Planning a getaway to relax and regroup is hard enough for families who don’t have children with additional needs. Throw in the extra hurdles of finding appropriate, alternative carers for their child or safe, accessible travel and accommodation for them to join; time to plan beyond the daily ‘hamster wheel’ (as one single parent aptly described it); on top of the income constraints of unpaid caring responsibilities, and it’s easy to understand why many family carers never take a break.
That’s why this programme has had such an impact. It really is a life-changing gift to be given a free, tailored getaway that removes those barriers.
“For parents of children with complex and lifelong needs, looking into the future can feel like facing a never-ending mountain. Knowing that there are breaks along the way, moments to pause, rest, and regain strength, can make the load we carry feel a little lighter.” Sophie Carter, Parent to Parent GC Regional Coordinator and mum to two sons with additional needs.
Photo from a respite attendee’s getaway
Developed by Parent to Parent’s two Greater Canterbury Regional Coordinators — one experienced in running a private respite provision in her home, both in juggling the needs of their own families — the structure of the overnight respite programme was formed in response to community feedback.
Sophie and Rebecca undertook consultation with our extensive network of connected parents, alongside a focused effort to reach new families who were not yet engaged with Parent to Parent. Through surveys and conversations, families were invited to share their experiences of caregiving and what meaningful respite would truly look like for them. What we heard was both powerful and consistent.
Many parents described lives shaped by constant vigilance and responsibility, often without any reliable opportunities to rest. Traditional respite services were frequently described as difficult to access, unsuitable for their child’s needs, or creating additional stress rather than relief. For many families, the idea of taking a break has never been realistic.
“For me, just a night with a bed to myself is all that is required.” Survey respondent
Parents told us they could only step away from the daily demands of caregiving if they knew that whilst they were away their child would be understood, welcomed and supported. We also took on board the complex realities many face — that they are unable access respite because suitable care for their child simply does not exist. To ensure families are not being forced to choose between taking a break and meeting their child’s needs, our approach is flexible and inclusive. Whenever necessary, disabled children and their siblings are welcome to attend alongside their parent(s).
“… tired of respite meaning a disabled loved one is left with someone else, as this is hard to make happen. Respite can be gained together as a family.” Survey respondent
Each getaway is thoughtfully designed in partnership with the family. Activities are tailored to the needs of those attending, so parents can experience genuine rest while children are engaged and included in a safe, understanding and relaxing environment. Parent to Parent coordinates all logistics, removing barriers that often prevent families from taking time away.
“Words can’t describe how much this weekend meant for us. As a family of five on one wage due to caring for our son’s extra needs this was our first weekend getaway and it was incredible. Our son was making his happy noise the whole weekend; our daughters were smiling ear to ear the whole time and it totally filled me and my husband’s cups. We would rate this weekend 1000/10 if we could, thank you for this incredible opportunity and wonderful memories made.” Getaway recipient
“I was brought to tears by the generosity of everyone involved. I had forgotten what it feels like to be at peace and relaxed, and this mini time away helped me to feel human again. The accommodation was spectacular, especially the views from the room, it felt homely too. I definitely noticed an improvement in my wellbeing afterwards. I really felt special and pampered from the whole experience! I felt like a little kiddo on an adventure.” Getaway recipient
As you can hear from the feedback, these getaways provide more than a short break. They offer relief from isolation and the reassurance that carers are valued; that their wellbeing is important, and they are not navigating their journey alone. They give parents something they rarely experience: the opportunity to pause. To look out into the wider world. To sleep without listening for every sound. To share time with others who understand the realities of their lives. To reconnect with themselves, with their partners, and their wider whānau.
“Thank you Parent to Parent and the Gift Trust! Being parents of a daughter with special needs is challenging, consuming, and often overwhelming. Thank you for allowing me to be ‘me’ for the weekend! Thank you for allowing my husband and I to be ‘us’, and to remember why we’re an amazing team.” Getaway recipient
This is the final year of the seed funding, and we cannot thank the Columba Fund and The Gift Trust enough. Together, alongside our disability sector partners, we are aiming to increase society-wide recognition and appreciation of carer’s contributions and to encourage investment in this respite programme.
These getaways are offered free of charge, removing a significant barrier to families; the financial burden, and the burden of choice— often carers direct any available resources to their disabled loved one, never thinking to put on their own oxygen mask. The programme is entirely reliant on the generosity of funders and partnerships with travel, food and accommodation providers. Ongoing support will allow us to continue to make a profound difference to families with disabled children across our communities.
“I don’t know how to express/convey what this meant for us. We are so grateful! To have a weekend away isn’t something we can usually afford, so to just relax and know it was covered was amazing. The kids were regulated for the majority of the time because the accommodation was functional, quiet, large enough for everyone to have their own space, but also had treats like hot chocolates and a walk-in shower. My husband and I cried when we got the offer, and on the way home I may have shed a tear or two as well, because regulated weekends are rare for us. It was a wonderful experience, and we cannot thank you enough.” Getaway recipient
We will leave you with some thoughts from Sophie, our respite programme organiser:
“Being able to offer personalised, thoughtful support, and to remind families that they are not just another statistic, matters deeply to me. I know the realities of what can happen when families are overwhelmed or burnt out, and being able to provide a break, along with the message that their wellbeing truly matters, is incredibly powerful.
“The feedback I receive weekly is a constant reminder of how vital it is to care for carers. Thank you, once again, for entrusting us with this project and for supporting those who spend their lives supporting others. Your generosity is felt far beyond a single weekend away — it creates lasting impact for families and for our wider community.”
