Time for myself

Healthwatch Essex carried out a survey on behalf of Essex County Council between 6 April and 5 May 2026 to understand unpaid carers’ experiences of taking breaks from their caring responsibilities. The survey received 45 responses from carers across Essex and explored awareness, accessibility and barriers to taking respite breaks.

Most respondents were caring for a spouse, partner, parent or child, and many provided substantial levels of care. Nearly two-thirds of carers reported providing between 36 and 168 hours of care each week, with 44% caring for more than 100 hours weekly. Almost half of respondents were aged 46 to 65 and over 40% were aged over 65. Three-quarters of those who answered the disability question said they had a disability that affected their ability to provide care. 

The survey found that many carers struggle to take meaningful breaks. Among carers who had taken a break, only around a third felt breaks were flexible enough to meet their needs, while one-third said breaks were not affordable. More than half lacked confidence that trusted support would be available while they were away. Nearly two-thirds also felt they did not have enough information to make informed decisions about taking a break. 

The main barriers preventing carers from taking breaks were concern for the person they cared for, the cost of respite, guilt about taking time for themselves, not knowing what support was available, and a lack of replacement care. Many carers expressed a need for trusted support, better information, more affordable options and greater availability of respite services. 

Among carers who had not taken a break, awareness of available support was particularly low. Nearly 60% did not know how to access support for a break, while 68% said it was difficult to find information about respite options. Almost three-quarters were not confident about choosing someone to support the person they cared for, and most were unaware they might qualify for financial support or payments to help fund breaks.

Carers repeatedly highlighted the need for flexible respite services, including short-term stays, sitting services, overnight support, emergency cover, and opportunities for carers and the people they care for to take supported breaks together. Many respondents also wanted more personalised services that reflected individual needs and interests. 

Healthwatch Essex concluded that access to clear information is one of the biggest challenges facing carers. The report recommends the co-production of an information pack created with carers, better communication and signposting to available services, targeted engagement with underrepresented ethnic communities, a review of the affordability of respite support, and further investigation into carers’ concerns about the quality and reliability of replacement care. 

Overall, the report found that carers often feel isolated, lack confidence in available support, and face significant practical, financial and emotional barriers to taking breaks. Improving access to information, respite options and trusted support networks could help carers maintain their own wellbeing while continuing in their caring roles.