Respite/Short Breaks for Carers

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Looking after someone who has difficulties because of long-term illness, disability or old age, can be very demanding. If you would like to have a regular break but are worried about leaving your loved one on their own, social work services can help by providing a respite period or a short break.

To use this service, the person you are looking after must be over 16 or a disabled child, and they must need regular help with their personal and social care. There may be a charge, depending on the financial circumstances of the person you care for. These issues will be fully-discussed with you during the assessment process. There is no charge for assessment.

We have recently launched a Respite Bureau which will organise short stays away from home where you can enjoy a break from your normal routine. The bureau has been set up to make it easier and quicker for service users and carers to access the respite they need. Carers and service users who have had an assessment of their needs can contact the bureau directly.

For an assessment, you need to contact your local social work office and ask for an appointment to see a social worker. Details of your local social work offices are on the right hand menu.

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