What is it?
Signpost’s Take a Break service is intended to give short term respite (up to 6 hours) for Stockport’s unpaid carers, so that they can attend an appointment, activity or event that they would otherwise be unable to access and that will improve their health and/or wellbeing.
How does it work?
Once an application form is received (see the download below), it will be sent to Signpost’s Director for authorisation. If you aren’t able to complete the form, we can do this over the phone. Signpost will then liaise with the care provider (Alice Chilton or Home Instead) regarding availability. The care provider will contact the carer, and will keep in contact with them from this point going forward. The care provider will invoice Signpost for the care provided.
Signpost will follow up the service with a brief evaluation form and all carers that receive this service are asked to complete it.
Who can access the service?
Carers for someone aged over 18 who hold a Signpost Connecting Carers Card are welcome to apply for the service. The service is intended for those carers who really have no one else that would be able to provide this short-term respite care (or if they want to go out with the person that usually provides the respite care). No more than 3 applications will be approved (from the same carer) in a 12 month period.
What is meant by appointment, activity or event?
Take a Break is intended to be used as a tool to improve the health and wellbeing of the carers that we support. Applications are welcomed from carers who are looking to attend a medical or dentist appointment or attend a Signpost event or another group or activity. It may be that going to have a haircut or taking yourself out for lunch with friends is what you really need. If it’s a short term boost that will make all the difference, then that’s what Take a Break is here for.
How is the care paid for?
Signpost was fortunate to be the chosen charity of the Stockport Business Awards 2018. Fundraising at this event created a small pot of money which is paying for this service. Signpost intends to fundraise again for donations for this distinct piece of work as we know it’s something our carers really benefit from. However, please be aware that respite care is expensive – this pot of money is finite and will run out.
For this reason, we’re asking carers that use the service to consider making a donation as a contribution to the service. All monies will be designated to this pot and will mean that it can be provided to more carers, for longer.
When might an application be unsuccessful?
There are occasions when applications to the Take a Break service may not be successful, such as:
- The cost of care exceeds the amount available in the fund
- The care is for someone under 18
- The applicant has already accessed the service 3 times in the last 12 months
- The care provider is unable to provide cover due to availability, the type of care required or other risks associated with the situation
- The carer has previously accessed the service and not returned the evaluation form
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.
