Evaluation of the National Short Breaks Scheme
An evaluation of the National Short Breaks Scheme for Unpaid Carers in Wales, led by Dr Diane Seddon, has been promoted by Carers Trust Wales ahead of additional funding for the scheme
The National Short Breaks Scheme, launched in 2022, aims to provide breaks for 30,000 unpaid carers across Wales. By 2023/24, the scheme reached 24,331 carers. The Welsh Government recently confirmed an additional £3.5 million to extend the scheme until the end of March 2026.
The interim report of an independent evaluation, led by Dr Diane Seddon, revealed the scheme has primarily supported carers with significant responsibilities: 80% of adult participants provide more than 50 hours of care weekly. The scheme addresses a crucial gap, as 86% of adult participants had not accessed breaks from caring elsewhere in the previous year. Of the young carers and young adult carers who responded to the evaluation survey, 75% reported they had not accessed a break in the previous year.
The evaluation demonstrates significant positive impacts of providing short breaks. Unpaid carers report:
- Improved optimism about the future
- Reduced social isolation
- Greater feelings of control and relaxation
- Better sleep patterns
- Strengthened caring relationships
- Increased community connections and peer support networks
Unpaid carers appreciate the flexibility to choose break types that matter to them. While 38.7% of adults requested overnight breaks, many preferred day trips, or funding for hobbies or household necessities. Most young carers (56.5%) accessed a facilitated group activity, taken without the person they support.
Beyond these direct benefits, the scheme has:
- Increased third-sector capacity to deliver preventative services
- Improved identification of “hidden carers”
- Enhanced collaboration across hospitality, tourism, arts, and leisure sectors
- Supported the implementation of Welsh Government priorities regarding carer identification, information provision, and supporting a life-alongside-caring
The National Short Breaks Scheme for unpaid carers successfully meets its aims of increasing break accessibility, providing flexible options, and targeting those most in need. However, organisations express concern about meeting demand that has exceeded projections, which the newly announced extension to the scheme could help resolve.
The evaluation demonstrates how personalised, preventive breaks positively impact individuals’ wellbeing and ability to continue in their caring roles. This is further evidenced through Most Significant Change stories, which allow carers to report the changes brought about after taking a short break. The evaluation will have significant impact for national policy makers, local authorities and the third sector by providing information on specific areas of need, and the outcomes taking a short break has for unpaid carers and those they support.
Publication date: 19 March 2025