BUSTA DONATE BREAKS TO CARERS THROUGH RESPITALITY SCHEME

Shetland Carers recently presented a Certificate to Busta House Hotel in recognition of their continued support of unpaid carers in Shetland through their Respitality Scheme. Shetland Carers, a project delivered under Voluntary Action Shetland, co-ordinate the scheme locally with support from Shared Carer Scotland, who now support carer centres in 19 local authority areas to run respitality schemes.

Busta joint manager, Mr O’Neil said ‘’Having had paid carers taking care of my parents had already alerted me to how much effort is involved in caring for someone, and for someone to do this unpaid must be extremely difficult. As such, we were keen to offer a small gesture of our appreciation to those who are in the position of offering free care.’’

Respitality (respite + hospitality) is a way the hospitality and leisure sector can help their local communities by recognising and appreciating the contribution of unpaid carers, by donating short breaks to carers at quieter times of the year. This enables a carer, plus a companion, to have a break away from their caring responsibilities to recharge their batteries and have a little time for themselves.

A local carer and companion recently enjoyed an overnight stay, courtesy of Busta House Hotel, gifted through the Respitality Scheme. The carer said “My husband and I had not been out for a meal since before Covid and we were feeling stressed and exhausted. We both enjoyed the time and opportunity to relax and to be able to sit and enjoy a meal. The staff were attentive and the atmosphere was nice and relaxing. We felt relaxed and rested after our break - it was a wonderful experience.’’

For more information about the scheme visit www.shetlandcarers.org/respitality

To sign up to the Scheme, either as a carer or a Gift Provider, please contact kirsten.harcus@shetland.org or tel 01595 743980. www.shetlandcarers.org