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Breaks and support

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There are funding options available to unpaid carers in the Highlands to help provide much-needed breaks from their caring duties.

These funds support a wide range of activities, from short getaways to personal care treatments, helping carers recharge and maintain their wellbeing.

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Short breaks

Caring for someone can be rewarding but also tiring. A short break gives carers and cared-for people time away from their usual routine. It can be a few hours, a day, or longer. The goal is to support the carer's wellbeing and help them continue in their role.

Who can have a short break?

  • Unpaid carers: anyone who looks after a family member, friend, or neighbour due to illness, disability, mental health challenges, or substance use.
  • Cared-for people: those receiving care, including children, adults, or older people.

What types of short breaks are available?

  • Traditional respite: the cared-for person stays in a care home or residential facility.
  • Home-based support: a support worker looks after the cared-for person at home, allowing the carer time off.
  • Day care services: community-based day care with structured activities.
  • Activity groups and clubs: social groups for cared-for people while the carer takes a break.
  • Alternative and creative breaks: flexible breaks such as leisure activities, supported holidays or wellbeing grants.

How to access a short break

  1. Carer Support Plan (Adult or Young Carer Statement): this helps identify what kind of break would be beneficial.
  2. Eligibility criteria: support is based on need, not income. Carers can access universal services, and those with higher needs may be eligible for funded breaks.
  3. Self-Directed Support (SDS) options:
    1. Direct Payment: receive money to arrange your own break.
    2. Individual Service Fund: choose services, but funds are managed for you.
    3. Local authority arranges the service.
    4. A mix of the above options.

Emergency breaks

If a crisis arises, carers can access emergency support. Planning ahead with an emergency plan can help prevent stress in urgent situations.

Want to find out more about emergency support?

Costs and funding

  • Carers should not be charged for support provided to them.
  • Funding options include grants like the Time 2 Be Fund, Wee Treat Grant and Wellbeing Fund.
  • Some short breaks for the cared-for person may have costs.

Short Break Services Statement

Find out more about short breaks by reading our Short Break Services Statement:

This statement helps unpaid carers understand what short breaks are, who can access them, and how to arrange one. It provides information on the types of short breaks available in Highland and across Scotland for both carers and the people they care for.

Carer's Wellbeing Fund

NHS Highland offers a Carer’s Wellbeing Fund specifically to provide unpaid carers with a break from their caring responsibilities. Breaks from caring can be any form of support - for example, replacement care, a holiday, a gym membership or driving lessons.

What are the criteria?

  • Open to adult carers in Highland.
  • Carers do not need to receive Carer Support Payment (Carer’s Allowance) to apply.

Requirements

  • Carers can only apply once per year.
  • The funding is available every three months, and each period has a limited amount.
  • The application must clearly show how the funding will help the carer, not the person they care for.

How do I apply?

  • Applications need to come from a professional who can refer you.
  • Make sure all sections of the application are filled in correctly, including your bank details, and that it reflects the person’s needs.
  • The fund is open for applications every three months, with set deadlines.

Help

For help applying, you can contact any of the following professionals who can refer you:

Connecting Carers funds

Our Carer Centre Connecting Carers offers a wide range of additional respite support specifically to provide unpaid carers with a break from their caring responsibilities.

Get help

Navigating respite options can be confusing and overwhelming, but , Connecting Carers is here to help, guide, and support you every step of the way.

Find out more about the funding available.

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Time to be

This grant provides financial assistance to unpaid carers, enabling them to take a break and focus on their own well-being. It covers activities such as attending events, classes, or simply taking time off from caregiving responsibilities.

Short Breaks fund

This funding assists carers in accessing short breaks, allowing them to rest and rejuvenate. It can be used for various purposes, such as respite care services, holiday accommodations, or other activities that provide a temporary relief from caregiving responsibilities.

Wee treat fund

The Wee Treat Grant offers financial support for activities that promote relaxation and personal growth. This could include hobbies, sports, or social events that provide a respite from caregiving duties.

Unpaid carers

  • Unpaid carers

    NHS Highland recognise the essential role that unpaid carers play and wants to provide support to unpaid carers to li...

  • Rights and entitlements

    As an unpaid carer in Scotland, you may be eligible for a range of financial support to help with the costs of your c...

  • Breaks and support

    There are funding options available to unpaid carers in the Highlands to help provide much-needed breaks from their c...

  • Resources and guidance

    We partner with dedicated organisations like Connecting Carers, Mobilise, Change Mental Health and Partners In Advoca...

Adult Social Care

  • Support for individuals

    Our services are here to promote the health and well-being of individuals in Highland, and, where necessary, provide ...

  • Self-directed support

    Self-directed support is about assisting individuals who may need support to have maximum choice and control over how...

  • Appropriate Adult Service

    Support for Vulnerable Adults Involved in the Criminal Justice System in the Highland area

Last updated: 13 February 2025

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