Carer break vouchers

Surrey County Council have introduced Carer Break Vouchers which is a simple and flexible way to provide some short term breaks. The Voucher scheme has been designed to offer carers flexibility in the timing of a break and a choice in how alternative care can be provided while you take a break from your caring role.

Are you eligible for Carer Break Vouchers

The vouchers are for carers who provide substantial care. You must also have had a Carers Assessment which would have been provided either under a 1995 Act called The Carers and Recognition and Services Act or a 2000 act called The Carers and Disabled Children's Act . If you think you have not had a Carers Assessment or you have no documentation to say you have had one contact your local Social Care Team.

Click here for a list of Adults / Mental Health Social Care Teams 

Click here for local Children's Assessment Teams

You may be eligible for Carer Break Vouchers if you provide regular and substantial care for:

• someone with a disability

• someone who is very frail or has a serious long term health problem

• a child with a disability

• a mental health problem

Who will provide the care when you take a break?

The vouchers are for use with registered care providers which could be Residential or Nursing Homes, Day Centres, Homecare, or voluntary organisations such as Crossroads.

You are able to choose from a list of providers which is growing all the time. If you wish to view a list of providers go to the Short Term Break Directory, if you would like to see all Surrey provides please click here to download a copy of the Surrey directory (pdf document). If you find a good registered provider which is not on the list your Social Worker or Care Manager may be able to arrange for their details to be included by contacting the relevant Carers Development Officer.

How do you use the vouchers?

Once you have received your vouchers and a list of approved providers, select a provider for a short term break. Contact the provider with suitable dates etc. Once your short term break is due to begin sign the appropriate vouchers where indicated. The provider of the service you selected will then do the rest of the work to redeem the voucher.

Vouchers are valued at £10, £20 and £50. All vouchers have a expiry date on them. However if you do not use the voucher by the expiry date contact your Social Worker or Care Manager as soon as possible.

If you have any questions regarding Care Break Voucher call the Contact Centre on  08456 009009