What is the Carer Break Voucher scheme and how can it help you?
All of us need a break from time to time, especially if you are caring for someone full time or even for just a few hours a day.
- some time out from being a carer, to attend an appointment or to pursue an interest or hobby?
- to take a break for a few hours, a few days or a week or so?
- a break on an occasional or a regular basis?
Surrey County Council has introduced
Carer Break Vouchers, which is a simple and flexible scheme to help carers take short-term breaks. Following the Carers and Disabled Children Act 2000, we have introduced the Carer Break Voucher scheme to help you book time and pay for short-term alternative care for the person you care for.
The voucher scheme offers carers:
- Flexibility in the timing of a break.
- A choice in how temporary or alternative care can be provided while you're on your break.
Who is entitled to Carer Break Vouchers?
Carer Break Vouchers are given to carers who have been assessed under the Carers Recognition Act 1995 or the Carers and Disabled Children Act 2000 by their
local social care team. This may include carers who look after people needing a substantial amount of care or supervision, such as:
- Carers of people with a disability.
- Carers who are disabled themselves.
- Carers of children with disabilities.
If you think you may be entitle to Carer Break Vouchers, please contact your
local social care team.
Who will provide care when you take a break?
You will be able to choose the type of care from a list of service providers that we have approved, and which have registered with the
Care Quality Commission.
This care may be residential, domiciliary, nursing or any other carer break services offered by an approved service provider.
A list of care service providers will be sent to you.
How to use your vouchers
Each voucher has a value of between £10 and £50. You should use the voucher(s) before the expiry date shown on the front. However, if you retain your voucher(s), for any reason, beyond that date, contact your social worker/care manager or the
contact centre as soon as possible.
Once you have received your voucher(s) and a list of approved service providers, you can select a service provider to arrange short-term care. All you have to do is sign the voucher(s) in the space indicated and give it to the service provider.
If you need any help or guidance on the Carer Break Voucher scheme, please contact your social worker or care manager or our contact centre for more information. You could also use the Directgov or CarersNet, (the online Carer Break Voucher service provider directory) websites.
Further information on our website:
