Aiming High

The Aiming High for Disabled Children programme is expanding the range and quality of short breaks available to Southampton children with disabilities.

Short breaks allow disabled children and young people to experience life away from their parents and build new relationships, become familiar with different environments and join in positive activities. They also provide a necessary and valuable opportunity for primary carers (usually but not always, parents) to have a break from their caring responsibilities and to recharge their batteries.

A short break may include day, evening, overnight or weekend activities and could take place at home, at an approved carer’s home or in a community or residential setting. It can also mean supporting parents in their caring role so that the whole family can enjoy activities together.

Our Vision

Southampton City Council and Southampton City Primary Care Trust are working together to develop a wider and more varied range of short breaks which will:

• Give children and young people opportunities to make friends, enjoy social activities and take part in new experiences

• Improve access for those groups who have found it difficult to get short breaks until now

• Make sure children and young people with disabilities have access to universal services and activities