Children’s health short breaks

Our service provides planned, time‑limited short breaks for children and young people with complex health needs. These breaks are designed to support families in their caring role, while ensuring children continue to receive safe, high‑quality care.

We recognise that caring for a child with complex needs can be demanding. Health Short Breaks provide families with time to rest and recharge, while children can also enjoy time doing other things in a safe and supportive environment. Care is delivered by a team with the skills and experience to manage complex health needs and is planned and reviewed regularly to ensure it remains appropriate.

Who’s it for?

Health short breaks in Leeds support children and young people aged 0 to 17 years with complex health needs who require a significant level of nursing care.

The service is available for children who:

• are registered with a Leeds GP, or live within Leeds
• have been assessed as meeting the health short breaks eligibility criteria

Eligibility and level of support are agreed through a multi‑agency assessment and panel process, based on the child’s individual needs.

What we offer

Our service provides planned, time‑limited short breaks in the family home, delivered by trained nurses and healthcare support workers.

Support is tailored to each child and may include:

• Providing safe nursing care, including medication, feeds, and support for children with complex epilepsy and associated medical needs
• Monitoring a child’s health and responding to changes in their condition
• Supporting comfort, safety and daily routines
• Providing reassurance and practical support to families
• Supporting children to take part in play, activities and social interaction, helping create positive and enjoyable experiences

Short breaks are designed to:

• support the child’s healthcare needs
• promote socialisation, play and new experiences
• provide families with time to rest and maintain their own wellbeing

The amount and timing of support are agreed following assessment and varies with the age of the child. Care is reviewed regularly to ensure it continues to meet the child’s needs.

Where children access overnight or residential short breaks at Hannah House, home‑based hours may be adjusted to ensure support is provided appropriately across services

How we work?

We work closely with families, carers and professionals to provide safe, planned and reliable short breaks.

Our team:

• communicates clearly with families before, during and after each short break
• works alongside other services to ensure care is consistent
• provides care that reflects each child or young person’s individual needs and preferences
• supports families to feel confident and reassured while their child is in our care

We aim to provide continuity wherever possible, with a focus on safety, consistency and positive experiences for children and young people.

Referral information

Referrals to children’s health short breaks are made by health or social care professionals for children and young people who meet the service criteria.

• Children must be aged 3 to 17 years, registered with a Leeds GP, and have complex health needs requiring significant daily nursing care
• Referrals are based on an assessment of need and supporting information from the professionals involved

Families cannot self‑refer. Parents and carers who would like to explore Health Short Breaks should speak with their child’s health or social care professional.