UK carers can access free holidays and support

Many unpaid carers in the UK may not know about the support available to them. New research by Mobilise shows that almost half of these carers have not taken a break since they started their duties. There are over 10 million unpaid carers who often struggle to find help for the person they care for, and many cannot afford a holiday. Some charities offer assistance to make breaks more accessible. The Carefree charity provides free one or two-night hotel stays for carers and a companion. This helps ensure that carers can take a proper break from their responsibilities. For those needing a longer break, the After Umbrage charity offers free four-day cottage holidays for carers of people with serious health issues. The Respite Association also helps by providing free respite care and week-long seaside holidays for carers looking after individuals with disabilities. In terms of financial help, Disability Grants has a list of holiday grants to make trips more affordable for carers and the people they care for. The Family Fund can give cash grants to those caring for disabled children, allowing families to enjoy a holiday together. Carers can explore various options for respite care funding. Local councils provide funding via Care Needs Assessments, which depend on where you live. NHS Continuing Healthcare funding is based on the health needs of the person being cared for. Carers' Centres may have their own respite schemes or information on other funding. Mobilise experts encourage carers to take advantage of these resources. They remind caregivers that local authorities are legally required to offer services to help prevent burnout, as outlined in the Care Act 2014.