Shetland Carers, a project delivered under Voluntary Action Shetland, co-ordinate the Scheme locally with support from Shared Care Scotland, who now support carer centres in 22 local authority areas to run Respitality Schemes.

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. This enables a carer, plus a companion where possible, to have a break away from their caring responsibilities to recharge their batteries and have a little time for themselves.

A number of carers have already enjoyed a Respitality Break at Ordaal Cottage, with another carer due to go for a stay later in the year.

Some quotes from carers who have stayed at Ordaal Cottage include:

"Thank you for the break we had great weather and the cottage was lovely. The hosts were lovely - it was a great weekend break."

"Thank you so much for our respitality stay in your lovely cottage. It was a lovely stay and a very generous gesture!"

"Thank you all so much for my recent Respitality Break to Unst. I feel I have recharged my batteries and it has given me time to reflect, and my cared for person had time to do the same at home. Now I feel I can move forward again and brace the future and what it brings. Our hosts were very welcoming and helpful and couldn’t do enough to make our stay so nice."

"Many thanks for a lovely stay."

Catriona said "A friend told me about the Respitality Scheme, and we have a self-catering place that is easy to make available. I know about the important role of carers in Scottish society, and the importance of respite opportunities, so decided to get involved. From being involved in the Scheme I get to see happy visitors. My favourite comment was'nothing is more relaxing than sitting on your bench with your chickens pecking and clucking around my feet. Respitality Hens!'”

Thank you so much Catriona!

For more information about the Scheme, please click HERE.

To sign up to the Scheme, either as a carer or a Gift Provider, please contact carers@shetland.org or tel: 01595 743980.

www.shetlandcarers.org