Explore a wide choice of services designed to give carers time to rest and recharge. Whether you need just a few hours away, an overnight stay, or a longer-term arrangement, our Carers Breaks Directory makes it easier to find the right option for you and the person you care for.
We’d really value your feedback—after using the directory, please take a few minutes to complete our short survey. Your views help us improve the support we provide for carers.
You may also find our practical guides helpful:
Online
BOPF Meet-Up Mornings are relaxed, friendly online gatherings held via Zoom where older residents of Bristol can connect, chat, and stay socially engaged in a welcoming, virtual space.
Break type: Social & Community
Cost: Free
When: Bi-monthly on Wednesdays, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Fishponds, Bristol
A relaxed and friendly dementia café in Fishponds, Bristol, offering support, conversation, and connection for people living with dementia and those close to them.
Break type: Social & Community
When: Second Friday of every month, 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Withywood, Bristol
A warm and welcoming dementia café in Withywood, Bristol, offering monthly sessions for people living with dementia and those close to them to connect, share, and find support.
Break type: Social & Community
When: Second Tuesday of every month, 10:30am – 12:30pm
Online
Online carers group for people who are supporting someone with mental illness.
Break type: Support Services
Cost: Free
When: Monthly from 11am to 12.30 pm every second Thursday
Fairburn (Little Stoke) & Stibbs House (St George), Bristol
Respite care in Bristol and South Gloucestershire for adults with learning disabilities.
Break type: Extended Breaks
Cost: Price available on request
When: Available year-round; stays from one night to one month
Online
Free support groups are open to anyone affected by bipolar — including family, friends, and carers — and you’re welcome to attend even without a diagnosis.
Break type: Support Services
Cost: Free
When: 3rd Thursday of each month 7.30pm-9.30pm
Online
A safe, confidential space to meet with other carers face-to-face and online – to share information and provide support to each other.
Break type: Support Services
Cost: Free
When: First Thursday of month, 1:00 - 2:30 pm
Knowle West and Easton, Bristol
Free weekly music sessions in Bristol for adults living with dementia and their supporters, designed to uplift wellbeing and foster joyful connection through shared music-making.
Break type: Activity-Based
Cost: Free – registration is required
When: Thursdays, 11:00am – 12:30pm (weekly)
Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol
Monthly in-person support group for people with Parkinson’s, their families and carers.
Break type: Support Services
Cost: Free
When: First Saturday of each month, 10:30am – 12:00pm
Various locations
Temporary, short-term placements in a care home as a form of respite.
Break type: Extended Breaks
Cost: Typically £870+
When: Various