Leading the Inclusive Tourism Movement to Provide Respite Breaks in Scotland, UK

January 28, 2025

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Kerry Donaghy, Respitality Manager at Shared Care Scotland, described how they have built and maintained a strong and positive relationship with the country’s tourism industry through a nine-year strong Respitality initiative, which has contributed to the development of inclusive tourism in Scotland. The initiative has allowed them to offer short breaks through the hospitality, tourism & leisure sector to unpaid carers within Scotland. These breaks are provided free of charge and provide social benefits for carers, as well as the opportunity for communities to connect and strengthen in partnership. The benefits that accrue to the hospitality industry will also be presented.

Respitality in Scotland is operated through a ‘social franchise’ model, which relies on strong partnerships with local delivery partners, break donors, and the global network. Shared Care Scotland is funded on a yearly basis by the government to nationally operate Respitality, which has supported over 6,000 carers.

Fiona Souter, Communities Director with the Scottish charity, PAMIS, that works to promote a more inclusive society for people with Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities (PIMD), their carers and families, and the professionals who support them, was the second webinar presenter. Ms. Souter shared how her organization is supporting and creating new opportunities across Scotland to make venues and outdoor spaces more accessible for people with PIMD, including through inclusive tourism, that help create more respite opportuntiies.

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