Short breaks are matched to meet the child's needs, interests and preferences and aim to provide:
- extra social opportunities for the child
- a break for the parents and child
- time for parents to spend with other children in the family
See our short breaks statement to find out who can access a short break, what is available at different levels of need, and how this can be accessed.
There are three different types of short breaks available:
Universal support
This is the support available to everyone through universal settings, such as, libraries, leisure centres, children and family hubs and social activities. The majority of children who require services will receive them through such resources. Information on local services is available on our children and family hub page.
Additional support
Some disabled children and young people with less complex needs will require additional support to access some universal services. Additional support is often short-term assistance to help access mainstream services such as youth groups, scouts, guides and sports clubs. This might include advice or training for providers or short-term additional support to enhance confidence and skills, if necessary.
For more information on additional support from your local early help consultant, please contact us.
Specialist support
For more information, see the disabled children and young people section.
Early Help District contact numbers
| Early Help West | 01609 534842 |
| Early Help Central | 01609 534829 |
| Early Help East | 01609 534852 |
Short break holiday opportunities for families
We offer 27 weeks of fully funded family holidays throughout 2026 in partnership with The Principle Trust Children’s Charity. These holidays are for families who are open to Early Help and who do not already receive a statutory short breaks service.
These breaks provide families with valuable time together, supporting wellbeing, connection and resilience.
Who can access these breaks?
To access these breaks families must:
- be open to North Yorkshire Early Help
- not already be receiving a statutory short breaks service
- not have accessed a Principle Trust holiday within the last three years
- have circumstances that mean a break could significantly benefit family wellbeing
Information sharing
The Principle Trust works with local authorities, social care services, schools, hospices and other charities who act as referring partners. Referrals require the sharing of relevant information to make sure the charity can identify and appropriately support the families who will benefit most from a respite break.
Families should be aware that:
- family information will be shared with The Principle Trust to enable a referral and booking - view The Principle Trust's privacy policy for details on how your personal information is used
- feedback after the holiday will also be required to support the charity’s monitoring and to help secure future funding
- your Early Help worker will talk you through what information is shared and why
Holiday locations and accommodation
Families may be offered one of the following holiday locations:
White Cross Bay – Lake District (wheelchair accessible)
The Principle Trust provides fully accessible lodges at White Cross Bay, adapted for children who have complex medical needs and physical disabilities.
Features include:
- wheelchair ramp access
- wider doorways
- a wet room
- profiling bed and electric hoist
The lodges sleep up to five people (one double room, one twin room, one single with profiling bed).
Primrose Valley – Filey (wheelchair adapted if needed)
A vibrant holiday park close to Filey beach, offering indoor/outdoor pools, activities and entertainment.
Marton Mere – Blackpool (not wheelchair accessible)
Families will stay in caravans which sleep up to six people (one double room and two twin rooms).
Note: these caravans are not wheelchair accessible.
School holiday availability and prioritisation
Dates falling within school holiday periods are limited. These weeks will be prioritised for:
- families with children in crucial school years, where attendance considerations may be especially important
If a term time break is offered and considered beneficial, The Principle Trust will provide a supporting letter for schools outlining the wellbeing value of the holiday.
How to be considered for a holiday
If you feel your family may benefit and you would like to be considered for one of the 27 available weeks, speak to your allocated Early Help worker who will discuss your family’s circumstances, eligibility and complete the referral where appropriate.