Carer breaks, holidays and respite

Advice from Carers UK

If you're looking to plan a break with professional support in place, it can be hard to know what your options are and where to start. As we know, there is no one shoe-fits-all approach, but it's more often a case of finding out what's available and what would work for you.

There are organisations that can help cater for you both. Many specialise in arranging suitable equipment and technology and can provide assistance to anyone with physical or mental disabilities.

Taking a break factsheet from Carers UK (PDF) [1MB]

Carefree breaks

Carefree transforms vacant accommodation into vital breaks for unpaid carers.

Read a book, go for a walk, or simply catch up on some sleep. Whatever you choose to do, you'll return home with a whole new outlook on things, refreshed and rejuvenated.

Accommodation

Thanks to the generosity of their Hospitality Partners, they are able to offer short breaks at minimal cost for full-time unpaid carers in need of some time off. There are two options:

Hotel - 1-3 nights with 1 companion (adult or child), twin or double room and breakfast included
Holiday Cottage - 7 nights with 1 adult companion and/or up to 2 children, self-catering

Cost

There is no charge for the accommodation but you are responsible for all other costs (transport, food, travel insurance etc.) and there's a £25 admin fee to help with the cost of operating their charity.

The short breaks initiative is specifically designed to give carers some time away from their caring responsibilities. You are welcome to take a companion with you but not the person that you care for. If you can't go away for more than one night, that's OK. If you want to travel alone, that's fine too.

Eligibility

To qualify for a break you must be:

Aged 21 or over
Full-time unpaid carer (30+ hours per week)
Able to arrange interim care
Able to pay for extras (admin fee, transport, food, travel insurance etc.)

Only one carer per household can sign up with Carefree, so if you and your partner both care for your child, only one of you should self-refer. (You will however, be able to bring a guest, which could be your partner, along with you to your break).

To find out more, please email caringforcarers@improvinglivesplymouth.org.uk or visit the Carefree website directly to make a booking.