Short breaks in Hertfordshire
One of the difficulties facing parents and carers with SEND children and young people during the COVID-19 lockdown has been that attending actual short break activities as usual has not been possible.
However, providers are displaying some most creative ways of supporting families and still 'bringing the activities to them'.
What are short breaks?
The short breaks local offer (SBLO) is provided for families with children and young people with SEND, to give them the chance to spend time out with others socialising and doing fun activities. This gives the vulnerable families a break with the knowledge that their child is safe and well supported by a trained worker. Normally, activities range from play and leisure activities provided through community groups to overnight adventure activities such as camping. They include both holidays and weekend clubs.
Today however, with the social distancing measures we are all adhering to, most of these activities had to be suspended. This may pose an increased risk of social isolation for vulnerable children and families so these are the times where our most vulnerable people in social care need more support.
SBLO providers have not let them down. We have seen tremendous efforts deployed by many sectors to ensure people stay safe and well and our SBLO providers have gone the extra mile. They are working hard to bring a new virtual offer to families and to make sure that children can still enjoy meaningful activities and have fun in their own home.
Follow the links below to see what some of our providers and families have been doing
Please note:
Applications for SBLO via the HCC SBLO portal have been suspended because SBLO providers are unable to safely run SBLO Holiday clubs and activities due during these current circumstances. To access the providers' alternative online or telephone offers, please contact them directly, or follow their social media accounts. These activities are free so no prior booking via the SBLO website is required.