What short breaks include and how they are accessed 

 

Short breaks take place in the community with inclusive groups and activities which support young people to follow their interests. All children and young people with SEND, aged 0 to 25, can access the following: 

  1. Max Cards

Max Card is a discount card. Families of SEND children aged 0 to 18 living in Newcastle can get one. It gives discounts when visiting venues throughout the UK.

You can get a Max Card by joining the Disabled Children's Register (see below)
  1. Advice and Guidance for Parents/Carers
 This service will provide individual information, advice, and support to families of children with additional needs, through a range of forums including drop-in sessions, social groups parents/carers groups in school and through social media. 
  1. Access Fund
 The Access Fund is a grant to help children and young people with additional needs to participate in activities in their local community, aged up to 25 years.  This can be any daytime, evening, or weekend activity that the child or young person enjoys whilst their parent/carer has a break from caring. 
  1. Inclusive arts programme 
 Art activities for or welcoming children or young people with SEND. These happen across the city. The offer is updated on a termly basis. 
  1. Youth Link
 A service for young people living with special educational needs and disabilities. Youth Link matches young people working towards a goal in their life to a peer mentor. This is someone of a similar age who can support them. 
  1. SEND swimming lessons
 Children and young people with SEND living in Newcastle can access a free 12-week block of swimming lessons at Jesmond Pool. Lessons are delivered in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment by experienced instructors who adapt sessions to each child’s needs. 
  1. Disabled Children's Register
 By law we are required to keep a Disabled Children’s Register. We use it to help us improve services now and in the future. By being on the register you will be kept informed of what services are available and how you can get involved if you want to. 
  1. Carers Wellbeing Fund
 Being a carer can lead to unexpected expenses and financial challenges, especially if you have reduced your working hours or stopped working altogether to care for someone. Support schemes and grants such as the Carers Wellbeing Fund can help you as a carer and offer additional financial support.
  1. Shared Lives
 Shared Lives Newcastle is as much about sharing as about caring. Shared Lives gives autistic adults and adults with learning disabilities the chance to get the care and support they need and live as part of a family.  
  1. CEA card
 The UK Cinema Association (UKCA) and its members want to make visiting the cinema an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all. We fully appreciate that some disabled people face barriers at the cinema because of the effect of their disability. We are working hard to identify and remove these barriers.
  1. Reduced or free travel
 You can apply for reduced cost or free travel pass, criteria applies.

 

Information from https://childrenandfamiliesnewcastle.org.uk/
Printed on December 30th 2025
Page last updated
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