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Respitality for carers - HOW TO APPLY

Respitality (respite + hospitality) is a new and effective way in which the hospitality and leisure sector can help their local communities by recognising and appreciating the contribution of unpaid carers.

How does it work?

Respitality involves connecting local organisations that support unpaid carers, with hospitality providers e.g. hotels, guest houses, restaurants, leisure clubs, beauty salons etc. The idea is that hotels, for example, become Respitality Partners by making a ‘gift’ of a short break. The breaks are made available during quieter periods, when it suits the business. This enables a carer to have a break away from their caring responsibilities to recharge their batteries and have a little time for themselves. The carer can access the break themselves, or take a companion with them if they wish to do so. Respite is historically seen as an overnight stay, but there are many other opportunities for carers to access!

18 Local Business have Signed Up to Gift Breaks for 2023 - 2024:

Aa Fired Up, Brudolff Hotels, Busta House Hotel, Shetland Recreational Trust, Fjara Cafe Bar, Glansin Glass, Hjemli Reflexology, Isles Reflexology, Ordaal Cottage in Unst, Reset Well-being Therapies, Seabirds-and-Seals, Sea Kayak Shetland, Self Catering Shetland, Shetland Arts, Shetland Jewellery, Soulful Bliss, Steve Henry Motorbike Runs, The Mousa Boat (Shetland) Ltd

Our current eligibility criteria for accessing a Respitality Break can be found here. Respitality Breaks will be subject to the number and type of breaks we receive from our donors.

How to Apply

1. If you would like to apply for a Respitality Break then please email carers@shetland.org or telephone Amanda Brown on 01595 743923 to let us know you are interested in applying for a Respitality Break. We will then email you a link to take you to the online application form.

***Applicants should also complete a health and wellbeing survey to support their application, which can be found HERE.***

2. If you do not want to apply online, please contact carers@shetland.org or telephone Amanda Brown on 01595 743923 and we can send you out a paper version of the application form. We can also help you to complete an application over the phone if you prefer.

3. Once Shetland Carers has received your completed Respitality Break application form, we will acknowledge receipt.

4. This will then register you with our service so that we can record you are a carer and send you any new carer information.

5. A panel will meet regularly to discuss all Respitality Break applications. Applicants will then be advised about the outcome of their application.

6. After your Respitality Break, we would ask that you write a short ‘thank you’ note to the Respitality provider. We will provide you with a card for this and would encourage you to complete it within five days of your break. This should be returned to Shetland Carers and we will ensure it is forwarded to the provider. If you’d prefer not to use the card provided and send a letter or your own card, then this can also be done.

What are the benefits of Respitality?

1. The break will give carers something to look forward to and a chance to have time out for themselves.

2. Regular, planned breaks be used as a preventative tool to prevent carers from reaching crisis.

3. Gift providers can increase awareness of their business and their community involvement, and the role of carers is further promoted.

‘’Shetland Carers are delighted to be working with Shared Care Scotland to try and offer more short breaks to unpaid carers in Shetland. We are very excited about this project which offers a win-win to both parties: Carers receive a much needed break from their caring responsibilities while Gift Providers give something back to their community and at the same time raise their own profile.’’ ~ Shetland Carers Team

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