I'd like to start our Respitality Reporter with a story about Jessica and Andrew*.

They care for their young son who has autism, and they know all too well the challenges that unpaid caring can bring to families like theirs.

You may think I am about to tell you the story of how Jessica and Andrew were matched to a Respitality break because clearly, carers need and deserve a break from caring duties.

But no - what I’m actually about to tell you is how this remarkable couple became donors of Respitality breaks for other carers. It was truly one of the most personal and meaningful gestures we have ever seen at Shared Care Scotland. Because of their own understanding and insight, Jessica and Andrew had a clear vision of what they wanted to do for other carers through Respitality… and that was to treat them like royalty.



The couple own six new build rural self catering bungalows, accommodation that they rent out to holidaymakers. The bungalows are nestled behind a tall 200-year-old farmhouse where Jessica, Andrew & their son live. The land also holds a vast and secured paddock, great for any dogs joining guests on their stay. As part of their Respitality offering, the couple booked out all of their accommodation for a full week in October 2022 so that carers and their families could have the whole place to themselves.

This would have been an amazingly generous and thoughtful gesture in itself, but carers themselves told us that the extra thought that went into the donation was even more meaningful. Examples of this above-and-beyond approach include:

A fridge stocked with local and eco-friendly produce for Steven who struggles with money and wouldn’t be able to afford those products…

An invitation to the farmhouse on the first evening for homemade stovies and pancakes which was taken up by Geraldine and her daughter who hadn’t been out for a meal in years... 

The offer of a lift into the local town 4 miles away for Harry; a carer for his wife who has dementia. All Harry wanted was to relax alone for a while with a pint of ale in the local watering hole.

We salute you Andrew and Jessica. You might not have wanted or needed recognition for your wonderful gesture, but your thoughtfulness and kindness knows no bounds and was hugely appreciated by the very people who need a break most.

*all names are anonymised to protect privacy


 

We are lucky enough to know and work with passionate people who want to build social tourism within their local communities for unpaid carers, and over the past few months, we have been able to connect with them both in person and online. 



We have recently hosted networking opportunities for both our local Respitality delivery partners (those who match carers to breaks, and arrange the breaks on their behalf), as well as our Global Network (organisations who run similar initiatives to us in Scotland).

Our delivery group partners in Scotland receive regular support from the team at Shared Care Scotland to help increase their Respitality presence, and we share and gain learning from what our friends in Canada, Wales, England and United States of America are currently working on!

Carers of Dundee recently hosted a podcast all about Respitality, and what a difference it is making to carers and donors in the Dundee area since 2015. We were delighted to be invited on as guests! 

Along with local delivery partners Dundee Carers Centre, and donors Redwood Leisure Ltd, we discussed the importance of a meaningful break to carers, what businesses get out of it and how adding Respitality to the short break offering for unpaid carers locally offers extra flexibility.
 

We will be attending the below events in a presenting or exhibiting capacity in the coming months to fly the Respitality flag - we hope to see you there! 

ISBA Conference
11th-15th September 2023 in Wroclaw, Poland

HIT Highland Dinner
21st September 2023 in Inverness

Scottish Tourism Alliance AGM and Autumn Conference 
31st October 2023 in Edinburgh

ASVA Conference
14th November 2023 in Perth

British Holiday & Home Parks Association Conference
30th November 2023 in Edinburgh

With her stress levels rising and her optimism dipping, it was clear to see that Naomi's* caring role was beginning to take its toll on her. Naomi's teenage son has autism and a mental health condition. The emotional support Naomi provides, along with the routine of cooking and cleaning, means that it was time for Naomi to have some time out. 



Naomi was really keen to have a break with her son, but needed to consider the financial impact on her, as well as her son's social anxiety. After a chat with her local carers organisation at Shetland Carers, a break was arranged with Fjara Cafe, who offer lunch free of charge as part of their Respitality donations.



The relaxed atmosphere offered meant that Naomi's son could feel more relaxed during the break. It also meant that mother and son could have some much needed quality time together, and felt inspired to plan more time like this together.


 
*carers name is anonymised to protect privacy

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