Children and young people in Birmingham with complex medical and specialist needs are set to benefit from a series of action-packed short breaks provided by national deafblind charity, Sense. Sense’s Short Breaks programme has been developed in partnership with Birmingham City Council to give 27 children and young people up to three separate trips away from home over a one year period.

The series of breaks have been designed to offer disabled children in the area the chance to make new friends, increase their independence and try new activities, such as music workshops, outdoor trails and cookery classes. The trips away from home will also give their families the opportunity to catch up on day-to-day life and enjoy some respite from caring duties.

The trips, which will be partially staffed by volunteers from the local area, will take place in a variety of locations across the country and will be timed to coincide with school holidays.  Sense is still searching for more Birmingham based helpers to join the volunteering team and support future trips away.

Eleanor Coker, Holiday Operations Manager at Sense, said:

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be expanding Sense’s Short Breaks in the Birmingham and would love to hear from any volunteers in the area. We’ve organising breaks for people with complex disabilities for over 40 years and understand the benefits a trip away from home can have for the whole family. Feedback from the people we work with is that it’s often hard to find the short breaks for those with specialist needs, so we can’t wait to help those holidaying with us really make the most of their time off from school.”

John Freeman, Commissioning Manager from Birmingham City Council, said:

“We’re delighted to be working with Sense to deliver this new programme of Short Breaks for children and young people with complex needs. The programme will provide a great opportunity for the children taking part to develop choice, autonomy and independence, whilst having a fun and relaxing time. It will also offer much needed respite to families who may otherwise never have a break from caring.”

The charity is asking those who might be interested in helping children and young people with complex needs to make the most out of their school holidays to get in touch with their holidays and volunteering team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.