Respite Association – Breaks for Carers
When: 7-night stays (Saturday to Saturday); 2026 applications open October 2025
Type of break: Extended Breaks
Location: Joanna’s Cottage: Kenegie Manor Holiday Park, Penzance, Cornwall
Eilene’s Retreat: North Bay, Bridlington, Yorkshire
Lan y Mor Hafan: Oakfield Caravan Park, Towyn, Abergele, North Wales
Cost: Free (refundable £50 deposit required)
Break for: Carers
Provided by: Respite Association
The Respite Association offers free week-long self-catering holidays for carers, giving them a proper break from their caring responsibilities. These breaks are for carers only (not with the person they care for) and take place in peaceful holiday homes in Cornwall, Yorkshire and North Wales. Carers must be on a limited income and have been caring for at least one year. Breaks are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Facilities vary by location, with some offering entertainment and others a quiet retreat.
About Respite Association
A national charity founded in 2001 dedicated to supporting unpaid carers by funding short-term respite care for people with disabilities, long-term health issues, or terminal conditions. Services include funding home carers, offering seaside holidays, and providing access to purpose-built accommodation in Cornwall, North Wales, and the Yorkshire coast—so carers can take a much-needed break. Average grants are around £450. National coverage, no referral needed; carer applies directly. Based in Devon.
Related services
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Hotel Breaks
Countrywide
Free one or two night hotel stays across the country for unpaid carers. To be eligible you must be over 18 and a full time carer providing 30 hours or more care per week.
Break type: Extended Breaks
Cost: £33 admin fee
When: 1 per year
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Bristol Black Carers Support Group
Easton, Bristol
Bristol Black Carers provide monthly support group meetings that are culturally sensitive and shaped by the needs of carers from African, Caribbean, Asian and other diverse communities.
Break type: Support Services
Cost: Free
When: 3rd Wednesday of each month, 11am-1pm
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Carers Community Cafes
East Bristol, Frome Vale, and Stockwood
Monthly groups for unpaid carers in Bristol to relax, connect, and enjoy activities in a supportive community setting.
Break type: Social & Community
Cost: Free
When: St George: 2nd Monday of the month, 12:30 PM Frome Vale: 4th Wednesday of the month, 10:00 AM Stockwood: 1st Wednesday of the month, 11:00 AM
