Carers Support Publishes Co-produced In-House Research on Carers’ Breaks

16th July 2025

Carers Support Bristol and South Gloucestershire is proud to announce the publication of its first fully in-house research report, “Understanding Carers’ Need for Breaks to Develop Innovative Solutions Through Co-Production.”  

This study, carried out by Dr Susy Giullari, Policy Engagement Lead at Carers Support, marks a major step forward in the organisation’s mission to become a carer-led service innovator. 

Funded through the Accelerating Reform Fund (ARF), the research was co-produced with carers, commissioners, and local organisations including Bristol Black Carers, Chinese Community Wellbeing Society, and Rethink Mental Illness. It engaged 70 carers from diverse backgrounds to explore their lived experiences and identify practical, inclusive solutions to improve access to meaningful breaks. 

This is a significant milestone for Carers Support” 

This is a significant milestone for Carers Support,” Dr Giullari  said “For the first time, we’ve led a research project from start to finish—designing the methodology, analysing the data, and authoring the report. The findings are already shaping how we and other local carers organisation develop services and advocate for carers’ rights.” 

Key Findings: 

• Carers face significant barriers to taking breaks, including guilt, exhaustion, complex processes, and lack of suitable replacement care.
• Breaks must be diverse, flexible, and culturally appropriate—ranging from short notice support to wellbeing vouchers and digital solutions.
• A central, easy-to-navigate carers’ breaks website is urgently needed, alongside human support from trusted local organisations. Carers’ needs change over time and must be met with tailored, responsive services. 

Why This Matters: 

This report is not just a research milestone—it’s a catalyst for change. It provides robust, co-produced evidence that will inform Bristol’s All Age Carers Strategy (2025–2029) and supports local authorities in meeting their Care Act 2014 duties to prevent carer breakdown. 

Next Steps: 

Carers Support is calling on stakeholders, policymakers, and community partners to engage with the findings and collaborate on implementing the report’s recommendations.

Carers Support is already putting the report’s key findings into action, developing a Carers Breaks Directory and supporting materials, set to launch on their website in September 2025. 

Download the full report

Download the executive summary