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Are you a hospitality, tourism or leisure business? Could you work with us at Carers of East Lothian and help us make a carer’s day?

13th November 2024

There are 788,000 unpaid carers in Scotland. Carers are people who provide unpaid care for a family member, friend or neighbour, who because of a long-term illness, disability or neurological difference, could not manage without this support. The illness can be a physical or mental health condition or an addiction. 

At Carers of East Lothian, we support carers so that they can continue to care for others. Many of the carers we support find it difficult to make time for themselves to relax and rest or connect with family and friends. This is for a range of reasons including financial pressures, care responsibilities and limited time. We support these carers to access a break that is tailored to their needs and circumstances. One way we do this is with an initiative called Respitality.

What is Respitality?

Respitality is a Scottish Government backed initiative, delivered locally byapproved Respitality partner Carers of East Lothian and coordinated nationally by Shared Care Scotland.

Respitality is a simple, yet powerful concept which offers unpaid carers in Scotland a much-needed break, through partnerships with local hospitality, tourism and leisure businesses who are willing to donate a break free of charge.

Liz is one of the many East Lothian carers who have enjoyed a Respitality break this year. Liz cares for her daughter who has multiple health conditions including MS. Finding time for self -care isn't always easy for Liz who described her life recently as 'relentless'.  A local business donated spa vouchers to Carers of East Lothian as a Respitality break. Liz had a massage and a facial and enjoyed use of the spa facilities. She described the experience as so relaxing that she slept for hours afterwards! Liz said she wouldn't have attended the spa if it hadn't been for the voucher. Respitality made this carer’s day. 

How you can help

We rely on the generosity of local hospitality, tourism or leisure businesses who are willing to donate a break free of charge. A break can be anything that helps a carer relax and recharge, for example a cup of coffee or an ice-cream, afternoon tea, a beauty treatment, a pair of concert tickets or a game of bingo to a yoga retreat or accommodation andtransportation so the carers can have a weekend away with the person they care for, or other friends and family.

Carers of East Lothian work with local businesses who wish to donate a break, matching the breaks with carers according to their interests and preferences. 

If you think that you might be able to help, please contact Linda Walker on linda@coel.org.uk

For more information about Carers of East Lothian go to: www.coel.org.uk

For more information about Respitality to to: https://www.respitality.org.uk/