As part of its Short Breaks provision, Gateshead Council commissions a specialist short breaks scheme for children and young people with autism and associated learning disabilities / challenging behaviours. This scheme is called FACETS (Families and Children Empowered Through Specialist Support). The scheme includes support during all school holidays (except Christmas) and runs from 9.30am – 3.30pm (Monday – Friday).
The service has high staffing ratios and all staff are experienced practitioners with knowledge of autism and associated behaviours to respond to individual circumstances. The activities are community based and aim to give young people access to positive experiences, being healthy and active.
The scheme is currently based at Tyne View Complex from where a range of activities are accessed.