Launch of new Better Breaks funding

The Better Breaks programme provides grants to third sector and charitable organisations to develop and deliver short breaks and services for disabled children and young people (aged 20 and under), and their carers. 

A total of approximately £1million is available for the 2022-23 round of the Better Breaks funding programme. Grants are for one year and will be awarded in March 2022. The maximum grant award for incorporated organisations is £35,000, and for unincorporated organisations the maximum is £5,000. 

The Better Breaks programme funds a wide range of short breaks projects and activities. These can include breaks away (i.e. overnight stays, residential breaks), days out, and/or shorter regular activities and sessions. The activities can be for disabled children and young people, for their carers, or for families to enjoy together. 

Projects must be able to evidence how their activities will benefit both disabled children and young people and their carers, by providing a break from their normal routine. These breaks should increase opportunities for disabled children and young people to engage in activities they enjoy, give carers a break from their caring role, and improve wellbeing for all involved.   

The deadline for applications is 5pm on Thursday 18th November 2021.  

To help groups apply, the Short Breaks Fund team is running phone-in sessions and applicant support workshops on various dates in October. To sign up to one of these sessions and find further information about the fund, visit the Shared Care Scotland website.

Better Breaks is a funding programme of the Short Breaks Fund, operated by Shared Care Scotland on behalf of the National Carers Organisations and the Scottish Government.