Find a carers break in Bristol and South Gloucestershire
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 survey. Your views help us improve the support we provide for carers.
You may also find our practical guides helpful:
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Rethink Carers Service Hub
The Social Café, Cheltenham Road, Bristol
A relaxed monthly drop-in for carers of people facing mental health challenges. Meet others, share experiences, and take a break in a friendly café setting.
Break type: Social & Community
Cost: Free
When: Every third Tuesday from 4:00pm. Staff are present for the first hour; carers are welcome to stay as long as they like.
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Retreat Memory Cafe
Soundwell, Bristol
A warm, welcoming memory café offering support, activities, and connection for people with dementia and their carers in a relaxed, friendly setting.
Break type: Social & Community
Cost: Free (includes refreshments)
When: 10:15am–12:15pm on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month (excluding Bank Holidays)
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SEND Coffee Mornings/Afternoons
Various locations
Informal sessions for parent carers of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to meet, share experiences, and access support.
Break type: Social & Community
Cost: Free
When: Kingswood: 1st Thursday of the month, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Patchway: 3rd Thursday of the month, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Yate: 4th Thursday of the month, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
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Sewing Class
St. Werburghs
Khaas offers popular sewing sessions for BAME carers and families, supporting them to design and make their own outfits through accredited and non-accredited short courses.
Break type: Activity-Based
Cost: Free
When: Wednesday 10.00 – 1pm.
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Shared Lives - Bristol
Bristol
Shared Lives is a service where an approved carer shares their home and family life to provide care, support, and housing, helping adults build independence and offering short-term respite or day support for informal carers.
Break type: Extended Breaks
Cost: Varies
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Shared Lives - South Gloucestershire
South Gloucestershire
Shared Lives is a service where an approved carer shares their home and family life to provide care, support, and housing, helping adults build independence and offering short-term respite or day support for informal carers.
Break type: Extended Breaks
Cost: Varies
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Side by Side Bristol
Bristol and surrounding areas
Side by Side Bristol helps people living with dementia stay active and connected by pairing them with a volunteer to enjoy hobbies and outings together.
Break type: Social & Community
Cost: Please contact the service provider for details.
When: Flexible – times are mutually agreed between the person with dementia and the volunteer.
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Singing for the Brain - Clifton
Clifton, Bristol
One Equal Music run a free Singing for the Brain group for people affected by dementia, together with their friends and family. We sing well known and loved songs in a relaxed and friendly environment, with plenty of time for a cuppa too.
Break type: Activity-Based
Cost: Free
When: Contact One Equal Music
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Singing for the Brain - Fishponds
Beechwood Club, Beechwood Road, Fishponds, Bristol
A friendly, dementia-inclusive music group in Fishponds where people with dementia and their carers can sing familiar songs, enjoy social connection and support wellbeing.
Break type: Activity-Based
Cost: Please contact the service provider for details of any costs.
When: First, third and fifth Friday of each month, 2:00 pm – 3:45 pm.
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Singing for the Brain - Westbury on Trym
Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol
Join our group and meet new people in a friendly, fun and social environment. Singing improves your brain activity, wellbeing and mood, and you don’t need to be a good singer to benefit.
Break type: Activity-Based
Cost: Free
When: Wednesdays 10.30am–12.15pm