During the development of the Short Breaks Commissioning Strategy 2021-2026 families told us that they want more choice of locally based services and better access and inclusion embedded in community-based clubs and activities.
In April 2024, Short Breaks launched the Mainstream Inclusion Fund and awarded funding to 12 organisations to enable them to be inclusive for children and young people with SEND.
The fund highlighted the need for capital funding for larger projects. Essex Short Breaks are now launching the 2024/25 Capital Funding. This funding is open to any Essex organisation looking to improve access to community settings for children and young people with SEND.
Funding is available in two lots. Lot 1 is for Essex organisations wanting to purchase specialist equipment and/or adaptations to the premise to enable access to clubs and activities for children and young people with SEND. Organisations can apply for a minimum of £10,000 to a maximum of £40,000 and this is for capital spend only.
Lot 2 is for Essex organisations seeking to install a Changing Place in a publicly accessible space, which meets minimum Changing Places Standards. There is a budget of £133,000 available and we anticipate 2-3 projects will be funded.
Organisations can apply for funding for Lot 1, Lot 2 or both.
Applications close on 13th October 2024. Please email Shortbreaks@essex.gov.uk for more information, fund guidance and an Application Pack.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Do I have to apply for both lots of funding?
No- you can apply for Lot 1, lot 2 or both.
2. When do applications close?
13th October 2024.
3. When will I find out if I have been successful?
Award notification is on 15th November 2024 and you will be informed either way.
4. What happens if I am successful for one lot of funding and not the other?
Each lot of funding will be marked separately. You may be successful for one lot of funding, both lots or none.
5. Can I use the capital funding for revenue items, such as staffing?
No, funding is only available for capital purchases such as capital equipment, premise adaptions and/or a Changing Places.
6. What is a Changing Places?
A standard accessible WC is not a Changing Place. Changing Places are designed for people who need additional space, equipment and a carer which is not possible within the space of a standard accessible toilet.
This funding can only be used for the design and installation of an Official Changing Place. The design and installation must meet minimum Changing Places Standards to be included on the Official Changing Places Map:
https://www.changing-places.org/news/view/changing-places-standards-1
7. How much funding is available for a Changing Places?
There is a budget of £133,000 for Changing places and Essex Short Breaks anticipates this will be enough to fund two to three Changing Places.
8. Do I have to be a specialist SEND organisation to apply?
No, funding is available to any Essex Organisation wanting to provide inclusive accessing to children and young people with SEND.
9. I would like my Changing Places to be for private use for my organisation and not for public access. Can I do this?
No, the changing Places must be publicly accessible.
10. How long does the contract run for?
The contract agreement signing is 22nd November 2024. Funding should be spent in the financial year 2024/25. However, where a project is not able to be delivered within this timescale, the bid should set out clear milestones and end date for delivery. Projects that can be complete within the financial year will be prioritised.