NDIS Short Term Respite for Children & Young People
School Holiday & Weekend Respite
Greater Sydney, Blue Mountains and Lithgow
Connect & Explore provides personalised NDIS Short Term Respite (STR) for children and young people, with school holiday and weekend respite available for families across Greater Sydney, Blue Mountains and Litghow. Our respite experiences are designed around each young person's individual interests, strengths, support needs and goals. With a focus on connection, exploration and meaningful experiences, we create opportunities for children and teens to build confidence, independence, social connections and everyday skills — while having fun and enjoying time away from their usual routine.
Weekend and School Holidays - Short Term Respite
Connect & Explore offers weekend and School Holiday NDIS respite. STR can provide an opportunity for children and teenagers to enjoy time away, participate in activities they genuinely enjoy, develop independence and experience something outside their normal weekly routine whilst giving their carer respite.
Programs may be 1:1 or small group, depending on the participant's needs, preferences, compatibility and availability.
Small Groups & Personalised Support
We believe smaller groups can create more opportunities for genuine connection and individualised support. When providing group respite, we consider factors such as age, interests, support needs and compatibility when bringing participants together. For young people who would benefit from individual support, 1:1 respite options may also be available.
Building Skills Through Real Experiences
Everyday experiences can provide natural opportunities to learn and grow. Depending on the participant's individual goals, respite may provide opportunities to develop:
Confidence
Trying new experiences and recognising what they are capable of.
Independence
Making choices, participating in daily routines and developing practical everyday skills.
Social Connection
Spending meaningful time with others and developing friendships through shared interests and experiences.
Emotional Regulation & Resilience
Experiencing different environments, challenges and activities with appropriate support.
Community Participation
Getting out into the community, exploring new places and participating in meaningful activities.
Choice & Control
Giving children and young people opportunities to have input into their activities and experiences.
Respite Built Around Their Interests
There is no single program that suits every child or young person. Tell us what they love.
Fishing? Animals? Art? Cooking? Rock climbing? Exploring? Nature? Adventure? Trying new things? Or simply having some space to relax?
We use their interests as a starting point to create a respite experience that feels meaningful and engaging.
Activities are selected according to participants' interests, abilities, support needs and individual goals:
Nature walks and exploring new places - eg: beach, bush, lakes, waterfalls, swimming holes
Fishing
Camping and outdoor experiences - eg: learning how to make a fire and build a shelter
Cooking and meal preparation
Canoeing or stand-up paddleboarding
Rock climbing and abseiling
Creative activities - wood work, jewelry making, crafts, painting
Visiting local attractions and communities eg: op shopping, scenic train rides
Animal spotting
Treasure hunts
Parks and play grounds
Building everyday living skills - eg: self care, mindfulness, cooking, preparing self for the day (packing day bag, lunch, snacks, clothing)
Activities based around your own interests.
You don't need to be adventurous to enjoy Connect & Explore. Your respite is shaped around you.
Accommodation
Depending on the program, accommodation may include cabins, glamping and other suitable accommodation selected for the needs of the participants attending. We want the accommodation to be part of the experience — somewhere participants can feel comfortable, relax and enjoy their time away.
Supporting Families & Carers
Short Term Respite can also provide parents and carers with a break from their usual caring responsibilities, knowing their child or young person is participating in a planned and supported experience. We take the time to understand the participant before their stay, including their routines, interests, communication, support needs and relevant goals.
Greater Sydney, Blue Mountains and Lithgow
Connect & Explore welcomes enquiries from families and NDIS participants living throughout Greater Sydney, Blue Mountains and Lithgow. Transport and pickup arrangements may be available depending on the participant, program and location. Contact us to discuss your location and upcoming respite availability.
Glenbrook up to Mount Victoria
Western Sydney, Northern beaches, Sydney CBD, South Sydney
Lithgow up to Bathurst
NDIS Funding & Referrals
NDIS funding may be available for eligible participants where Short Term Respite is appropriate to their individual plan, goals and funding. We welcome enquiries and referrals from:
Parents and carers
NDIS participants
Support Coordinators
Plan Managers
Allied health professionals
Other professionals supporting the participant
Find Out If Connect & Explore Is the Right Fit
Finding the right respite provider is about more than finding an available date.
We want to understand who your child is, what they enjoy, what support they need and what you would like them to gain from their experience.
Contact Connect & Explore to discuss upcoming school holiday and weekend Short Term Respite, availability and whether our approach is the right fit for your child or young person.
Phone: 0429 146 117
Email:connectandexplore@hotmail.com
“Your heart knows the way. Run in that direction”
- Rumi