Having a break

Having a break from caring is vital. Whether it’s just an hour’s peace to read a book, a regular afternoon to go out with friends or a two-week holiday (with or without the person you care for), you need time off from your caring role, and time to do something for yourself.

If the person you care for already receives support from Social Care services, their package should include support so that you can have a break. Contact Social Care on (01803) 219700 for more details.

If you know the sort of break you want, then contact Signposts for Carers. They have information about all services and sources of support to enable you to get a break.

If you want to talk your options through in more detail, contact your Carer Support Worker at your GP practice or Carers Aid Torbay.

Breaks for unpaid carers

There are two hotel break schemes for Torbay’s carers. These are Carefree Breaks and Torbay Hospitality Scheme.

  • Hospitality Scheme: Discounted breaks in some regional hotels negotiated by Torbay Carers Service. There are no restrictions about who you can take or how long you stay.
  • Carefree breaks: A free 1 or 2 night stay for carers in a national scheme with hotels across the country for a one-off admin fee of £33 in 2024/5. It is not available for the person that you care for.

Hospitality Scheme

Would you like to have a break from your caring role by staying in a hotel?

We have agreements with some local hotels to offer discounted stays to you and / or the person you care for.

You can have a break:

  • together,
  • on your own with replacement care at home for your loved one, or
  • your loved one can have a break on their own with or without care – whatever works for you.

Carefree Breaks

For unpaid carers, a few days away with a partner or a friend can work wonders. Our experience shows us that it can make a huge difference. Whatever you choose to do, you’ll return home refreshed and rejuvenated.

How it works

There are many breaks listed on the Carefree Breaks Hub. Once registered, unpaid carers can submit a request for a specific hotel booking. If available, a confirmation email will be sent to you. Sometimes a hotel ‘may’ not be able to honour your booking request. When this happens, we will let you know, and you will be able to request another break.

New hotels and dates are added all the time, so if you can’t quite find what you’re looking for, check back in in a few weeks.

Carers can book 1 break every calendar year.

Accommodation

Hotels donate 1 to 2 night breaks, plus breakfast where possible. This is for the carer and their companion (adult or child).

Costs

There is no charge for the accommodation. There is an administration fee of £33 as a contribution towards the charity’s operating costs. You will also be responsible for all other costs such as transport, food, travel insurance etc.

A carefree breaks

The break is designed to give you some time away from your caring responsibilities. You are welcome to take a companion with you but not the person that you care for.

Making a break request

Contact Debi Porter (details below) who will make a referral to the service. Carefree will then email you a link to click on. Once you have selected a break and paid the admin fee, you will receive your booking confirmation.

You will need to do a short wellbeing questionnaire both before and after your break. We will be grateful for any feedback. This will be arranged by Debi.

Eligibility

To qualify for a break you must be:

  • aged 18 years or over
  • providing unpaid care for 30 hours or more per week
  • caring for a person who pays council tax in Torbay or the carer works for Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
  • caring for a person who does not live in a residential care / nursing home
  • able to arrange alternative care for your loved one whilst you are having a break

Contact details

To find out more about both schemes, please contact Debi Porter on 07880 136859 or by emailing Debi using our contact form.