What’s your idea?

To offer a free two night stay for a group of carers in private homes initially in London on a bed and breakfast arrangement. This is to provide respite to carers.

We propose running a pilot to develop this multi-level respite model, with the support and partnership of other agencies.  Twenty carers and eight private bed and breakfast homes will be involved in the pilot to research and establish ways for the project to become sustainable/ financially viable without being dependent on funding.

A key part of the pilot will be an online/offline questionnaire on respite and what carers would want from a break, their needs and requirements.

We would seek to distribute the questionnaire through carers agencies/ networks and post questions on the forums of different carer organisations. We would seek a minimum of 100 respondents.

Preparation will include any of the following: reflecting on their own expectations; discussing issues that may arise and to be aware of when hosting vulnerable people; importance for carers of having someone to talk to- for many carers the break may be the first opportunity to talk to someone.

What is the social need or challenge your idea could address?

A carer spends a significant proportion of  their life providing unpaid support to family or friends. This  could be caring for a relative, partner, or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or substance misuse problems.

There are six million carers in the UK- that’s one in eight adults.

The value of the unpaid care they provide saves the Government £87 billion each year. Caring for someone impacts on the carer’s life in many ways, especially regarding their own health.

What’s really new about your idea?

The Carer’s Week 2008 survey (involving 2000 carers) revealed that 77% of those questioned feel as though their health was worse as a result of the strain of caring.

Additionally, well over half (55%) said that they had not had the chance to discuss their physical and mental health with someone, be it a friend or professional. There is currently no model that addresses the well being of carers.

What inspired you to come up with your idea in the first place?

Between 2001 and 2004 I had the opportunity to take part in one of the most exciting and life changing projects at the BBC.

I was one of a small team responsible for developing and delivering the roll out of an innovative project, Ring Around Carers, a three- year broadcast campaign raising awareness of carers issues and offering them the opportunity to take part in offline telephone friendship groups.

Travelling around the country, I spoke to hundreds of carers. The stories of social isolation were the same- after someone became ill other friends and family disappeared, and the carers were often left alone.

This project also made me think about my own family. My three aunts were carers for my grandmother who had Parkinson’s Disease for over 15 years and knowing what I know now I can’t imagine how difficult or isolating that time was for them.

If Social Innovation Camp is able to help push your idea forward, do you have the time or desire to take ownership of it?

Yes

This idea was submitted by Jude Habib.

Jude is the Director of Sound Delivery. Sound Delivery is an innovative media production and training company offering its skills and expertise to charities, not for profit and third sector organisations.