Group Breaks

Manchester Carers' Forum has arranged group breaks for Carers at various locations since 2001. The purpose of the group break initiative is to enable Carers to access a complete break from their Caring responsibilities and so concentrate on themselves for a change. The breaks that we provide are unstructured and no activities are organised by ourselves so that Carers can choose for themselves how to spend their free time. The funds that MCF receive to run breaks has now changed and so we are no longer able to provide free breaks for carers.

Following the introduction of the Carers Individual Budgets, carers themselves now recieve funds directly and it is with these funds that they will be able to purchase breaks from ourselves. We are trying to organise a break to run in November but this very much depends on the interest that we acquire from carers who wish to attend. As MCF will be purchasing group bookings at hotels it is very likely that we would acquire accommodation at a much reduced price than people who book inidivdually. As a result of carers financing breaks from their individual budgets, they will be able ot purchase individual rooms and have their break talor made to their individal needs and desires.

We are no longer able ot provide respite costs for carers who attend future MCF breaks, again because of the changes in the funding structures. Such funds should come out of the Individual Budget that is utilised for the servcies of the cared for person.

Below we have put together an overview of some of the breaks that we have run in the past.

York

We have organised a new two night break to York on the 27th March. This break, as with the previous break to Leeds comprises a theatre element that the successful applicants can access on the saturday night. The show we have booked is a performance called Pop Goes The 80's which is a musical that celebrates the music of the 1980's. The show also has an element of audience participation so all carers can get involved and have a good sing-a-long. We will be staying at the Hotel 53 which is a new hotel that has come highly recommended from various sources.

Birmingham

This carers group break opportunity took place on the 13th June 2008. This was a 3 night dinner, bed and breakfast break at the fantastic Copthorne Hotel which is situated in the centre of the city centre. We were close to the local attractions such as the Bullring shopping centre, the Watersedge development and local theatres and concert halls.

Glasgow - February 2008

The next stage of the exciting Manchester Carers Forum 'Group Breaks Initiative' sees the Forum heading north of the border to Bonny Scotland. More specifically we are visiting Glasgow for three nights between Friday the 8th and Monday the 11th February. We are staying at the Holiday Inn which is situated in the Theatreland district of the city and this is walking distance from the city centre. As usual we will be taking a group of 40 carers as well as Rick and Hugh and a few trustees.

Nottingham - September 2007

This carers break took place at the end of September 2007. Carers enjoyed the luxury of the Jury's Inn which is situated in the heart of Nottingham.

This three night break allowed carers to explore Nottingham which is rich in history and offers fantastic shopping and cultural events. Some of the attractions included Nottingham Castle, Nottingham Playhouse and a range of cultural entertainments.

Lincoln - June 2007
This carers break took place in June 2007 at the Courtyard Lincoln Hotel which is situated in the centre of Lincoln. Carers were given a three night break, which included dinner, bed and breakfast. Carers were given the opportunity to visit tourist attractions such as LincolnCathedral, Brayford Marina and Lincoln Castle.

Cardiff - March 2007
This carers break took place in March 2007. The carers went to the Paramount Angel Hotel, which is located in Cardiff city centre for three nights. One of the many attractions in Cardiff includes St Fagan's which is one of Europe's foremost open-air museums. It stands on the grounds of St Fagan's castle a late 16th century manor house.

London - September 2006
A group of 40 carers went away for a 3 night stay in St Giles Hotel. Good feedback was received about this break This break allowed carers to go shopping on Camden market and on Oxford street, sightseeing, watching West end theatre shows and visiting Madame Tussaud's wax museum.

Llandudno - June 2006
A group of 40 carers went away for a 3 night stay in All Seasons Hotel. This break was enjoyed by all. The weather was especially hot on this break giving everyone the opportunity to sunbathe and some carers also took a trip to Conwy Castle.

Ampleforth Abbey - April 2005

A group of Carers went for a weekend break at Ampleforth Abbey situated in York. Ampleforth is a Roman Catholic Benedicitine monastery and a public school. Carers had the opportunity to take a break and enjoy peace and stillness.  The break also allowed carers to explore their own sprituality.

Ripon Spa Hotel - March 2005		Llandudno- Oct 2004 & June 2006
A break was arranged at the 'Ripon Spa Hotel' in March 2005.  It is a beautiful Edwardian house situated in the countryside. Set in seven acres of landscaped, award winning gardens and within five minutes walking distance from the Ripon cathedral and the ancient city of Ripon. Many of our carers reported that it was an enjoyable experience.		In October 2004, we took our members for a weekend break to Llandudno in North Wales at the 'All Seasons Hotel', which sits at the base of Great Orme.   The break gave a chance for our members to re-energise themselves from their caring responsibilities and gave them the opportunity to explore the famous bays of Llandudno.

Carers Retreats in conjunction with the Manchester Buddhist Centre

The Carers Forum has been working together with the Buddhist Centre to set up Weekend Retreats for Carers. The whole idea for these retreat weekends is that carers in Manchester get the opportunity to remove themselves from their Caring responsibilities and concentrate on relaxation. Manchester Buddhist Centre is responsible for the activities on offer during the weekends and these include Meditation, Yoga and Shiatsu.

The members of the Buddhist Centre are also responsible for preparing and cooking all meals for the carers on the trip as well as making all other refreshments such as tea and coffee. This ensures that the Carers do not lift a finger and so experience complete relaxation while away from home.

These retreat weekends usually run from Fridays to Sundays and are therefore only two night breaks. Currently the breaks take place at either the Haybergill Centre in Cumbria or Unstone Grange in Derbyshire. The last break took place in November 2007 and was a tremendous success in terms of numbers and enjoyment.

Again travel expenses and respite costs of £60.00 a day are available to enable carers to attend the breaks.

For further information please contact The Manchester Buddhist Centre on 0161-834-9232.