Rest is part of caring

12+ hours of FREE Carers Breaks

Do you look after an adult who lives in North Herts or Stevenage? You may be eligible for at least 12 hours of funded Carers Breaks under our Helping You Care scheme.

Whether the individual you support has a learning disability, physical disability, long-term health condition or dementia, Crossroads may be able to support you free of charge.

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What’s included in the Helping You Care scheme?

We offer a range of options to suit your schedule, but the Helping You Care scheme is typically delivered via weekly visits across 8 weeks.

  • 12+ hours of tailored care for your loved one at home or out in the community

  • Regular visits to fit around your schedule, giving you time to rest and recharge

  • Professional, caring Support Workers trained in person-centred care

  • Practical advice and wellbeing tips so you can continue with confidence

  • In Case of Emergency plans for peace of mind

  • Community signposting and access to an official Carers Assessment for seamless ongoing support if needed

You don’t have to wait until you’re at breaking point

Looking after you is just as important as looking after the one you care for. There’s no need to manage alone; Crossroads is here to help.

What is a Carers Break?

A Carers Break gives you the chance to confidently step away from your caregiving responsibilities and have some much-needed time to yourself.

Tailored care for the individual you support

Guilt-free rest & peace of mind for you

An essential part of caring for somebody else is making time for yourself. These breaks are an opportunity to rest, recharge and take care of your own wellbeing.

You might want to run an errand or attend an appointment. Maybe you’d like to see a friend or reignite a personal hobby, or simply have a well-deserved rest knowing the individual you support is well taken care of.

Carers Breaks allow you to maintain a healthy balance between living your life and supporting somebody else to live theirs, helping to prevent caregiver burnout.

What would you do with some time for yourself?

Sleep

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Shopping

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Gardening

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Seeing friends

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Exercise

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Cinema

〰️

Coffee

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Admin

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Walks

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Sleep 〰️ Shopping 〰️ Gardening 〰️ Seeing friends 〰️ Exercise 〰️ Cinema 〰️ Coffee 〰️ Admin 〰️ Walks 〰️

Am I eligible for free Carers Breaks?

You must be living in Hertfordshire and looking after a relative, spouse, friend or neighbour who is:

  • living in North Herts or Stevenage

  • aged 18+

  • unable to cope with daily life without your support, this may be due to a learning disability, long-term health condition or dementia.

Don’t meet all the criteria? Give us a call to discuss what’s available. Whatever your circumstances, we’re here to help.

How much does a Carers Break cost?

The Helping You Care scheme provides eligible carers a minimum of 12 hours completely free, fully funded by Hertfordshire County Council.

If you aren’t eligible for this funded scheme, our visits are £27.24 per hour*.

*Our minimum Carers Break is 2 hours. From our experience, this length of time gives carers the most benefit, allowing them to truly rest and recharge. It also gives us the opportunity to build a meaningful connection with the people we support, helping everyone feel more comfortable and cared for.

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Looking for good company rather than complex needs support?

We also have a dedicated team of over 40 skilled, DBS-checked Volunteers who provide free, regular home visits lasting between 1-3 hours. Our Volunteers bring a warm smile and good company to the individual you support, so you can pop out for a bit of you time.

This personalised service is free of charge and suitable for those who only need some good company and no practical or personal care.

Volunteer support

What Carers Breaks mean to the people we support…

  • The 3 hours respite a week you give my mum is a huge deal. It's a chance for her to breath & my dad really enjoys and looks forward to the sessions . Thank you.

    - Client’s son, Hitchin

  • I am so fortunate to have the care and security of being looked after by Crossroads… it gives my wife the opportunity to have a break from being my full-time carer. She enjoys going to her choir and meeting up with friends.

    - Client, Stevenage

  • Crossroads provides me with five hours of 'time out' from being the sole carer of my husband each week. The time is little but it is time that I have become so grateful for. Some space to relax and simply think about myself.

    Client’s wife, Hitchin

  • The Support Workers who visit Dad have become an integral part of his support and we couldn’t manage without them. I always receive clear details of visits or changes well in advance. Extremely happy with this care provider. Well done.

    Client’s daughter, Letchworth

How do I arrange Carers Breaks?

Everyone’s needs are different, and our Helping You Care team is dedicated to drawing up a personalised care plan centred around your needs and those of whom you care for.

Get in touch today; let’s make your wellbeing a priority.

01462 455578

3 simple steps:

1 - Reach out by phone or fill out the Carers Breaks form and we will contact you within 2 working days to arrange a free consultation on a date that suits you.

2 - We discuss your needs though an informal chat either at the home of the individual you support or over the phone - whatever works best for you.

3 - We help by selecting the most suitable Support Worker for your needs and arrange a time to start.

Book free consultation

Helping You Care is proudly funded by Hertfordshire County Council

Looking for community resources?

General help and advice, support groups and financial support are available from our network of local partner organisations.

Local resources