person must require additional specialist support to access their community and the application must demonstrate why universal or targeted services are not accessible.

What type of Short Breaks are available

  • Befriending services
  • Sitting services
  • Direct Payments
  • Group activity sessions
  • Summer Holidays activities

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