During the development of the Short Breaks Commissioning Strategy 2021-2026 families told us that their children were not always able to access clubs and activities in their local communities, and that being able to would improve access and inclusion for their children.
To respond to this demand, Essex Short Breaks launched the Mainstream Inclusion Fund in April 2024 with the aim to enable access to clubs and activities in mainstream settings for children and young people with SEND. This offer runs alongside our existing Short Breaks Community Clubs and Activities offer.
£150,000 was granted for this fund and organisations could apply for a minimum of £500 upto a maximum of £40,000.
ECC received 39 applications and we are pleased to announce that 12 organisations were successfully awarded funding:
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Organisation name |
District (s) |
Purpose of funding |
Organisation website |
Contact |
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Active Academy |
Canvey Island, Castle Point |
To fund a quiet area for children and young people who have noise sensitivity. |
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Epping Forest District Museum |
Epping Forest |
To fund sensory equipment to be more inclusive for children and young people with SEND to visit the museum. |
https://www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/museum/
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Essex Professional Coaching |
Colchester |
To fund sensory equipment and 1:1 support for children and young people with SEND to participate in their existing programmes. |
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Chatty Boxx |
Chelmsford |
To provide equipment for children and young people with SEND to communicate their needs with clubs and activities as well as educating local clubs and activities on communication. |
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Mega Camps |
Chelmsford/ Billericay/ Colchester |
To purchase SEND specific equipment and staff training to extend their offer of holiday camps to children and young people that couldn’t attend before. |
0333 012 4378 |
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Essex Outdoors |
Maldon/Chelmsford/ Harlow/Colchester |
To purchase adapted equipment for a range of needs and Autism training for staff. |
https://www.essexoutdoors.com/
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The Holiday Club |
Tendring |
To fund sensory equipment for a sensory area and a SEND leader to enable more children with SEND to join their clubs and activities. |
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Wheels for All |
Colchester/Tendring |
To fund inclusive cycling lessons. |
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Blackwater Gymnastics Club |
Maldon |
To fund gymnastic sessions with an Occupational Therapist.
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UTurn4Support |
Tendring |
To fund a more accessible programme of sports-based activities. |
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Family Activities Community Engagement Support UK (FACESUK) CIC |
Tendring |
To match fund a classroom with a sensory corner for children and young people who need a quiet environment and a SEND facilitator. |
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Premier Education |
Basildon |
The fund will be used to provide staff training, so they have better awareness and ability to facilitate clubs and activities with children with a variety of needs.
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