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. 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.

Referral Process

Click here - 5 step process
Click here - School Holiday Flyer

Respite Built Around Their Interests

Activities are selected in consultation with the participant and, where appropriate, their support network. Programs are tailored according to individual interests, abilities, support needs and goals.

Nature walks and exploring new places - beach, bush, lakes, waterfalls, swimming holes

  • Fishing

  • Outdoor experiences - shelter building, fire making

  • Cooking, baking and meal preparation

  • Rock climbing

  • Abseiling

  • Creative activities - wood work, beading, painting, clay

  • 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.

Small Groups & Personalised Support

1:1 or carefully matched pairs

We believe smaller groups can create more opportunities for genuine connection and individualised support. We pair young people together so they have the opportunity to make a friendship in a relaxed environment. We consider factors such as age, interests, support needs and compatibility when bringing participants together. For participants who would benefit from individual support, 1:1 respite options are also 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

Emotional Regulation & Resilience: Experiencing different environments and activities with appropriate support.

Community Participation: Connecti community, exploring new places and participating in meaningful activities.

Choice, Control & Person Centred Support: Giving children and young people opportunities to have input into their respite experience.

Accommodation

Depending on the program location and participant needs. House or cabin style accommodation.

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.

Areas we Service

Pick up from home from these locations:

  • Blue Mountains: Glenbrook, Blaxland, Springwood, Lawson, Wentworth Falls, Leura, Katoomba, Blackheath, Mount Victoria and surrounding areas.

  • Greater Sydney: Western Sydney, Northern Beaches, Sydney CBD, South Sydney and surrounding areas.

  • Lithgow & Central West: Lithgow, Bathurst and surrounding areas.

Safety & Individual Support

  1. Participant safety and wellbeing are central to the planning and delivery of our supports.

  2. Prior to respite, relevant information is gathered to understand the participant's individual support needs, communication preferences, health considerations, routines, risks and emergency requirements.

  3. Activities and environments are considered according to the participant's individual needs and abilities, with appropriate risk management and safety planning undertaken.

  4. Connect & Explore maintains policies and procedures relating to participant safety, incident management, emergency management, complaints, infection prevention, medication management and other relevant areas of service delivery

NDIS Price Guide

“Your heart knows the way. Run in that direction”

- Rumi