The 2027-28 Activities Unlimited Service Investment Grants is now open. These grants are intended to support the delivery of Short Break activities for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) across Suffolk.
To ensure all applications are given full and fair consideration, the deadline for submission is midnight on Sunday 25 October 2026. Applications received after this time, or those found to be incomplete or lacking required supporting documentation, will not be considered.
All applications will be assessed by a multidisciplinary panel comprising Suffolk County Council representatives, parents/carers, and other key stakeholders. Funding decisions will be based on a range of criteria, including:
- Historical levels of customer engagement and uptake
- Unit pricing and overall value for money
- Geographical reach and accessibility of provision
- Responsiveness to the identified needs and preferences of children, young people, and their families
- Alignment with the strategic priorities outlined in the Activities Unlimited “I am Strategy” document
We are committed to ensuring equitable access to Short Break provision across the county and will prioritise proposals that demonstrate best value and responsiveness to the diverse needs of our SEND community.
Safeguarding Requirements
Successful applicants will be required to complete a Safeguarding Self-Assessment. This will be issued following the panel’s review. If you have previously completed a safeguarding assessment for another Suffolk County Council department, please share your existing submission with us.
Application Resources
The application form, guidance notes, and the Activities Unlimited service development strategy are available on the Local Offer website. We encourage you to review these documents carefully before submitting your application.
Key Dates for Your Planning:
- Tuesday 15 September 2026 – Application window opens
- Sunday 25 October 2026 (midnight) – Application window closes
- 9 - 10 December 2026 – Grant Panel convenes to review applications
- By Friday 1 January 2027 – all applications notified of panel outcome.
- Friday 29 January 2027 – Deadline for Safeguarding Self-Assessment submission
- January to March 2027 – Finalisation of delivery plans and issuance of formal Grant Agreements
Should you have any questions or require assistance with the application process, please do not hesitate to contact the Activities Unlimited team by emailing auprovision@suffolk.gov.uk
We look forward to receiving your application and to working collaboratively to enhance opportunities for children and young people with SEND in Suffolk.
Useful Documents:
Grant Letter Inviting Applications