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Good neighbour groups

The Good Neighbours Support Service provide information, guidance, development and support to over 100 independent voluntary groups in Hampshire, enabling them to provide a dependable and trustworthy service. The groups offer neighbourly help to people in their local communities, enabling people to stay independent in their own homes and helping to prevent isolation.

• Some local 'good neighbour' groups may be able to help in an emergency

Take a break scheme

This service gives carers the opportunity to have time off from their caring duties by providing a replacement carer for the person they care for. The service can only be accessed via Adult Servies through a carers assessment and is provided, under contract, by a range of providers throughout Hampshire.

Carers who are eligible will receive confirmation by letter which serves as a voucher for them to book their break directly with a provider. Further information and a list of approved providers is sent with the letter.

This service offers minimal disruption for the cared-for person who remains in his or her usual living environmernt and can continue to access usual activities in the community if desired.

• support - help with personal care, some health care, preparation of a snack or meal or some light domestic chores
• flexibility - carers can book their breaks when it suits them, choose to have a few regular hours off each week or a longer break. Unused hours can be ‘banked’ and used later in the month.
• reassurance - staff providing the short break are specially trained and police checked

Some enhancements have also been introduced:

• overnight service - for planned overnight breaks and up to 48h in any one break, provided in the home of the cared for person.
  
  Alternatively, this could be taken for one night on a regular basis, with the carer staying in the home allowing them to have an undisturbed night sleep, knowing their cared-for person will be supported if they wake up. Overnight care requires a minimum one weeks notice to the provider.
• acess to the community - during a break, the cared-for person can be supported to go out  to attend clubs, activities, visit friends etc.
  
  This can be done in the replacement carer’s car if the person can access an unadapted car without difficulty. Each hour of the (Enhanced) service allocated to you will allow you 5 miles car travel.

Download a copy of the Take a break leaflet from our webpages

Request a carer's assessment and discuss your needs as a carer including your need to have a break.

Find out about emergency planning and respite

Care at home search

Information on organisations that can provide live-in help for a short period to allow you to go away. Some of these services may be provided only as part of a wider care package.

• Find help with the Care at Home search

Residential Care homes search

Find local care homes that might be able to offer informal day care to meet your needs

• Search for some respite care with the Residential care homes search

Holidays

If the person you look after needs special care that would make an ordinary holiday difficult, there are specialist holiday organisations that can provide information and advice

• Holidays specifically for disabled people
• e.VOLve community groups directory
• Sharerd lives scheme