Short breaks from caring

Short breaks from caring

If you’re a carer you may be able to take a short break from your caring role.

Short breaks can make a positive difference. Having a short break can help you sustain caring relationships and give you time to focus on your needs.

Short breaks under the Carers (Scotland) Act

When you get an adult carer support plan or young carer statement, your council must consider if your support should include a break from caring.

Read more information on your rights under the Carers Act

Types of short break

Respite or short break support and services can take many forms and funding can be used for many things.

Short breaks can include time to:

• experience new things
• catch up with friends
• rest and recharge
• enjoy personal interests, like a hobby or having a day out shopping

You can help decide how long or how regular your short break is. A break can be a:

• holiday
• day out
• overnight break
• regular hour to yourself
• one-off occasion

Breaks can be taken:

• with the person you care for with extra help
• on your own

Voluntary sector short breaks for carers

As well as support from your council, carers may be able to access a break through the Short Breaks Fund. Carers looking for short break options in their area can use Shared Care Scotland’s short breaks directory.

The Time to Live fund helps carers to access funds and support to help them take short breaks that meet their needs.

The Take a Break fund gives direct grants to carers and families of children and young people with disabilities to support personalised leisure activities or holiday breaks.

Respitality

Some local carer centres can help you access breaks that have been donated to carers.

These are breaks donated by local businesses, such as:

• hotels
• B&Bs
• restaurants
• other leisure providers

Find out more from Respitality.

Young Scot card

Young carers aged 11 to 18 can access extra discounts and opportunities through their Young Scot card. To sign up for access visit YoungScot.

Further information

For more information on planning short breaks, contact Shared Care Scotland direct on 01383 622462 or visit the Shared Care Scotland website, where they have a Short Break Planner.

You can also contact your local carer centre for help.