Short breaks and services for children with disabilities

We offer a range of services to help you and your child inside and outside the home. We will look at whether or not your child is eligible for these services and which ones will best suit your child’s needs.

By providing a robust short breaks offer we aim to achieve the following:

  • Children and young people with a disability have opportunities to enhance their social networks and friendships
  • Children and young people with a disability have opportunities to enjoy themselves, have new experiences and fulfil their potential
  • Parents have opportunities to have a break from their caring role
  • Parents feel confident that the people providing the short breaks can meet their child’s needs
  • Parents are better able to manage the issues associated with caring for a child or young person with a disability.

What services are available?

The following services are provided by Wigan Council either directly or via a commissioned provider to deliver on our behalf.

We require that all staff be appropriately trained and have an up to date Disclosure and Barring Service check in place to ensure that young people in Wigan are supported safely and effectively by whichever service they choose to access.

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.

The A World UK CIC - Supporting the Autistic Community

The A World UK provides families with fully funded holidays to Blackpool Marten Mere and therapeutic horse riding / care activities. Recipients must have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and live in Wigan borough to access these services. The holiday accommodation does not currently have wheelchair access.

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 each Wednesday 4pm – 7pm at The Zone, Robin Park Leisure Centre, Loire Drive, WN5 0UH.

To book a place please contact 01942 486826 or email inclusivefutures@wigan.gov.uk.

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 info@brighterdayz.co.uk 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:

© Wigan Council