We’re here to help make life a little easier and a lot more fun! Whether at home or out and about, we offer a variety of services designed to support you and your child. We’ll work with you to see what your child is eligible for, and which activities or services will suit them best.
What our short breaks are all about
Our short breaks are designed to give everyone a chance to thrive:
- Children and young people with disabilities can make new friends and build social connections
- They get to try new things, have fun, and discover their potential
- Parents and carers get a well-deserved break
- Families feel confident knowing their child is in safe, caring hands
- Parents feel more supported in their caring role.
Our community short breaks
We offer a variety of services directly or through trusted partners. All funded providers who have been granted an award, are fully trained and have up-to-date safety checks, so you can rest easy knowing your child is in good hands.
No assessment or diagnosis needed, just book and go! These sessions are all about fun, creativity, and adventure. Activities include:
- Outdoor adventures
- Sports
- Performing arts
- Youth clubs
You can book directly with these amazing providers:
Embrace Adventure group
Embark on a life changing adventure and begin a challenging outdoor experience with Embrace.
Embrace have up to 15 places to support young people aged 14 -18 years old to build friendships, learn new skills and be challenged. This is an inclusive group and is suitable for people with different abilities and disabilities.
You can find out more on the Embrace Adventure group (external link) website or by calling 01942 233323.
Leisure for All
Leisure for All is a short breaks service offering the parents and carers of disabled children a break from their caring role. The staff team are trained and experienced support staff that offer hands-on care and support to children with disabilities, health needs and other complex needs aged 5 to 19 years who live in the Wigan Borough.
Leisure for All provides a range of groups and activities in the evenings, weekends and during school holiday periods. Activities include regular term time evening and weekend groups from 2-4hrs that operate from our accessible centre at Drumcroon, Wigan, and both on and off-site activities and day trips in school holidays. Throughout the year the LFA team also offer a number of full family events.
The service is delivered all year round, though days, times and sessions may vary.
- For more information or to request a referral form, please call Leisure for All on 01942 486062.
Inclusive Futures
A centre providing support for young people aged 14+ to access a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities. Created for young people aged 14+ with complex health and learning disabilities, Inclusive Futures offers an after-school club dedicated to promoting fun, life skills and engaging with friends.
Inclusive Futures takes place at The Zone, Robin Park Leisure Centre, Loire Drive, WN5 0UH.
To book a place please contact 01942 486826 or email [email protected].
Brighter Dayz Respite Centre
Brighter Dayz provides flexible, high-quality and person centred approached immediate respite care for children and young adults with complex health needs and disabilities. The centre provides a variety of indoor and outdoor activities to engage and inspire all those with disabilities and special educational needs where users are encouraged to take part in activities that build self confidence, social skills and self-esteem.
View their social media (Facebook (external link), Twitter (external link) and Instagram) and website to find out more about Brighter Dayz.
You can also email [email protected] or 01942 834363 for more information.
Ladies Lane Residential Respite
Ladies Lane provide overnight stays for children and young people who have severe learning/physical disabilities and sensory impairments. There are 4 beds available at Ladies Lane. Children and families will have their needs assessed and if they meet criteria and can be safely matched a package will be allocated. This can be a minimum of 1 night per month up to a maximum of 75 nights per year.
- Find out whether your child is eligible by calling the children’s team on 01942 828300.
Home Care
Home care services are for people who need help with personal care such as washing and dressing assistance.
Direct Payments
Direct payments, also known as personal budgets, can be utilised by disabled children and their families to access a short break. This can include employing a personal assistant or accessing a service that isn’t currently a commissioned option such as home care. Direct payments allow a greater choice and control for young people and their families, and can provide a more flexible approach.
How to access short breaks and services
To access some of the above short breaks and services you will need to request a social care assessment by:
- Calling the Children’s Duty team on 01942 828300.
The Children's Duty team will then assess your level of need and refer you to one of the following services: