MS Society and Carers Trust launch supported short breaks

The MS Society and Carers Trust have joined forces in a new pilot project to offer supported short breaks to people with MS and their families.

Care and support will be provided during their short breaks by trained care support workers from local Crossroads Care schemes, which are Network Partners of Carers Trust. The aim is to help people with MS, their carers and families to take the short breaks and holidays that suit them.

Jenny Leitch, Head of Partnerships and External Relations, says “Carers of people with MS, like my brother-in-law, can be caring for several decades. I am delighted that through working in partnership with the MS Society we can make it possible for carers, families and people with MS to holiday together in mainstream settings with skilled, friendly help available so that the carer can enjoy the holiday as much as the rest of the family.”

Where are the breaks?

Currently, supported short breaks are being piloted for destinations in parts of Wales and eastern and southern England. Breaks should be for a minimum of two nights in one of these areas.

Carers Trust and the MS Society will work together to expand this service beyond England and Wales to people living in Scotland and Northern Ireland. This will be based on the final decision to launch this program on full-scale following the pilot project which is due to end on 31 March 2013.

For more information about the pilot service and the areas covered, read the supported short breaks guide .

How can I book?

To book a supported short break, contact your local Crossroads Care scheme.

Find them on the Carers Trust website or phone 020 7922 7741.