Local businesses are making a difference in Falkirk and Clackmannanshire.

Support carers in your community by doing what you do best and reap the benefits.

What is Respitality?

Respitality is a Scottish Government supported social tourism initiative that creates opportunities for carers to take energising and short breaks from their caring role. While for many of us, making new memories is a natural part of life, without Respitality many carers may not be able to do so. They often don’t get the chance to take a break from their caring role.

As one of the approved delivery partners, we connect carers with local businesses who are willing to donate a break free of charge. This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to practice social responsibility and give back to their communities. 

How does your business benefit?

Brand and marketing benefits

• Improved public relations: 

Charitable donations will lead to positive media coverage, enhancing a company’s public image. 

• Customer attraction: 

Some consumers favour businesses that donate to charity. Standing out from the competition may lead to potential new customer acquisition and increased sales. 

• Brand storytelling: 

Donations provide companies with positive stories to share with customers, employees, and investors, giving you a powerful marketing tool. 

Employee and community benefits

• Higher employee morale: 

Supporting charitable causes can increase employee pride, leading to higher morale, better retention, and a stronger sense of purpose. 

• Stronger community relations: 

Supporting local charities builds a stronger, more resilient community, which can, in turn, benefit the business’s own long-term success. 

What can you donate?

1. Restaurants:

By donating, you’re serving more than food. You will be serving appreciation to those who care for others every single day.

Donation Suggestions:

• Donate a meal out once per week/once per month for a carer and companion.
• Create a ‘Carers Table’ special night once per month.
• Community support for example matching donations/pay it forward for customers.

2. Cafes:

Give carers some breathing space. Donate a cup of coffee, a cake, or a spot of lunch to someone who tirelessly cares for others.

Donation Suggestions:

• Donate a set number of free drinks/snacks per month.
• Offer a pay-if-forward scheme.
• Coffee for Carers Day once per month (free coffee for any carers accessing the café on a specific day)

3. Spas

Well-being starts with rest. Help us to support the hidden heroes of unpaid carers in our communities.

Donation Suggestions:

• Donate a set number of vouchers (all booked by Centre staff) i.e. massages, facials, manicures, mini-treatments, spa access.
• Host a ‘Carer Wellness Day’ with a taster session
• Create care boxes with spa products/samples for those carers who cannot leave their cared-for person.

4. Health & Beauty Providers:

Unpaid carers rarely get time for themselves. Your skills can give them back their confidence and provide a moment that is just for them.

Donation Suggestions:

• Donate a free treatment slot once per month (haircut, nails, massage, etc.)
• Create a ‘carer chair’ – one slot per week reserved for a free carer service
• Offer at-home treatments for carers who cannot travel/leave the cared-for person
• Provide small self-care kits

5. Gyms:

Carers give their strength to others every day. Your gym can help them rebuild their own.

Donation Options:

• Free day passes or week trials
• Free memberships
• Reserved spots in classes i.e. yoga, pilates, Zumba, etc.
• 1:1 PT or wellness consults monthly
• Online coaching or classes access
• Challenge members to sponsor carer memberships through donations etc.
• Host fitness events to raise awareness and funds for memberships etc.

6. Leisure Activities

Carers give their families everything, but your business can give them the gift of time together.

Donation Options:

• Donate family passes (cinema, bowling, play centres, trampoline parks)
• Provide a monthly ‘carer family slot’
• Run special carer days/events
• Donate experiences (escape rooms, adventure parks, museums, zoos)

Your business is not on this list, but you’d like to give? Fantastic, we’d love to hear from you! Fill out this form, and we’ll be in touch.

What you get in return from us:

Partner with us and we’ll spotlight your business that gives back to carers.

• You’ll get tagged in our social media posts (Respitality join date celebration, case studies), thank you shoutouts for free PR etc.
• You’ll be mentioned in local press releases
• You’ll receive a certificate and decals to use to showcase your support.
• You’ll be added to our ‘Wall of Thanks’ on our website

Join today and make a carers day!

To find out more, please fill in this form now, and one of our team will be in touch: https://form.jotform.com/CentralCarers/respitality-business-eoi

 

Celebrating 3 Years of Support from The Hippodrome!

The Hippodrome in Bo’ness has been part of the Respitality initiative for 3 fantastic years, donating free tickets to the Centre, allowing carers to take a break from their caring role and recharge.

Their continued support makes a real difference, and we would like to express our gratitude by celebrating them this month.

Who is The Hippodrome?

The Hippodrome in Bo’ness, winner of the Best Cinema Experience in Scotland 2019, is Scotland’s oldest surviving purpose-built cinema. With many original features preserved, stepping into the Hippodrome is like taking a step back in time. Carers enjoyed this charming, classic setting, as well as the opportunity to take time out from their day-to-day routine to relax and enjoy the fantastic selection of films.

How did carers benefit?

Carers who visited The Hippdrome through Respitality found the atmosphere great and the staff welcoming.

For some carers, the cost of outings can be challenging as one carer shared “We struggle to make ends meet and a trip to the cinema is a real treat.” Thanks to the generosity of The Hippodrome Cinema, we can offer free tickets to local carers and their families for film screenings. Many carers appreciated this opportunity to have a break from their caring role, and spend some time with family in a great atmosphere. 

Read the full case study here.

Are you a local business?

Learn more about the Respitality initiative and how you can get involved here.

Are you a carer?

To find out more, please contact our Short Breaks team on 01324 611510 (Option 1) or email shortbreaks@centralcarers.co.uk