Need a break?
Taking a break from your caring responsibilities is vital. Caring can be emotionally and physically demanding, so it's important not to overlook your own needs.
We can help you have some much-deserved 'time out' in a number of different ways, many of which are free:
- carers social events - Find out about our Carers Support Service hosted social events or what else is going on locally for you and/or the person you care for
- holiday lodges in Devon and Weymouth - available to carers for a small booking fee, you can choose to take a break with or without the person you care for
- beach huts - available to carers for a small booking fee
- respite - respite is important so that you can look after your own health and wellbeing, in some situations, respite care may be provided by adult social care after your carers assessment or after the person you care for has had an assessment
Green Island Holiday Trust
Green Island Holiday Trust offer supported holidays for people living with disabilities and their carers. They are based at Holton Lee in accessible cottages. During your stay, personalised care and support will be provided 24/7 by experienced volunteers.
For more information, please contact Wendy on 01202 375 006 or email organiser@greenislandholidaytrust.com.
Dementia Adventure
Dementia Adventure have offered supported holidays for people living with dementia and their carers for over a decade. They understand the complex and individual needs of people living with dementia, as well as how carers can benefit from having the chance to relax and enjoy time with their loved one. The holiday planning is all done for you, or with you, from accommodation and travel to activities and meals. Their expertly-planned itineraries ensure there’s plenty to enjoy, whether you want to relax by the coast, walk in the mountains, or explore historic sites.
They offer:
- Around-the-clock support while you’re away
- A five-day itinerary
- Rest and enjoyment for both the person with dementia and their companion
- Fully risk-assessed accommodation
To find out more please call 01245 237548 or email info@dementiaadventure.co.uk
Recommendations and Feedback
We asked carers for some feedback on carers breaks, find out what they had to say.
Wellbeing
NHS Carers Direct has some useful 'top-tips' on looking after yourself.
Natural Choices hold a number of activities across Dorset, designed to improve your wellbeing, and give you some time for you.
BH Live offer a number of Health Walks across Bournemouth, designed to improve your health and help you meet new people.
Parks in Mind provides fun nature conservation and other outdoor activities in Bournemouth’s beautiful parks and open spaces to deliver health and wellbeing benefits to the people taking part.
Skills and Learning have short online courses which are designed to help you discover and recover ways to engage and support your mental wellbeing.
Other ways to take a break
What could be better than getting lost in a good book?
Do you, or someone you know, love reading but find it difficult to get books from the library due to your Caring responsibilities, health or mobility issues?
The Home Library Service is here to help!
Books and talking books are chosen individually for each person and delivered every four weeks from your local library by Royal Voluntary Service volunteers. This service is free and provides you not only with a regular delivery of books but also a visit by a trusted volunteer who you get to know over time. All our volunteers are DBS checked and carry ID badges.
Interested?
If you live in BCP call David Tozer on: 07811 787963 or email david.tozer@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk or bcphomelibraryservice@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk
If you live in Dorset, please contact Royal Voluntary Service in Dorset by phoning our Dorchester office on 01305 236666 or email dorsethomelibraryservice@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk
You can also contact your library directly.