Carers organisation asks businesses to remember unpaid carers when supporting their local communities 

The hospitality sector is needed more than ever in helping unpaid carers access the short breaks they need, says the organisation which co-ordinates Scotland’s innovative Respitality initiative.

Respitality is run by charity Shared Care Scotland - with support from Scottish Government - and connects local carers’ organisations with hospitality, tourism and leisure businesses who are willing to donate a break free of charge, giving carers a vital break from their caring role.

Businesses can donate to Respitality at a time that suits them from anywhere in Scotland. Since it began four years ago the project has seen a wide variety of breaks donated to carers and a companion from overnight stays and ice cream vouchers, through to beauty treatments and visits to local tourist attractions. However, as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are still felt throughout the country, the project is calling on business to consider how they might be able to help make a carers day. 

Respitality Developer Kerry Donaghy said:  “Lockdown has impacted on people’s health and wellbeing but thankfully we’ve seen many areas where communities have begun to re-connect. Businesses across Scotland have demonstrated unbelievable innovation and resilience,  resulting in some really unique and creative opportunities for breaks for carers, such as online gym sessions and afternoon tea packages being delivered to people’s doors.

“More than ever we feel that Respitality has a role to play in helping carers access the short breaks they need, but crucially we also hope it can help rebuild confidence in the Scottish hospitality, tourism and leisure sector at this time, when they need it most.

Respitality has been built on the strong relationship between Scotland’s wonderful hospitality industry and carer organisations, and the mutual benefit that it can bring. We hope to continue to showcase this and emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever. ”

Grant Peires of CLC World Resorts & Hotels echoed this: “We support Respitality in the provision of breaks for unpaid carers as we appreciate the importance of the work carers do and how vital that time away can be for maintaining the carers’ mental and physical health.  

The donation of accommodation at CLC World resorts has multiple benefits, primarily giving unpaid carers that much needed opportunity to relax but in addition, the CLC World team feel a real sense of satisfaction. This is particularly true of the team members who deal with Respitality’s recipient families first hand, instilling a sense of pride in the part they play in providing deserving individuals with a real break.

Our resorts are open, safe and ready to be enjoyed. We believe donating accommodation at this time, even when restrictions are still in place, will not only give unpaid carers the  confidence to access hospitality services but also sends a message to everyone that the sector is safe, and should be used.”

Recent research by Carers Scotland shows that 78% of unpaid carers stated that their caring role has increased due to COVID-19, both because of services being reduced or closed, and because of worries of using services because of the risk of infection. As well as increased demand on carers, there’s also been a significant increase in the number of carers in Scotland. An estimated 392,000 people have become unpaid carers a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, taking the total to over 1 million.

Anne Fitzpatrick of Lanarkshire Carers said: “Carers we support have been sharing with our staff the negative impact that these times are having on their mental health. Many are feeling increased pressure and facing challenges, not just in their caring role but in other aspects of their lives too. This has further highlighted the need for carers to have the opportunity to have time out. It has never been more important to support our carers and a vital part of this is through the Respitality project.” 

Kerry Donaghy concluded: “For many unpaid carers feeling isolated has been a reality for them long before COVID-19, and sadly this will continue to be a reality for them beyond this pandemic. We hope that across Scotland, Respitality can help communities reconnect. It is amazing to see how something seemingly so small, like a coffee and a cake delivered to your door, can make sure a huge difference to a carers day.” 

More information about Respitality, including how to donate, visit  www.sharedcarescotland.org.uk/respitality/.