About Short Breaks

Short Breaks – which used to be called SNIPS – is a unique, person-centred service for children with a learning disability in Sheffield. We know that family life can be demanding and so, we provide a short break for parents, carers and siblings who have the comfort of knowing that their child is doing activities they enjoy in a safe and secure environment.

Short Breaks at Norfolk Lodge are multi-activity clubs that run on Saturdays and on allocated days during the school holidays. Clubs offer sports, cooking, arts and crafts, music and sensory play. Short Breaks run at Norfolk Lodge which is a fully accessible, safe and secure building with Changing Places facilities. During break times we offer drinks, fruit, toast and crumpets and children queue up and ask for their snack and drink. This activity also supports and develops communication and social interaction.

All clubs are well-staffed with experienced team members and we also offer one-to-one support where required.

Parents, carers & families

Short Breaks give parents, carers and families a little well-deserved respite. Children are dropped off and left under the supervision of our well-trained staff and then collected at the end of the session.

Meet the team

Beth Naylor
Beth NaylorShort Breaks Team Leader
Aaron Frith
Aaron FrithShort Breaks Team Leader
Briget Hayes
Briget HayesShort Breaks Support Worker
Ellycia Phillips
Ellycia PhillipsShort Breaks Support Worker
Mishti Ball
Mishti BallShort Breaks Support Worker
Hartley ‘Aitch’ Forte
Hartley ‘Aitch’ ForteShort Breaks Support Worker

When does it run?

  • Delivery dates: Saturday mornings in term time only and allocated days during the school holidays
  • Time: 1pm-6pm Saturdays and 10am-3pm School holidays
  • Venue: Norfolk Lodge
  • Cost: £7 per session for 12 child or £10 per session if multiple children access the service. This is charged per term and has been implemented by Sheffield City Council. For more information on charges please contact Sheffield City Council Short Breaks mentor on 0114 273 4017

What people think about this service

Criteria

  • Age: 8-17
  • Abilities: We provide 1-1 support and support all care needs.

Short Breaks cannot be accessed directly through Sheffield Mencap & Gateway as placements can only be allocated with a referral from Sheffield City Council. For more information please contact the Shorts Breaks Playcare Mentor at the Council on 0114 273 4017.

Please see https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/home/social-care/short-breaks for further information.

Activities to do at home

During lockdown our staff stayed connected to our members by sending out personalised packs and creating videos for the children to watch at home: