What is it?
Signpost’s Take a Break Service gives unpaid carers in Stockport up to 6 hours of respite, so they can attend appointments, enjoy activities, or take part in events they might otherwise miss—supporting their health, wellbeing, and giving them a chance to care for themselves.
How does it work?
Once we receive an application, it is reviewed by our team. If approved, it’ll be sent to our preferred supplier, Care Your Way (unless otherwise requested by you), who will contact you to discuss what you and your cared-for need. A member of the Care Your Way team will then come to meet you in person. Making sure you can leave your cared for with no worries to really make the most of your activity, event or appointment.
Signpost will follow up with a brief evaluation form, and all carers who receive this service are asked to complete it.
Who can access the service?
This service is for Signpost-registered carers who care for someone aged 18 or over. The Take a Break service is designed to support carers who have no one else available for short-term respite care. Please be aware that we can’t approve more than 3 applications for one individual in a year.
How is the care paid for?
Signpost can fund this initiative thanks to donations we receive and money generated through fundraising.
We also have funding support from:
Answer Cancer: to enable carer to access screening appointments for bowel, breast and cervical cancers.
NW Hearts: to support carers in accessing appointments related to heart disease.
*Please note that the above access requirements do not apply under Answer Cancer and NW Hearts Funding*
When might an application be unsuccessful?
Sometimes an application may not be accepted. This can be for a range of reasons, such as the cost of the care exceeding the amount in the fund, the cared-for is under 18, or the applicant has already accessed the service 3 times in the last 12 months. Care Your Way reserves the right to decline applications without further explanation.
This is not an exclusive list. Signpost, and the care providers that we work with, reserve the right to decline applications without further explanation or recourse.