How it works
A short break is a chance for your child to play, grow and learn – and a moment for parents and carers to take some time off, too.
What’s on offer?
In 2024-25 you get:
An Individual Budget of £880 for leisure activities of your choice
Or 110 hours* with one of our commissioned providers, which you can use flexibly.
Who can apply?
Your child must be:
Between 5 and 17 years old**
Getting DLA (Disability Living Allowance, middle or high rate) or PIP (Personal Independence Payments, enhanced rate)
Living in Hackney permanently.
*This is 55 hours if your support package already includes activities.
**Find out about support for children under 5.
Get to know your pre-paid card
Your card is topped up twice a year:
April = £440
October = £440
It can only be used for activities for your child.
If you already have a card, you can log in to your online banking here.
Individual budget not right for your child?
If an individual budget doesn’t suit the needs of your child, speak to our team about using one of our specialist commissioned providers.
Outreach services
These services provide support at home for children and young people who find social spaces challenging.
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A community based home care provider.
Visit Nubah Social Care
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We provide coordinated and comprehensive home care for children and young people.
Learn more about Eleven Sisters
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We enable and support disabled children and young people to enjoy a break time from their families in a safe and stimulating environment.
Find out more about Valour Youth
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Whether it’s covering a one-week holiday or on-going short breaks, we’re here when you need us to offer one-to-one care from skilled professionals.
Visit Wilcob Care -
Kids Outreach aims to meet the needs of disabled children/young people and their families. The sessions can be home and community based depending on the needs of the child/young person.
Learn more about Kids Outreach
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Ezer Leyoldos offers an extensive range of individual and culturally appropriate extra-curricular activities for Orthodox Jewish children and young people who require individual support, either in the home or community.
Group-based services
These services provide supportive group spaces where your child can socialise and enjoy the company of other young people.
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Here at Sportworks we aim to provide short breaks opportunities for physical activity, promoting health and fostering overall wellbeing.
Visit Sportsworks
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We offer a comprehensive range of after-school clubs and holiday camps designed for children aged 5–14, ensuring a fun, engaging, and memorable experience for every child.
Learn more about APF Activity Camps
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Treasure Boxing Club short breaks provision is boxing based,- our targeted services will have the greatest impact on positive outcomes for children, young people and their families.
Find out more about Treasure Boxing Club.
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A World of Activities! At our centre, we offer an exciting range of activities to enable disabled children and young people to develop new interests and have fun.
Visit Supreme Short Breaks -
This is a specialist playground for disabled children and young people.
Learn more about Kids Adventure Playground.
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The Huddleston Centre is a charity not for profit organisation which provides youth and play provision for disabled young people aged 9-25 living in Hackney.
Go to Huddleston
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Laburnum Boat Club is Hackney’s exciting community boating project.
Learn more about Laburnum Boat Club.
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Step by Step is a specialist organisation offering group-based play and leisure activities for disabled children and young people which meet the cultural requirements of the Orthodox Jewish community.
Visit Step by Step.
What’s available for children under 5?
What you can get depends on the age of your child and any exceptional circumstances.
0- 2 years
You may be eligible for 15 free hours nursery or childminding, which can be used for respite at a children’s centre.
3 - 4 years
For children aged 3 to 4 you can access a range of service provisions nursery, childminding or time at a children’s centre.
Find more information about free childcare by visiting Hackney Education.
In exceptional cases where your child is aged 3 to 4 years you may be able to access a one-off payment totalling £200 to pay for a carer or age appropriate service. Once your child turns 5 and if eligible they will be entitled to Short Breaks. You can contact the team for more information on 020 8356 6789.
Need more support?
If you require more support for your child under 5, you can request a social care assessment from Disabled Children’s Service via MASH 020 8356 5500.
