The demands of a caring role can leave caregivers feeling exhausted and in need of a break. We believe that all caregivers deserve breaks from their caring role. The length of this break can vary for each person, it may be a few hours per week or 2 weeks for a holiday – we recharge and recover at our own rates.
Take a short hotel break with CareFree
We are partnered with CareFree, a national charity providing affordable short breaks in a variety of hotels across the UK.
How does CareFree breaks work?
As a community partner of CareFree, Caregivers Connected Gateshead can refer caregivers for a CareFree hotel break. We can only refer people who are over 18 years of age and provide over 30 hours of unpaid care per week to their loved one.
Once we have made the referral, CareFree will contact you via email to finish the registration process. Once registered, you will be able to see their list of available dates and hotels breaks – it is very similar to a hotel booking website.
Once you have chosen the break you would like to take, go to book it and you will be asked to pay a £33 admin fee. 100% of this fee is sent to CareFree to help them run their charity.
Who can go with me?
The majority of hotel breaks include a double or twin room with breakfast included. You can take someone with you, but this cannot be the person you care for so that you can get a break away from your daily caring role.
How can I access CareFree short breaks?
A member of the Caregivers Connected Gateshead team can make a referral for you to access CareFree. You will need to complete our online registration form and we will contact you to confirm you registration and see who we can support you, including accessing CareFree breaks. You can also self-refer solely to CareFree, however you will need to provide them with extra documentation such as identification and proof of your caring status.
Wellbeing Fund
While accessing support services from Caregivers Connected Gateshead, our team may invite you to apply for our Wellbeing Fund. The Wellbeing Fund gives caregivers the chance to make a meaningful improvement to their wellbeing. Caregivers have used the Fund to enjoy a spa day session, subscribe to a leisure centre membership, or purchase items to learn a new hobby.
Please note that this Fund is exclusively available to caregivers who are accessing or requiring caregiver support from us; terms and conditions also apply.
Accessing other short break opportunities
Our team can also share relevant short break schemes that you may be eligible to get involved in. The information shared with you will be tailored to your situation and what opportunities are currently available.