Staffordshire Together for Carers Service offers free befriending, peer support and carers groups. They also fund local projects through the Carers Grants Scheme to help you take a break.
Under the Care Act 2014, you have a legal right to a carer’s assessment if you spend a lot of time caring. This looks at your needs as a carer, including your need for a break. Your assessment can be with the person you care for or separate from them.
What happens next
- Contact us
- Have a carer’s assessment (Care Act 2014)
We’ll look at your wellbeing, your need for a break, and what would help you keep working, studying, volunteering, or staying connected.
- Agree your support
We’ll discuss types of breaks (little and often or occasional longer breaks), how to arrange them, and any Carers Direct Payment if you’re eligible.
- Arrange the break
You might use family and friends, join activities via Staffordshire Together for Carers, or arrange support through day opportunities, home care, a personal assistant, or short stays.
Timelines: We aim to respond quickly. Timescales vary with your situation and provider availability.
Costs
- Staffordshire Together for Carers activities and groups are free to access for carers.
- If you’re eligible, you may be offered a Carers Direct Payment (a one‑off payment to support your wellbeing).
- A Carers Direct Payment must not be used for general holiday costs (e.g. hotel, travel, meals) or to fund holidays with your informal carer unless a separate formal carer is also in place, so your carer still gets a break.
- If you need respite care for the person you support (so you can take time out), see our Respite care (short break care) page for funding rules, assessments, and self‑funding details.
- Staffordshire Cares call 0300 111 8010
(Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, except bank holidays)
- Emergency Duty Team call 0345 604 2886
(Monday to Friday, 5pm to 9am and Saturday, Sunday, Bank Holidays, 24-hour service)
