How to get free respite with the Association of Carers
- Jan 2
- 2 min read
Many carers tell us the same thing:
“I don’t need a holiday. I just need a few hours where I’m not on alert.”
Respite does not have to mean a big break or formal care. Sometimes it is simply knowing that, for a short while, someone else is there so you can step away without worrying.
That is what the Association of Carers’ respite service is designed to offer.
What this kind of respite really is
The Association of Carers provides free, regular respite where a trained volunteer spends time with the person you support, so you can take a few hours for yourself.
It is not about replacing you.It is about giving you breathing space.
The service offers:
Three hours every two weeks
At a set, predictable time
With the same volunteer where possible, so trust can build
In your own home, with someone who understands boundaries
Carers use this time in very different ways. Some rest. Some catch up on sleep. Some go to appointments they have been putting off. Some just sit quietly without listening out for the next call or question.
All of that counts.
What the volunteer does
During the visit, the volunteer offers:
Company
Conversation
Reassurance
A calm presence
This can be especially helpful for someone who is anxious when left alone, or who benefits from routine and familiarity.
What the volunteer does not do
It is important to be clear about limits. Volunteers cannot:
Provide personal care
Help with medication
Assist with toileting or moving someone physically
If the person you support has significant mental health needs, the Association of Carers asks that you talk things through with them first. That conversation is about making sure the service is safe and right for everyone, not about excluding people.
“Is it really OK for me to take this time?”
Many carers feel guilty about stepping away, even briefly. Others worry that the person they support will not cope.
What we hear, again and again, is that both people often benefit.
The person being supported gets:
A change of face
New conversation
A different kind of interaction
The carer gets:
A pause
Less exhaustion
A bit more capacity to keep going
Respite is not a luxury. It is part of staying well enough to carry on.
How to find out more
If you want to ask questions or see if this could work for you:
Call 01424 722309 for more information, or visit their website: https://associationofcarers.org.uk/what-we-do/respite-and-befriending
