Respitality

• Fife Voluntary Action, with funding from Fife Health & Social Care Partnership, administers Respitality in Fife.

  
  

  

  What is Respitality? Respitality is a combination of the words ‘respite’ and ‘hospitality’. Respitality is in part supported by local businesses that donate short breaks for unpaid carers. This provides individuals with time away from their regular caring routine and helps them to remain well enough to continue their caring role. 

  What can Respitality breaks offer? Respitality breaks can provide unpaid carers time to rest, pursue a hobby, catch up with friends, or just relax and recharge. For some, a break is an opportunity for the unpaid carer and the person they care for to enjoy time together; for others, it’s about having quality time apart.

  What do carers say about Respitality breaks? The following quotes are taken from Shared Care Scotland’s report ‘Connected by Care: Stakeholder perspectives on Respitality and its impact’. 

  “I mean, even if it's a cup of coffee and a piece of cake, that is an hour that person gets away to go and do that. And sometimes that’s all they have, that very short break. They have a cup of coffee and a slice of cake. And they don’t have to pay for it. I mean that will be amazing for some people.” (pg. 17)

  “I knew the hotel anyway and it had a swimming pool and a spa and everything, so I was able to take advantage of those facilities whilst I was there. Mum and I just had such a great time, […] we slept loads and loads cause, you know, sleep is quite difficult at home.” (pg. 12)

  “You realise that it’s a small thing, a small change in your day can just recharge your batteries, and give you that break, just the mind space to not focus on this person that you are caring for. I use the analogy of a plane going down and the first thing you do is put on your own oxygen mask before you help anybody around you. Because if you don’t do that then you won’t be able to help them. And that is what this is for.” (pg. 16)

  Who can access a Respitality break?

  Applicants must: 

  • Live and care in Fife  
  • Have accepted or have been offered an Adult Carer Support Plan or Young Carer Statement
  • Be an unpaid carer (as defined below)

  An adult unpaid carer is defined as: A person who provides for another person – but not: (i) if this is only because of that person’s age (where they are under 18); or (ii) if you are caring because you have a contract or as voluntary work. A carer can be caring for someone for any number of hours and does not need to be providing a substantial amount of care for someone on a regular basis.              Source: Carer’s Charter, Scottish Government (March 2018)

  A young unpaid carer is defined as: A ‘young carer’ is a carer (as defined above) who is: (i) under the age of 18; or (ii) 18 or over, but still attending school.                                       Source: Carer’s Charter, Scottish Government (March 2018)

  How do I apply? Respitality Break Registration Forms are available from the unpaid carer’s Carer Support Organisation. Where possible, unpaid carers should complete this form with the support of their Carer Support Worker or Council-employed Social Work Assistant who will handle submission.

  If you are interested in finding a Carer Support Worker, you can reach out to:

  • Crossroads Fife (support for unpaid carers caring for someone of any age with any disability or illness)
    • E-mail: [email protected]
    • Phone: 01592 610540
    • Website: www.crossroadsfifecentral.org
  • Fife Carers Centre (support for carers within Fife)
    • E-mail: [email protected]
    • Phone: 01592 205472
    • Website: www.fifecarerscentre.org
  • Fife Young Carers (support for young and young adult carers up to 25 years old)
    • E-mail: [email protected]
    • Phone: 01592 407262
    • Website: www.fifeyoungcarers.co.uk

  What kind of Respitality breaks are available? To provide an idea of breaks that may be on offer, these could include accommodation, beauty/relaxation therapy, dining, leisure activities, or tickets (e.g. sporting event, theatre, cinema). Breaks often change and can vary.

  How are the breaks accessed? breaks are usually offered as a voucher, ticket, or booking. To ensure the break is as relaxing as possible, Fife Voluntary Action will complete bookings on behalf of the unpaid carer.

  Please note: Respitality breaks can be booked in conjunction with Time to Live/Time for Me funded breaks where applicable - click here for more information about these funded breaks.