Play & Care

Play & Care is a  1-to-1 service that offers short breaks for Camden-based children and young people with disabilities, aged 5-17 years. The service is designed to give children and young people exciting new experiences in a safe and nurturing environment, while giving their parents and carers a break.

Our staff are caring, highly experienced and qualified. Each team member has an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and has completed a comprehensive training programme which covers safeguarding, working with parents/carers, disability awareness, manual handling, managing challenging behaviour, alternative communication techniques and personal care.

What Support is Available?

A wide range of activities is available and includes personal, social, emotional and intellectual care. The service focusses primarily on play opportunities, which may include sensory play, arts and crafts, physical play and trips and visits to places of interest.

Sessions are available on weekdays after school hours, with the possibility of weekend sessions, subject to availability.

Case Study

Brendon (aged 9) has been diagnosed with Autism. He needs adult support to help him access activities in and out of the home, and to manage his behaviours so that he can enjoy these activities safely. Brendon has been attending PACE’s Play and Care service for over a year. He has built up a very good relationship with his keyworker, who takes him out twice a week. 

Read Brendon's Story

For Parents and Carers: How to Access Our Service

Places at our Play and Care Service are allocated to eligible parents by Camden CYPDS (Children and Young People Disability Service) following a Short Breaks Panel meeting.

In order to apply for Short Breaks, you will need to fill in a a Self-Assessment Referral Tool (SART) Form (a professional such as a social worker, health professional or school SENCo can help you with this if required). You should then send the completed form alongside an annual review/clinical letter from a health professional or school to [email protected].  Once Camden Council has received your SART form, they will consider your eligibility for Short Breaks, this will include liaising with professionals stated on the form.

If you are already confirmed as eligible for Short Breaks and are interested in accessing our services, please speak to your allocated social worker or Camden Children and Young People with Disabilities Service Duty Officer.

If you would like help with the referral process, or a consultation regarding your child’s needs and eligibility call Camden Children and Young People with Disabilities Service Duty Officer:

Tel: 0207 974 3597

Email: [email protected]

If you are referred to our service, we will then discuss the needs of your child or young person with you and your referring social worker and arrange for the service to start. 

Information for referring Professionals

If you would like to refer a child or young person to our Play & Care service, please visit:

Short Breaks Referrals

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