Breaks-Away Respite Services

Breaks-Away Respite Services (BARS) provides person-centred day trips, short breaks and holidays for adults with disabilities. The activities are funded by personal budgets or direct payments and provide families with respite from their caring roles. With their service, adults can choose where they would like to go and for how long. They can go with existing friends or alone (as an opportunity to make new friends).

BARS has provided opportunities for individuals and small groups to try new and exciting activities while enhancing social and independence skills. Previous destinations have included Centre Parcs, Potter's Holiday Resort, Disneyland Paris, zoos and safari parks, museums, theatres, musicals, and much more.

BARS actively encourages service users to offer suggestions for activities/breaks, thus creating an atmosphere of inclusivity and responsibility. Any activity deemed safe and suitable is then advertised on the company website, Facebook page, or via direct contact with parents/carers.

A home visit is always carried out with a new service user before they take part in any activity. This is to confirm that BARS can meet all of their needs and to ensure that the safety and welfare of the new service user is maintained as the company's number one priority. BARS hold regular social activities and 'get to know you' sessions' at local venues. This allows new service users and their parents/carers to meet the BARS team and existing clientele to ask questions, share information, and have fun in a safe and supportive environment.

BARS has acquired a modern, adapted static caravan suitable for wheelchair users and those with mobility needs. The caravan is located near Scarborough and Whitby. It can either be booked as a respite break or hired by families for their own holiday, regardless of age or needs.