Respite Breaks
Our flagship residential breaks give young carers and children aged 5–12 experiencing difficult circumstances the opportunity to step away from daily pressures and simply be children. These two-night, three-day breaks are designed specifically for children who would benefit from time away in a safe and nurturing environment. Through outdoor adventures, creative activities and shared experiences, children build friendships, grow in confidence and develop resilience.
Each break is hosted by an experienced Children’s Services Leader and supported by two Children’s Residential Support Workers, ensuring every child receives dedicated care and encouragement throughout their stay. Taking place at one of our three houses in England, Wales or Scotland, each located in a peaceful rural setting, with stunning countryside views and plenty of open green space to run, play and explore.
Breaks run throughout the school holidays and every weekend of the year. Children are invited back each year until they are 13 years old, giving ongoing support and continuity throughout their youngest years. These breaks provide valuable time to recharge, form positive friendships and create happy childhood memories, helping to build brighter futures beyond their time with Honeypot.
"All of the children are so special, I just love playing with other people and I just feel happier”
“People like me for me, and some people understand me and are just like me!”
A typical break at Honeypot
The magical breaks here at Honeypot not only begin when the children arrive at one of our Honeypot houses, but the moment they step onto our minibus. This valuable time is sometimes taken for granted; this is the first time the children meet each other and Honeypot staff, usually with The Greatest Showman or The Lion King playing on the telly in the background.
The chaperone ensures each child is happy and comfortable for the journey ahead and is always there for extra reassurance if needed. From this point on the special friendships and memories grow right in front of our eyes, as the children begin their Honeypot journey.
The smiley team greet every group of children off the minibus in the same welcoming ‘Honeypot’ style. Every break is started off with a ‘welcome circle’, where all staff and children introduce themselves to the group. Lots of ‘getting to know you’ games are played so staff can paint a picture of the group.
This helps the Honeypot team to support and plan their break around the children’s individual wants and needs. All children are given a tour of the house and grounds on their first visit to Honeypot to make them feel safe and, most importantly, at home.
The Honeypot team talk about the behaviour and kindness principles that guide their interactions throughout their break and are central to every child’s Honeypot experience. The three main stepping stones that guide our fabulous breaks are: be kind, be safe, and most importantly: have fun.
