We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded funding by Technology Services Group (TSG), supporting our continued effort to bring creative short breaks to unpaid carers in Scotland. Funding will be used to purchase several VR headsets, with a limited amount to be distributed amongst our delivery partner network for use at future local wellbeing events.
Providing IT support to businesses and organisations across the UK, TSG have a strong focus on corporate social responsibility and through the TSG Foundation, donate 2% of their yearly profits to UK charities and communities. Funding through the TSG Foundation aims to empower people within an ever-changing digital landscape, providing tools and resources they need to achieve their outcomes.
We’ve seen a significant shift in the way unpaid carers are choosing to take breaks through Respitality, with many now opting for more ‘hyper-local’ options that offer the benefit of time away while still being close to home, if needed.Kerry Sloan Respitality Manager, Shared Care Scotland
The headsets aim to introduce what breaks from caring can look and feel like, providing an immersive experience that empowers carers to prioritise breaks and encourages donors to provide break opportunities.
Over the past two years, we’ve seen a move towards more localised break, with 90% of carers in 2025 choosing to take a Respitality break in their own local area. Bringing breaks to where unpaid carers are can support more carers’ health and wellbeing, social opportunities, and their ability to have a life alongside caring.
Carers will also have the opportunity to explore creative ways to take a break, as we know there is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to short breaks.
We know how important these opportunities can be in providing time to rest, recharge and feel connected, and we are proud to play a small part in supporting carers through this work.Joanne Deane Executive Assistant, Technology Services Group Foundation
Kerry Sloan, Respitality Manager spoke of the positive impact creative short breaks can make to unpaid carers:
“We’ve seen a significant shift in the way unpaid carers are choosing to take breaks through Respitality, with many now opting for more ‘hyper-local’ options that offer the benefit of time away while still being close to home, if needed. This reflects what we are hearing directly from carers about what works best for them. We are extremely grateful to the TSG Foundation for this funding, which will enable us to respond to that need and continue delivering flexible, innovative breaks that provide meaningful and impactful support to unpaid carers.”
Joanne Deane, Executive Assistant at TSG said:
“The TSG Foundation is delighted to support Shared Care Scotland with a grant to help improve access to creative short breaks for unpaid carers. We know how important these opportunities can be in providing time to rest, recharge and feel connected, and we are proud to play a small part in supporting carers through this work.”
A big thank you to TSG for helping to #MakeACarersDay!
Could you do something to support carers to take a break? Find out more here.