Children and young adults with special educational needs and disabilities will benefit from a £1 million government funding boost.
Southwark Council has secured the package from the Department for Education. It will fund ‘short breaks’ – activities for young disabled people which give carers a much-needed break.
They allow children to develop important activities and make new friends. The activities will take place from April 1 to 2023 to March 31 2024.
Councillor Evelyn Akoto, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive and experience the joy of childhood, regardless of their unique abilities.
“This latest funding injection supports our commitment to enriching the lives of families with children with special educational needs and, where possible, providing periodical respite to their parents and careers who fully commit themselves to their wellbeing.”
The council will deliver the activities alongside local organisations such as the Cherry Garden School, Bede House, Southwark Independent Voice and Southwark’s Children and Family Centres.
Sessions include free stay-and-play sessions which allow different families to connect with each other, creating a network of support for children with autism and behavioural or communication challenges.
There will also be more support sessions during school holidays and weekends, new special interest clubs for those aged sixteen to 25 and improved leisure services.
Further information about the activities available will be published on Southwark’s Local Offer website over the coming months.