Research launch: Exploring unpaid carers’ experiences of short breaks and respite care

Date: Wednesday 26th March

Time: 10.30am to 12.00pm

Reserve your place here: Exploring unpaid carers’ experiences of short breaks & respite Tickets, Wed, Mar 26, 2025 at 10:30 AM | Eventbrite

Shared Care Scotland invite you to join us at the launch event for our carers survey research report 26 March 2025 where we’ll publish our findings on unpaid carers’ experiences of short breaks and respite care.  

This research draws on insights from over 1,000 carers from across Scotland and highlights critical challenges, common themes and proposes recommendations to better support the diverse range of carers in Scotland.  

The timing of this research is significant. It comes as the government plans to introduce a legal ‘Right to a Break’ for unpaid carers, a policy that has been universally welcomed but has faced continuing delays due to the slow progression of the National Care Service legislation.  

These findings build on and reinforce many conversations already underway and provide a robust evidence-base for urgent advocacy and reform, ensuring that carers’ voices remain central to ongoing policy discussions.  

This event will explore the experiences of the unpaid carers who took part, focusing on their access to short breaks and respite care, and the broader impact on their mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. 

Key topics to be discussed include: 

  • The significant impact of breaks on carers’ life balance 

  • The barriers to accessing breaks including suitable service provision, the challenges of rigid policies, insufficient funding, and bureaucracy. 

  • The need for a robust infrastructure to support carers, beyond legislative changes. 

  • Positive experiences and the potential of well-structured support systems, such as flexible grants and peer support opportunities. 

 

The Shared Care Scotland team will share the key findings of the research, and we will be joined in conversation by carers who took part in the research to hear their views and experiences. Those attending will have the opportunity to take part in a question and answer session, as well as networking opportunities with like-minded people who want to see the Right To A Break fully realise its potential.