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Short Breaks & Respite Care

Respite care and short breaks services for disabled children and their families in Kent. Gives parents and carers a break while children enjoy activities.

What are short breaks? Short breaks give parents and carers a break from the demands of caring for a disabled child. They can be day activities, after-school clubs, overnight stays, or holiday clubs. You're entitled to short breaks if your child has a disability β€” speak to your social worker or Kent's Family Hub.

5 services listed Β· Last reviewed βœ“ Verified Feb 2026

We Are Beams β€” Short Breaks Service
πŸ“ Kent 🏠 Charity 🀸 Activities βœ“ Verified Feb 2026

Kent-based charity providing a wide range of short breaks for disabled children and young people up to age 25. Includes leisure activities, holiday clubs, after-school clubs, and weekend activities. Also offers Dragons Retreat β€” a respite unit providing overnight stays for children and young people with disabilities up to age 18.

πŸ“ Kent-wide πŸ‘Άβ€“πŸ§‘ Ages: 0–25 πŸ”— Referral via social services or self-refer
Kent Community Health NHS β€” Children's Home-based Short Breaks Team
πŸ“ Kent πŸ₯ NHS πŸ†“ Free βœ“ Verified Feb 2026

NHS service offering short breaks to give respite to children with complex health needs and their families. Provides short break sessions of up to three hours, delivered five days a week from 9am to 5pm. Staff come to your home to care for your child, giving you a break.

πŸ“ Kent-wide πŸ‘Ά Ages: 0–18 (complex health needs) πŸ”— Referral via health professional
Dragons Retreat β€” We Are Beams
πŸ“ Kent 🏠 Overnight πŸ›οΈ Respite βœ“ Verified Feb 2026

A respite unit providing overnight care as a short break for children and young people with disabilities up to age 18. Gives parents a full night or weekend break while their child stays in a safe, supported environment with trained staff. Part of We Are Beams charity.

πŸ“ Kent πŸ‘Άβ€“πŸŽ“ Ages: 0–18 πŸ”— Referral via social services
Mencap β€” Short Breaks
πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ National 🏠 Charity 🀸 Activities βœ“ Verified Feb 2026

National charity with services in Kent offering short breaks for people with learning disabilities and their families. Provides activities, day services, and overnight breaks. Search Mencap's directory for local Kent services and branches. Also provides advice on your right to short breaks under the Care Act.

πŸ“ National (including Kent) πŸ‘Άβ€“πŸ§‘ Ages: All πŸ”“ Self-referral
Space 2 Be Me β€” Clubs & Family Support
πŸ“ Kent 🏠 Charity 🀸 Activities βœ“ Verified Feb 2026

Kent charity running a range of clubs for disabled children and young people aged 6–25, including autism, ADHD, and PDA support. Clubs provide activities and social opportunities, giving parents a break. Also offers family support and parent/carer support groups (Space 2 Talk).

πŸ“ Kent πŸ‘Άβ€“πŸ§‘ Ages: 6–25 πŸ”“ Self-referral / open access

How to access short breaks in Kent

  • Via your social worker β€” If your child has a social worker, ask them about short breaks as part of your child's care plan.
  • Via Kent Family Hub β€” Contact your local Family Hub to discuss support options. Find your nearest Family Hub on Kent.gov β†—
  • Direct to providers β€” Many providers (like We Are Beams and Space 2 Be Me) accept self-referrals β€” you don't need a social worker.
  • Direct Payments β€” You may be able to use Direct Payments to arrange your own short breaks. Speak to your social worker or KCC's Direct Payments team.

Know a respite service we've missed?

We're always adding to this list. Suggestions welcome.

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