What is ‘Respite’?
From the perspective of RFV and our charitable purposes, we define Respite as “giving veterans the time, space, and support to rest, recover, and reconnect, a genuine break from life’s pressures”.
What are ‘Respite Opportunities’?
Respite opportunities can be delivered in many ways. For some, this could be a package holiday, or a short weekend break. For some, this could be regular days out, participating in a hobby such as fishing, or any other activity that provides someone with a temporary break from their everyday lives.
Our primary objective is to provide non-clinical respite opportunities for service and ex-service personnel (and their families), to provide a temporary break from their everyday lives to relax, re-connect, and participate in activities that aid health and wellbeing.
What we provide
As with all charitable organisations, what we can provide is subject to available funding. At RFV, there are three categories of Respite Opportunities: -
- Customised Respite Opportunities for Beneficiaries and their families (Funded by RFV) – These will be aligned with the specific needs and requirements of the beneficiary.
- Partner delivered Respite Opportunities (Funded by partners) – When available, these will be offered to RFV beneficiaries. RFV will ensure these meet the needs and requirements of our beneficiaries.
- Donated Respite Opportunities (Supporter Funded) – When available, these will be offered to RFV beneficiaries. RFV will ensure these meet the needs and requirements of our beneficiaries.
How it works
The process is quite simple. Once you register, you will be contacted within 7 – 10 calendar days to validate your eligibility, and to discuss your specific needs or interests. Once completed, you will be formally registered as a RFV beneficiary, and when available, you will be contacted when any suitable Respite opportunities become available.
Other support
Respite for Veterans are committed to working with other partner charities and organisation to identify and facilitate participation in existing events or activities that aid the wellbeing our beneficiaries. We are also committed to ‘signposting’ beneficiaries to other services and organisations that support veterans and their families (e.g. Healthcare, Employment).
What we cannot provide
As committed and dedicated as we are to the veteran community and our beneficiaries, unfortunately we cannot provide the following: -
- No Clinical or Medical Treatment - RFV does not provide medical, psychological, or clinical treatment or therapy. (We may, however, signpost veterans to qualified professionals or partner organisations).
- No Emergency or Crisis Intervention - RFV is not a crisis service. Veterans in immediate distress should contact emergency services, the NHS, or organisations such as Combat Stress or Samaritans.
- No Housing or Financial Assistance - RFV does not offer housing, debt, or financial aid. We can, however, help connect veterans with trusted organisations that do.
- No Long-Term Care Provision - RFV provides short-term respite opportunities, not ongoing residential or domiciliary care.
- No Guaranteed Funding or Grants - RFV does not provide financial grants, bursaries, or direct payments to individuals.
- No Religious or Political Affiliation - RFV is an inclusive, non-political and non-religious charity, open to all eligible UK veterans regardless of background or belief
