Priority 5: We will ensure better access to breaks and respite for young carers, young adult carers and adult carers (including parent carers) via easy processes, with reduced bureaucracy and a more flexible, person centred approach.

What issue is this priority addressing?

Feedback from carers in Warrington obtained in January 2021 highlights how many young carers, young adult carers and adult carers (including parent carers) feel exhausted and in need of a break that can be tailored to support their individual circumstances.

For some carers, the break required is rest and recuperation with ‘time off’ from caring responsibilities, sometimes overnight. For others, the support is increased access to face to face services, increased emotional support and practical help. Choice and control over the support needed to obtain a break is crucial as is easy access processes to put the break in place.

Personal budgets, direct payments, online assessments, access to ‘better conversations’ to mobilise support easily and a focus on community led support are all approaches that can increase the variety and availability of solutions for carers who need a break or regular breaks from caring responsibilities.

Making access to a break, in whatever way is meaningful to the carer, is important in ensuring that carers remain resilient and well.

How will this priority be delivered?

• We will review carers assessment processes to make accessing a break easier.
• We will review direct payment processes to make accessing a direct payment easier.

What are the potential measures of success?

• Year 3 improvement in the number of direct payments.
• Positive feedback from carers about breaks and ease of access.