Summer outings in Kent for disabled children with KCC and Imago

An action-packed programme of activities for disabled children or those with additional needs is being part-funded by a council this summer.

Kent County Council's Disabled Children's Services is subsidising an array of adventures as part of its Short Breaks Programme in conjunction with the charity Imago.

From trips to the beach and outings to Dreamland to visits to the Imperial War Museum and swimming pools - the short breaks will give parents and carers an opportunity to rest whilst enabling young people with disabilities to enjoy safe, fun and interesting summer adventures.

Trips will be tailored to age - with children aged eight to 15 enjoying different activities to those offered to teens up to the age of 19.

The Imago Short Breaks Activity Programme is available to young people who are aged 19 and under, Kent residents and who have a 'significant disability that prevents or hinders them from making use of activities generally provided for others of the same age'.

All Imago events are subsidised by KCC and will cost £15.

Mark Walker, assistant director for disabled children and young people said: “We all need a break sometimes and carers of children with disabilities or additional needs are no exception.

“As a council we are committed to supporting carers and ensuring Kent is a friendly and accessible place to live, both for carers and people with additional needs. For more information about the support available, search for ‘support for carers’ on the kent.gov.uk web page.”

Trips to an outdoor activity centre, The Turner Contemporary, the Spitfire Museum, trampolining, adventure golf, indoor climbing and Kent Life are also amongst the outings available to book for July and August.

For eligibility details and referral information families can visit www.imago.community.com or call 0300 111 1110.

Other charities and organisations supporting disabled people during the holidays and running summer activities include:

• Maidstone Mencap and the charity Pegasus which is also running summer activity programs. For more information click here.
• Toad on the Road, a multi-sensory theatre experience for children with disabilities, will be performing in Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells and Chatham through July and August. More information here.
• Bore Place in Chiddingstone is running a short breaks holiday club for children with additional needs aged 8-17 during August. Activities include cooking, environmental arts, recycled art, den building, pond dipping, forest activities and gardening. There are also shorter activity mornings for the whole family. Learn more here.