About the Give me a break Campaign

Our founder, Joan Brander, witnessed the overwhelming isolation and frustration of disabled people and their families, with little prospect of even the briefest respite.  

She also witnessed the plight of family carers, whose devotion to their loved ones without relief was taking a devastating physical and emotional toll.  

She saw that families were in desperate need of support and,  over 60 years ago, she set about providing it. In 2014, inspired by the example of her and others, access to respite became a statutory right. 

But today we are seeing a respite crisis.

Funding for respite breaks needs to be protected. Without something to look forward to, without a break from the day to day, we’re going to see more caring relationships break down, a greater reliance on full time residential care and an increase in mental health breakdown. This isn’t just a holiday. It’s a lifeline.

Did you know?

• Over 60% of carers surveyed had not had a break in the past year and over 25% of respondents have never had a break.  
• Over three quarters of carers surveyed are providing more than 50 hours of care a week. 
• 84% have experienced real time cuts to their respite funding. 
• Only 17% are receiving social care funding for respite. 

– Results of Revitalise guest survey, 2024