Type of service: Domiciliary services, Respite and short breaks

A free service using volunteers between the ages of 18-35 years who spend between 6-12 months with the project, working in Bexley and Greenwich Boroughs. The service provides flexible breaks for carers by offering support to people in their own homes. Support is given by full time volunteers who are trained by the carer and cared for person to carry out whatever personal care, domestic tasks and social activities are required while the carer is away. In certain circumstances, volunteers can also accompany a family on holiday to assist with the caring and enable a carer to have a more relaxing holiday (in the British Isles only). The volunteers have had a clear Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and also a police check from their home country. Most volunteers come from abroad and may be doing a gap year with the Projects, or they might be someone interested in working in social care. An assessment will need to be carried out and if there is a suitable volunteer, then he or she is introduced. Each family may book up to 28 days per year. We can provide regular one day (7 hour breaks) every other week or a break of up to two weeks so that a carer can go away for a holiday. Open referrals.

Aimed at: Adult

Specialisms: Generic

Other specialisms: Learning disability