Feb 21, 2022, Hartlepool Mail: Plans to continue vital short breaks scheme for disabled children in Hartlepool https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/news/politics/council/plans-to-continue-vital-short-breaks-scheme-for-disabled-children-in-hartlepool-3579169
NE England
Hartlepool Borough Council chiefs are soon to go out to procurement for short break and specialist equipment services for children with SEND (special education needs and/or disabilities) and their families.
The service includes the provision of day, evening, overnight and weekend activities for the young people in Hartlepool, and aims to enable them to participate in fun activities, while allowing a break for carers and parents….
Councillors at the latest children’s service committee approved the procurement process, while praising the importance of the service to young people in Hartlepool.
Cllr Jim Lindridge, chair of the committee, said: “I think this is a really important area for our young people, I’m really supportive of this and it’s been really successful previously and it’s continuing on.”
The contract for the short breaks activities will be for three years, with the potential for an additional two years depending on “budget situation and performance”.
Officers added they have worked closely with the Hartlepool Parent Carer Forum to ensure activities “meet the needs of children who need respite and short breaks”. …
She added: “There is a risk that if we don’t provide these services children and their families will hit crisis and needs may escalate which will place additional pressure on our children’s social care teams….
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