Our short breaks service is more than just a lifeline for families across the North East – it’s a looked-forward-to destination for everyone who stays with us.

We put your loved ones at the centre of our planning at New Warlands Farm, with bespoke packages to make sure they get the most out of every visit, from taking part in activities they enjoy, to gaining independence and making new friends.

Based in the Durham countryside, our short breaks service has six modern, spacious lodges, which are purpose built to be comfortable and accommodating for adults with different sensory and physical needs.

Families say:

The place is absolutely brilliant. I don't know what I would do without them.

We offer a safe, effective and caring service for autistic and neurodivergent adults aged 18 or older, as well as transitionary breaks for young people aged 16-18 who are moving from children’s to adult’s services.

At Short Breaks, we aim to:

• Make a positive difference to the life of the autistic individual as well as the lives of their family members.

• Offer enjoyable and educational activities which meet with the person's individual preferences.

• Provide a family centred service developed with the input from family members. 

Our dedicated staff support visitors to take ownership of their break and choose the activities they most want to do during their stay.

Our Short Breaks service is registered and inspected by the Care Quality Commission and is rated ‘good’. The latest CQC report says:

People received compassionate and empowering care that was tailored to their needs. Staff placed people's wishes, needs and rights at the heart of everything they did.

See our CQC inspection reports

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