Activities are for children, young people, their carers or for families to enjoy together
Voluntary organisations in Scotland providing short breaks and respite for disabled children young people and their carers are being encouraged to apply for project funding.
The Short Breaks Fund has now opened its Better Breaks programme for applications.
The fund, which is run by Shared Care Scotland on behalf of Scottish Government, provides grants to third sector organisations in Scotland to increase the range, availability and choice of short breaks for carers and those they care for across Scotland.
The Better Breaks programme supports the development and delivery of short breaks projects and services for disabled children and young people and their carers and funds a wide range of short breaks projects and activities including holiday activity programmes, after school clubs, sports coaching, and youth groups.
Activities can be for children and young people, for their carers, or for families to enjoy together.
Short Breaks fund manager Ailbhe Hendry said: “The guiding principles of the programme include mutual benefit, personalisation, and targeted support. What this means in practice is that projects should make a positive difference to the lives of disabled children and young people and their carers; improving their quality of life and wellbeing, and supporting the caring relationship.
We also want to ensure that projects are targeted at those who need it most so we’re encouraging organisations of all shapes and sizes who provide short breaks for disabled children and young people and their carers to have a closer look at the Better Breaks programme, and to consider applying.”
The Better Breaks programme provides 12 month grants to third sector or voluntary organisations that can evidence how their activities benefit both disabled children and young people and their carers, by providing a break from their normal routine.
A total of around £1.2million is available and applications must be submitted by 17 November 2022.
