Caring for someone can be rewarding—but it can also be exhausting. All carers need a break to be able to look after themselves. This page gives you some ideas for using your carer wellbeing break payment in a way that suits you.
Short-term breaks
Connect to Support ßÙßÇÂþ» lists day centres and groups where you can drop the person you care for off for an hour or so. You can filter these services by:
- postcode, town or district and borough
- the day of the week
- the specialist care the person you care for needs
- the cost of the service - you can use your payment to cover the cost
To start searching see .
You are then free to go to the gym, the hairdressers, go for a walk or have some time at home alone.
Day care
There are lots of day centres across ßÙßÇÂþ». Many will let you drop your loved one off while others offer you the chance to talk to people in a similar situation. Some also provide a cooked meal and help with transport, and you can use your payment to cover the cost.
Search for .
Taking a holiday or getting back to nature
Whether you book a night at a hotel or use a specialist service, you can use your payment to put towards the cost.
Search for .
Getting support for yourself
If you want to get some support for yourself, you could go to a carers support group. Action for Carers provide groups across ßÙßÇÂþ». These friendly informal get togethers offer a place to share your experiences. See to find a hub near to you.
We also list a range of carers support groups on Connect to Support ßÙßÇÂþ». To start your search see .
You can then use your payment to:
- employ a personal assistant or look for companionship services
- look for a sitting service near you from our list of
You can find more support on Looking after yourself as a carer.
Spending time in nature can help to relieve stress. There are lots of nature based activities for you to choose from. Many are wheelchair accessible and free. You can use your payment for transport or entry fees.
Search for .
Starting a new hobby could give you a new lease of life. ßÙßÇÂþ» Adult Learning offers carers a wide range of courses. These available both online or community venues across ßÙßÇÂþ», meaning you'll be able to find something to fit your schedule.
Equipment and technology
Equipment and tech can also help you in your caring role. You can use your payment to buy helpful items.
ßÙßÇÂþ» Connected Care can help manage your health and wellbeing at home as well as the person you care for. To find out more see Technology enabled care.
The Community Equipment Service may be able to loan you:
- grab rails
- walking aids
See Community Equipment Service
Use our home equipment finder for ideas to help you with:
- medication management
- cooking a meal and other household tasks
- washing or dressing
- moving around your home
Start searching for ideas at home equipment finder.
Respite care
If you need more than an hour, you could look for respite or overnight care. The services listed on Care Choices let you choose somewhere that you know your loved one will be safe. You can use your payment to put towards the cost.
You can search for:
- respite care
- overnight care
Start your search at .
Parent carers and young carers
The services listed here are for adults. If you are a parent carer or young carer, you can still find support.
If you look after someone aged under 18 visit Parent carers.
If you are under 18 visit .