Respitality, Respite + Hospitality, originated in the USA and provides a unique way for Carers Centres and the Scottish Hospitality sector to work together to provide short breaks to full-time unpaid carers.
The way it works is that the hospitality sector gift short breaks. These can be overnight stays, meals, spa days, beauty treatments – whatever gift the business chooses to donate. We then get in contact with carers that have shown an intrest in getting that particular type of respite to see if they would be able to take advantage of that opportunity.
We have received funding from the Scottish Government to support carers who require respite of regular breaks from caring, which helps them maintain this relationship. The funding allows us to provide grants up to £200 per carer. If you are interested in applying, please contact one of our centres who can explain the application process.
Our Time to Live project is resourced by the Scottish Government via the Short Breaks Fund and with match funding by East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership. The project is in place to help carers improve their physical or mental health, promote positive wellbeing and to support access to social and leisure opportunities that will improve their wellbeing.
As an unpaid carer looking to access this fund, you can be as creative as you like! Breaks can be anything from a break away, a day out, annual gym or golf membership, crafty activities, help to pursue a regular hobby, including buying equipment or paying for lessons – perhaps a cinema pass, or concert tickets, even paints, canvases and brushes. We have funded new walking boots, bikes and cameras in the past, as well as music lessons, horse riding and cake making courses. If you decide you would like to go away, you can go with or without the person you care for or you could take a family member or friend along.
Request an Application Form
If you would like an application form, or have any questions about the Time to Live fund, please call us on 01563 571533, or email us at: admin@eastayrshirecarers.org.uk
Eligibility and Terms – Please read thoroughly
1. Applicants must not have received an award from the fund within the past year. This applies to all carers, regardless of how many people they care for.
2. They must be registered with East Ayrshire Carers Centre and the registration number and date of registration added to the application our staff team can help with this.
3. Parent carers of a disabled child aged 20 and under who have received funding via Take a Break through the Family Fund in the past 12-month period are not eligible to apply for Time to Live. Please note that we may check with the Family Fund.
4. Applications that don’t reasonably meet the definition of a short break or break at home, will be rejected. Examples of this might be for household goods or home improvements. Other funds are available for requests like these, so please speak to us and we can help you look into these.
5. If you are booking a break away or an event, you must ensure there is an appropriate cancellation policy in place as we are unable to provide additional funding should you have to cancel.
6. We cannot fund for breaks already booked.
7. Do not make any arrangements or bookings that are reliant on an award, until after it is safely in your bank account.
8. One application per household/family/per person cared for
9. If carer requests driving lessons they must evidence their provisional licence and the person they care for must qualify for the mobility element of PIP/Child DLA – maximum award will be £200 and cannot be used to pay for theory or practical test
Application Process
Once we receive your application form, it will be passed onto our decision-making panel. They meet once a month (sometimes more) and applicants will receive notice of their decision within three days of the meeting. Applications are awarded on a needs basis and an application made does not guarantee approval.
Please complete all details as fully as possible to allow the panel to make a decision – we need to see the expected outcomes and the difference the fund will make to your caring role.
The award may be made in the form of a direct payment into your bank account or by delivery to your home. If you are unsure what break or items may benefit you at this time, we are able to give examples and advice. Please keep receipts and evidence of expenditure for all awards that are paid directly to you.