Time out for carers

A voluntary support service providing short respite breaks for carers.

What it is

Time Out for Carers - a partnership between Guideposts, Action for Carers and Rethink - was launched in 2016 to provide quality time away from the responsibilities of caring for the wellbeing of both carers and those being cared for.

The Time Out for Carers project provides a varied range of opportunities for respite in the home and out in the community including:

• short regular breaks provided by a volunteer visiting a person’s home
• trips
• support groups
• a telephone befriending service.

The one-to-one befriending option offers companionship to the person being cared for in the comfort of their own home. This allows carers to have a short break and quality time to themselves.

How it works

Carers will be given a block of 20 hours of voluntary support to be divided up as they would like. For example, a couple of hours a week on a regular basis or a more intensive period where several hours are required in one go.

Telephone  befriending

This option involves weekly or fortnightly calls from a volunteer offering friendly conversation and a listening ear. Volunteers are there to listen and pass on concerns and while they cannot provide a counselling or advice service they can offer a friendly voice to engage with on the phone.

Community support

Our community support will feature volunteer-led social groups for the cared for person to attend to allow opportunities for friendship and social support. These groups will allow carers the chance of a short respite break.  These groups will be created across the county and will feature various activities.

Out and about

Our out and about group sessions are open to both carers and those being cared for and involve taking part in fun activities. These trips will offer a chance for people to meet with others in similar situations and enjoy a variety of different trips. Examples might include a going to the theatre or visiting a garden centre

More information

For any questions on Time Out for Carers please contact volunteer coordinator, Ben Reynolds by:

• telephoning 07815559479 or 01993 899980
• emailing breynolds@guideposts.org.uk