For parents
Whether your child attends a Respite Break with us or takes part in one of our Memory Making Days, all of our services are designed to give children time away from their caring responsibilities and the chance to enjoy being a child and making positive memories.
Over the last 30 years, we have supported thousands of young carers, parents, and families, and have built strong relationships with referrers including local authorities, social work teams, schools, GPs, and other welfare organisations. These trusted partnerships help us ensure that children with the greatest need, are supported in the most appropriate and effective way.
“When my daughter is at Honeypot House, I know she is being well cared for and there is no judgement being made why she is there which is something she can feel in other environments. I never worry about her home situation being discussed or criticised.”
Our programme
We support young carers (aged 5-12) through a combination of Respite Breaks and Memory Making Days. These experiences give children time to rest, have fun, and step away from their caring responsibilities, while also supporting their wellbeing and helping them build meaningful relationships with other young carers who share similar experiences.
Each year, we are able to reach and support more than 3,000 children through our programmes.
To find out more about our online respite breaks and how to sign up a child, please contact us on info@honeypot.org.uk.
Respite Breaks
Respite Breaks form the core of our work and are delivered across three sites: our Honeypot House Hampshire in the New Forest, Honeypot Pen y Bryn in Mid-Wales and Scotland, Honeypot Dalleagles. The breaks consist of two nights-three day stays and are designed for young carers who could benefit from some time away in a safe and nurturing environment. We want to give them the opportunity to have some fun, worry-free time, play with peers and enjoy new activities and experiences in a safe and child-friendly environment.
All groups are hosted by an experienced and dedicated Children’s Services Leader and two Children’s Residential Support Workers. Our houses are each set within their own spacious grounds with beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and lots of room to run around.
“I love when my son comes home full of stories about his break and stories about the other children he has met who have similar childhoods to his own. ”
What children love about the breaks
Many young carers don’t often get the chance to fully switch off and engage in fun activities without feeling guilty or worried. During our respite stays, they are in a beautiful, homely environment close to nature, surrounded by peers and looked after by a professional team who does everything to help them create wonderful memories that they will have for their lifetime.
They can choose from a range of activities both inside and outdoors, there really is something for every child: trampolines, building dens, bike riding, exploring woodland, campfires, arts and crafts, playing with Honeypot pets, baking, model-making, group games… there really are activities for every taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can refer a child to us?
Children must be referred to us by a professional who works with your family. This might be a young carer’s worker, a teacher, social worker, or someone else who supports your family. If you think that your child would benefit from a Honeypot break, ask a professional to make a referral.
What happens after a professional has referred my child?
Once a referral has been received, it is reviewed through Honeypot’s referrals process to ensure our services are suitable for your child.
Where necessary, a member of the Honeypot team may contact you by phone or online to talk through the referral, answer any questions you may have, and explain what Honeypot offers and what you can expect. This helps us make sure our support is appropriate for your child and family.
In some cases, no further contact is needed at this stage, and we will be in touch if and when a place becomes available.
How much will the break cost?
There is no charge for the break. All activities, meals, and treats (including ice creams) are included, so please do not send any money with your child. There is nowhere for money to be spent and it may get lost.
How will my child get to the break at Honeypot?
We use our own minibuses, with an experienced driver and a travel chaperone, to collect children for each break from an agreed central pick-up point in your area. We will confirm the location and timings with you in advance of the break.
Where will my child sleep?
Our bedrooms sleep between three and six children. Many have bunk beds, and all are comfortable and child-friendly, with bright bedding and cosy duvets. Children share with others of the same gender. Staff sleep in nearby rooms and are easily accessible if a child needs support during the night.
My child has food INTOLERANCES', should I send food for the break?
All meals are home-cooked using fresh ingredients wherever possible, with a good choice available at each meal. We will discuss any food intolerances, allergies, or religious dietary requirements with you before the break and make sure these are catered for.
Please do not send food with your child, as other children may have allergies. Children are never forced to eat anything they do not want but are gently encouraged to try new foods.
What happens about the regular medication that my child needs to take daily?
If your child takes regular medication, we will ask you to complete a medication form before the break. All medication must be provided in its original, prescribed packaging, clearly labelled with your child’s name, dosage, and instructions.
Medication should be handed directly to the travel chaperone at pick-up. Our staff will administer medication strictly in line with the prescribed instructions. All medication will be returned to you when your child comes home from the break.
Can I choose which house my child goes to?
Unfortunately, no. Break places are allocated based on geographical area. Both houses offer similar facilities and are supported by experienced and caring staff teams.
How can I contact my child while they are at Honeypot
You will receive a text message to confirm that your child has arrived safely. You are welcome to contact the staff team at any reasonable time if you have any questions or concerns.
Children are usually busy taking part in activities during the day. If you would like to speak to a member of staff, it is best to call in the evening between 6.30pm and 8.00pm.
Children do not routinely call home during their stay. However, on the second day of the break, children are given the opportunity to call home if they wish to do so, and staff will support them with this. Children can also ask to contact home at other times if they need reassurance, and staff will always respond to individual needs.
What will my child be doing during the break?
During their stay, children enjoy a range of fun, age-appropriate indoor and outdoor activities designed to help them relax, make friends, and enjoy time away from their caring responsibilities. Activities vary throughout the year and often reflect seasonal themes such as Halloween, Easter, Diwali, Eid or Christmas. While some outdoor activities depend on the weather, there is always a balanced programme with something for every child to enjoy, at their own pace.
What will my child need to bring to Honeypot?
Once your child’s place on a break is confirmed, we will send you a clear kit list to help you prepare. We recommend sending comfortable, everyday clothes rather than “best” clothes, as activities can be messy and children may get muddy or painted. Despite our best efforts, children can occasionally leave belongings behind, so clearly labelled items are helpful.
We provide towels, bedding, toiletries (including toothpaste), and have laundry facilities and spare clothing available, so there is no need to pack for every situation. We also have a selection of wellies in different sizes, so these do not need to be packed unless you prefer.
Please pack items in a small, soft overnight bag or backpack, as our minibuses cannot accommodate suitcases.
Essential items include:
Jumpers and t-shirts
Trousers (and shorts in summer)
Socks and underwear
Pyjamas
Swimming costume or swimming trunks (for Wales breaks only)
Waterproof coat (warm in winter)
Trainers or other sensible shoes
Toothbrush
Will I be able to keep in touch with my child on their mobile phone?
For health and safety reasons, children do not bring mobile phones to Honeypot. Children are always able to ask to contact home if they need reassurance, and staff will support them to do so. You are also welcome to call the house at any reasonable time if you need to speak to a member of the team.
Will my child be able to come back to Honeypot next year?
Our priority is for every child to feel safe, happy, and supported while they are with us. To make sure all children and staff have a positive experience, we carefully consider whether our group-based breaks are the right setting for each child.
Children who can follow our simple rules and for whom our service continues to be appropriate are usually invited back for future breaks, up to their 13th birthday.
Other organisations that could help your child
Honeypot’s main service provision for young carers between the ages of 5 and 12 is Respite Breaks at one of our Houses in Hampshire, Wales or Ayrshire. However, as we see demand increase for our services we have expanded to provide digital and face-to-face support and a pastoral service that aims to support families and young carers through their time with Honeypot.
We are just one offer of support available in the UK for young carers and on this page, we have collated some helpful provisions available should you or your child need further assistance.
Remember, If you need support in an emergency call 999. If you need urgent medical advice call the NHS 111 (England & Wales) or NHS 24 (Scotland) and if you need medical advice you can book an emergency GP appointment with your GP surgery during opening hours.
Young carers have to navigate sometimes extremely challenging circumstances and often they do this alone without support from the services that could be available to them. All young carers should be assessed under section 17 of the Children Act 1989 to ensure that they receive the right support to help them to thrive.