632 Carer Break Experiences - Soft Market Testing

Wigan Council recognises the value of unpaid carers and is committed to the ongoing support for carers in their role. The Council currently commissions a wide range of services to support carers in maintaining their own health and wellbeing, reducing the negative impact of the role and enabling carers to live a fulfilled life alongside their caring role. This includes services that enable carers to take a break from their caring role.

The significant benefits of providing carers with a break is well understood. With carers reporting that having a break has a positive impact on their health and wellbeing, ability to cope with their caring role and their levels of isolation.

The council is looking to commission a support offer which enables carers to take a break which is person centred and explores innovative break 'experiences' to meet the needs of those with different caring circumstances and enhances the current traditional offer.