SILHILLIANS with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are set to have access to more specialist activities.
The sessions will be held after school, in the evenings, at weekends and during school holidays and are being funded by Solihull Council and the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme.
From Easter 2026 to August 2027, 10 organisations will be offering 18 different activity programmes.
The sessions, which include non-contact boxing forest school, arts and crafts and youth groups, are designed for children and young people who may not be able to join mainstream activities because of their disability or support needs.
The aim is to give young people a chance to spend time away from home, enjoy themselves with friends and develop independence.
The Council say they do not require a social worker assessment to access and they sit alongside the Short Breaks activities already delivered by Social Life Opportunities (SoLO) on behalf of the Council.
Councillor Karen Grinsell, leader of Solihull Council, said: “We are delighted to be awarding these grants to these trusted providers, widening the choice of specialist activities. Giving children and young people with disabilities the opportunity to get involved in activities is so important and we know how valued it is by them and their parents/carers.
“These activities also offer families valuable time to rest, recharge and spend time with other family members. There will be a wide choice of enjoyable, safe and supportive activities so children and young people can have fun, make friends and try new things.
“Thanks to Solihull Parent Carer Voice for collaborating with us throughout the grant award process, we were aware at all times of the importance of listening to children, young people, and families about what they need from these programmes.”
Activities will be subsidised by Solihull Council and will be provided at reduced cost for families.
Free, fully funded places will be available for children who receive free school meals during the school holidays.
Details of each Short Breaks project will be added to the Specialist Activities section of the Family Information Service (FIS) Directory by the end of the month, and families can book directly with their chosen provider.
Details of each project will be added to the Specialist Activities section of the FIS Directory by the end of the month and families can book directly with their chosen provider.
