Argyll and Bute Council and its partner the Red Cross today launched a valuable new service for people receiving care and those who look after them.

The short break bureau in Helensburgh aims to help service users find their ideal respite break. It will advise on the range of breaks available and provide a personal service to help find the best option according to the needs of the individual.

It is intended to roll out the scheme to three other areas within Argyll and Bute - Bute and Cowal, Oban, Lorne and the Isles and Mid-Argyll and Kintyre - over the coming year.

Argyll and Bute’s spokesperson for Social Affairs, Councillor Andrew Nisbet, said:

“I am delighted that the short break bureau is opening in Helensburgh as it will provide welcome support to vulnerable people in this area. 

“The partnership between Argyll and Bute Council and the Red Cross in establishing the bureau is a great step forward, and I fully support this project.  

“The Council is fully committed to working with the third sector and I wish this venture every success as it starts in Helensburgh and develops across Argyll and Bute.”

The bureau will operate from the Red Cross premises at 116 East Princes Street, Helensburgh from 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.

Referral to the Short Break Bureau will come through the council’s social work department.

Fiona Johnstone, senior manager for Red Cross Health and Social Care in Argyll, said: “This short break bureau will offer a personalised service to people in the Helensburgh and Lomond area who are carers or being cared for.

“The service is aimed at all adults from the age of 18 upward who have mental health issues, learning disabilities or physical disabilities.

“We will be looking beyond the traditional form of respite breaks such as residential care and helping to match people with the type of break they want to have. We want to improve the range of short breaks available and to tailor them to the needs and aspirations of the individual. The breaks can vary in length from one night away to a maximum of two weeks.”