Caring for a loved one can be rewarding but tiring. It’s important for carers to take breaks in order to avoid burnout and regain the energy necessary to continue caring. However, many carers find it difficult to take time for themselves, due to a lack of suitable replacement care, financial constraints, and other factors.
On this page you’ll find advice and information to help you access breaks, as well as our strategy for improving Manchester’s carers’ breaks offer.
If you know of breaks or resources which you think we should add to this page, please get in touch via events@carersmanchester.org.uk.
The Carers’ Breaks Strategy
We recognise that many carers face barriers to taking a break from caring. Research by Carers UK found that 41% of carers had not taken a break in the last year.
In December 2024 we launched our Time For You consultation, in order to better understand what breaks are already available, what is missing, and what support carers need in order to access breaks. The consultation involved an online survey and face-to-face focus groups. A total of 215 carers were involved.
The consultation informed our new Carers’ Breaks Strategy, which will be used to improve the provision of carers’ breaks, and the communication around them.
Click on the thumbnail images below to read our reports.
Free hotel break offer
Carers Manchester Central (CMC) is delighted to offer carers a free overnight hotel stay, including breakfast, across the UK. If you are a Manchester resident, this offer is completely free. For those outside of Manchester, there is a £33.00 admin charge. You can bring along a companion, as long as it is not the person you are caring for.
How to Book:
- Contact CMC at 0161 226 6334 or email at cmc@accg.org.uk to complete a referral form.
- They will provide you with a weblink to view short break options around the UK.
- Choose your preferred option and make a booking request.
- The hotel will contact you directly to confirm your booking.
- Rest, relax, and enjoy your stay!
Free concert tickets for carers
Through our partnership with The Hallé, we offer free concert tickets for carers at The Bridgewater Hall. The concerts are a great way to unwind for a few hours and enjoy the escapism of music. One carer, Cathy, said of the concerts,
“I enjoy how the music takes you on a journey and is a warm distraction from the humdrum of daily activities!”
The concerts are also a great opportunity to meet other carers who understand your situation.
Carers Manchester event calendar and newsletter
The Carers Manchester Network is a group of VCSE organisations which support unpaid carers in Manchester. The members are a mixture of local and national charities and community-based organisations.
Organisations within our Network regularly organise activities and outings, such as:
- Walks
- Day trips to nearby towns
- Meals and coffee mornings
- Peer support groups
- Cinema and theatre trips
These are a great way for you to take some well-earned time for yourself!
We compile as many of these events as we can on our Event Calendar and in our fortnightly newsletter.
