How the new £300 wellbeing break payment is supporting carers
“It was lovely to just have that time for me, to have the freedom to choose what I spent it on, a lovely distraction as I could relax and unwind.”
This comment from a Surrey carer shows the impact of the council’s new £300 wellbeing break payment, which gives carers the flexibility to choose the support that works best for them.
Another carer said the payment “helped build my resilience when returning to care for my parent,” while another said it meant they could be “a better carer and less stressed.”
One described the payment as a “lifesaver”, and that it had “given me the quick respite I needed in order to come back to my caring responsibilities feeling refreshed and able to cope”.
Together, these experiences show the real difference that flexible, easy to use support can make for carers. Short breaks away and activities such as swimming, the gym, yoga and mindfulness are among the ways that carers are choosing to spend the payment.
Flexible wellbeing support
The carer wellbeing break offer provides a one-off £300 payment, issued on a pre-paid card, which can be used in any way that supports a carer’s wellbeing. That could mean taking a short break, joining a fitness class, pursuing a hobby or course, buying helpful equipment or arranging respite care. It’s designed to offer maximum flexibility, shaped by what carers have said would really make a difference.
The payment aims to offer support to carers who are new to caring or have recently been recognised as carers. It’s open to those who aren’t already receiving adult social care support and haven’t had a previous carer’s payment or break offer.
Carers can then request ongoing wellbeing breaks support through a carers’ assessment - and accessing the payment offer means they can smoothly move onto that pathway. For carers whose needs can and should be met under the Care Act, the council will make sure they get the right support for them.
Full details of carer £300 wellbeing break payment - including how carers can apply and ideas for using the payment - can be found on our website.