Creating Space for Fun, Connection and Rest
We know that caring for a disabled child can be a full-time job—one that comes with love, pride, and joy, but also with exhaustion, isolation, and a lack of time to just be. That’s why we’re so excited to launch our brand-new project, Better Breaks, funded by Shared Care Scotland.
This project is all about giving families what they’ve told us they need: more opportunities to have fun together, more inclusive activities for their children, and—crucially—more chances for carers to take a breather.
Why Better Breaks?
We’ve been listening closely to parent carers, and the message is clear: there just aren’t enough inclusive, accessible activities for families to enjoy together. Many parents told us they struggle to find physical activity opportunities that suit their child’s needs, and that social isolation is a real challenge.
Better Breaks is our response. It’s a programme designed to bring families together, offer new experiences, and give carers a bit of time back for themselves. Whether it’s bouncing at Innoflate, building with LEGO, or enjoying a coach trip to the seaside, we’re creating moments that matter—for the whole family.
What’s On Offer?
We’ve built a varied programme so families can choose what suits them best:
Activity Sessions with Xcite: These weekly sessions are just for disabled children, giving parent carers a two-hour break. We’re piloting this with Xcite and co-producing the sessions with families to include everything from team games and swimming to creative thinking and life skills. Four blocks will run, including one specifically for African families.
Innoflate Sessions: Imagine two hours of exclusive access to a giant inflatable playground! These monthly sessions are for disabled children, their siblings, and parent carers. Parents can join in or relax with a coffee while the kids play. We’re also running extra sessions for Chinese and African families.
LEGO, Sensory, and Sports Sessions: These monthly sessions (with extras during school holidays) are open to the whole family. They’re a chance to play, explore, and connect in a relaxed, inclusive environment.
Coach Trips: We’re planning three summer day trips—to North Berwick, Blair Drummond Safari Park, and the Kelpies & Helix Park. Travel is by coach, and the whole family is welcome.
Family Passes: We’re offering free access to local attractions like Five Sisters Zoo and Almond Valley Heritage Centre—perfect for spontaneous family days out.
More Than Just Activities
Better Breaks isn’t just about fun (though there’ll be plenty of that!). It’s also about support. We’ll be on hand at sessions to offer 1:1 advice, signposting, and peer support. New carers will be offered income maximisation checks and help accessing Adult Carer Support Plans.
We know many parent carers don’t see themselves as carers—they see themselves as parents doing what needs to be done. But we believe that by supporting their children, we can help parents start to think about their own wellbeing too.
Better Breaks is about creating space—for joy, for rest, and for connection. We can’t wait to get started.