THE RESPITE ASSOCIATION
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Mission Statement
The Respite Association exists to give unpaid carers, who are ordinary people doing extraordinary things (often caring 24/7 for years on end), the chance to take a break. We recognise that every carer is an individual, so we aim to provide a truly personalised and bespoke service, so our first question is always "what do you need" We support carers by funding alternative care to look after the person they care for, either in the home or at a specialised facility such as a care home, playgroup or similar activity. We also have our own holiday facilities, a caravan in North Wales and a cottage in Cornwall, where we give carers a free week long holiday by the seaside.
About This Cause
We provide something that you and I take for granted, a little bit of normality, it doesn't take much to make an enormous difference to the lives of carers, for some even attending things like weddings, graduations and other family events is impossible without our help. For others it is the chance to sit and have a coffee and watch the world go by without having to watch the clock, or to read a book or play a game with thier children. Scroll down to see some of the amazing feedback we get from those we are able to help. The last couple of years, with Covid and lockdowns, has been particularly difficult for unpaid carers and The Respite Association has seen our three busiest years since we began caring for desperate carers way back in 2001. Now we have the cost of living crisis which is hitting carers harder than most, as carers are mostly on a fixed and very limited income. Carers allowance is a meagre £76.75 per week (or just 46p per hour when you consider their duties are frequently 24/7) making affording breaks away an impossibility. . The heating bills are a big worry for us all but the price of electricity is even more significant for many carers. Those with loved ones relying on electrical equipment like hoists and dialysis machines are terrified that their loved ones may need to go into care facilities and hospitals because they cannot afford the bills, so they can remain living at home. This year has been our busiest on record. With hundreds of severely stressed carers contacting us, desperate for a little respite, and we have been here to help. The Respite Association was formed in 2001. We are a reactive charity providing a bespoke service, because we recognise that every carer is different and that a one size fits all approach would not provide the support that carers so desperately need. We ask carers what they need rather than specifying the service we can offer, something that is very much appreciated by carers, and this allows us to ensure that our support has the maximum possible impact to each individual carer. Equally it is difficult to quantify the huge impact that our support can have on the lives of carers. The real measure is in the letters and emails of thanks that we receive, some of which are below. Our carers come from a wide range of backgrounds, including young families, struggling with a child who needs constant attention. Many such families struggle because parents feel guilty that one child takes all of their attention, as is often the case for those on the Autistic spectrum and for many other childhood conditions, and just want to be able to spend some quality time with their other children. Older carers are often caring for loved ones with terrible conditions like Alzheimers and Parkinsons, they don't want to stop caring but just need a little time to recharge their batteries, so that they can keep going. One gentleman told us that his only social interaction for the last 7 years was a weekly trip to Tesco for the grocery shop. We work very closely with organisations such as Carers and Family Advice and Support centres, MIND, hospices, Crossroads and many more to ensure we reach as many carers as possible. Here are just a few of the comments we have recently received from carers we could help: "The respite team and the Joanna's cottage is a lifeline to carers, the team are so kind caring and considerate and bend over backwards to give advice, help and support from the onset through to completion they are extremely knowledgeable and very caring" "We had the most amazing time on holiday - gutted to be home in fact. The caravan was absolutely beautiful with everything we could possibly need and really clean and well kept. And the site was equally lovely. My children absolutely loved the park which was literally on our doorstep. We all enjoyed going the swimming baths every day and my children were thrilled with the fair and beach. Whilst I was there i couldn’t help thinking of you and what an amazing opportunity you gave us. Me and my family are extremely grateful and always will be. The caravan was filled with lots of board games and books for both adults and children and we loved it. I usually don’t have time to read with my children or sit and do a jigsaw with them but on holiday I did - everyday. And instead of dishing out medication of an evening I spent that time in the park with my family. It was so good to just be out in the fresh air and actually taking in the sky! You allowed me to have uninterrupted quality time with my children and for that I’m truly thankful." "I'm literally in tears writing this statement, it meant the world to us. We haven't had a holiday in 16 years due to caring commitments. My daughter (13 years old) this was her first holiday and she loved it. Couldn't stop smiling. My sons were so happy and I finally relaxed. Thank you!" "I actually got to read a book which ive been meaning to for months and did so whilst sitting out in the fresh air using the lovely garden furniture provided. I cant explain how good it felt to just be sitting outside, relaxing not a care in the world. It felt like a dream! ...My caring role has often left me feeling depressed and I struggle with anxiety but that week/ break away was just the medicine I needed and my family too. Thank you all for the wonderful opportunity." “I would just like to say a huge thank you to you for enabling me to go to my sons wedding which I wouldn’t wanted to have missed for the world, it was a fabulous day, enjoyed every second of it. I did feel a little like Cinderella after the ball on coming home. The photographs have yet to come through but I will send you one when I receive them. Thank you so much again, your charity do a fantastic job,” Please help us to continue to care for carers