Celebrating a Decade of Respitality: Carer Days Out Kick Off with a Bang at Mackintosh at the Willow

Respitality, a pioneering social tourism initiative supporting unpaid carers, has launched its 10-year celebrations with a vibrant event at Mackintosh at the Willow in Glasgow. This marks the beginning of a series of Carer Days Out, designed to provide meaningful breaks for carers across Scotland.

The event at Mackintosh at the Willow featured a VIP experience for local unpaid carers, including a creative workshop, lunch and birthday cake. This is one of six Carer Days Out planned across Scotland, aiming to highlight the importance of social tourism and foster understanding within communities and businesses.

Lucy Richardson from the Glasgow Carers Partnership, a local Respitality delivery partner, expressed her gratitude: “Mackintosh at the Willow is one of our valued donors, consistently providing special and worthwhile experiences for carers in Glasgow. We are thrilled that they have kicked off the celebrations with such enthusiasm.”

“Delivering Respitality across Glasgow has been a rewarding journey. It’s a privilege to support unpaid carers—many of whom rarely prioritise their own well-being—with meaningful moments of rest and connection. Celebrating Respitality’s 10th birthday at the historic Mackintosh at the Willow was a fun (and cake!) filled occasion, and we’re so grateful for their ongoing generosity, supporting us since 2023. Their thoughtful hospitality and creative workshops have made a real difference for carers of all ages.

Events like these remind us of how vital our donors and dedicated carer support workers are. Together, we’re making space for carers to breathe, reflect, and create memories. Here’s to another decade of difference-making! Happy 10th Birthday, Respitality!”

Oliver Braid, Creative Learning Manager at Mackintosh at the Willow, shared his thoughts about why supporting Respitality is important to them: “Mackintosh at the Willow is pleased to have been able to regularly donate building tours, workshops, exhibition entry and time in our tea rooms to support the Carers Day Out scheme through Respitality. We donate two weekly free visits to local and community support groups because we believe that heritage is for everyone, irrespective of background or economic circumstance. Our organisation is the home of the original Willow Tea Rooms building and the only Mackintosh-designed tearoom left in the world, which was founded by pioneering Edwardian businesswoman Kate Cranston. As an entrepreneur and philanthropist, Cranston understood the importance of supporting those from marginalised life experiences – providing employment and insurance for those who may have otherwise struggled – and we aim to continue her mission today. A Carers Day Out is always a joyful experience for our learning department, providing opportunities for mutual learning exchange around Mackintosh, Cranston and their legacies across Scotland today.”

Kerry Donaghy, Respitality Manager at Shared Care Scotland, emphasised the collaborative spirit of the initiative: “Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do through Respitality. We couldn't support as many carers without the passion and generosity of our local delivery partners and businesses. The launch of our Carer Days Out with Mackintosh at the Willow was a perfect fit, filled with laughter from start to finish!”

In addition to the Carer Days Out, Respitality's 10-year celebrations include the launch of a special edition podcast series, ‘Respitality Reflections’. The series features prominent figures who have contributed to the initiative's growth; the launch of a 10-year impact report; and cherished memories from the past decade.