Children with disability team 

Where a child or young person’s needs cannot be met via universal and targeted services, the Children with Disabilities Social Work Team may undertake assessments of need to consider what specialist services and support are required. Subject to this assessment, children and young people may be eligible for overnight short breaks. 

Overnight Short Breaks could include access to Shared Care short breaks for children with complex disabilities and health needs. This consists of a team of approved carers, who play an important role in the lives of disabled children and their families. This service is accessed by a request from a social worker of family help key worker. Please note, there are significant waiting lists and limited availability, and referrals are subject to eligibility. 

Alternatively, Bedeburn is a purpose built, multi-occupancy overnight short breaks provision in Newcastle for children and young people aged 6 to 18 with complex disabilities. This service is accessed by request from a social worker or family help key worker, subject to eligibility, but also has limited capacity and a significant waiting list. 

For any queries relating to overnight short breaks, please speak to your child’s social worker or family help key worker.