Short Breaks

Looking after children is hard work, especially if they have additional needs or a learning disability, so taking a short break can help parents and carers to feel refreshed. It can be easier to keep going if you have had some time away to go out with your partner of friends.

Take a Break is open to families who live in the London Borough of Barnet with a child or young person aged 0-19 with Autistic Spectrum conditions, those with learning disabilities and behaviours that challenge or those that have complex health needs, or who receive DLA care at the middle rate or higher. Some of these young people may have additional disabilities and health needs, but this is not a nursing service.

Breaks can be arranged at a time to suit you - evenings and weekends are available as well as daytime breaks. Once you and Barnet Mencap have agreed the support needed, emergency support may be available at short notice.

All our staff are experienced and trained in working with children and young people with learning disabilities and they have all been DBS checked. We take great care in matching workers with families to try and meet any special needs and wishes you or your child might have.

The Short Breaks Service received the CQC rating 'Good'. To view our latest CQC inspection report, for May 2019, please click here.

To view our profile on the CQC website, please click here.

How it works
The service is free for families but does not include travel, food or entry ticket costs.

What is a referral?
Referrals come to Barnet Mencap via Children's Services, but parents and carers can request their own referral by calling Barnet's Short Breaks Team on 020 8359 3353  or Barnet Mencap’s Short Breaks team on 020 8349 3842.