Shetland Carers co-ordinate the Scheme locally, with support from Shared Care Scotland, who now support carer centres in 22 local authority areas to run Respitality Schemes.

Respitality (respite + hospitality) is a way the hospitality and leisure sector can help their local communities by recognising and appreciating the contribution of unpaid carers, by donating short breaks to carers at quieter times of the year. This enables a carer, plus a companion where possible, to have a break away from their caring responsibilities to recharge their batteries and have a little time for themselves.

Several carers within Shetland have been able to enjoy a meal out at Fjara Cafe Bar, thanks to the many dining vouchers donated by Jonathan and his staff. Carers can apply to the Respitality Scheme for a break and a voucher can be awarded to the carer to go out for a cuppa and cake, lunch or tea - by themselves or with a companion.

Myself and a friend had a really lovely lunch together, the staff were very attentive. Thank you so much for a wonderful treat.

We really enjoyed our meal. It was good to have the chance to just have time away from everything.

Fjara, Thank you all very much for the fantastic food and all round lovely afternoon.

We are most grateful to have received this gift. Thank you so very much.

Thank you for your generous gift of respitality for us both, it is such a kind gesture and it brought a little light into our day!

For more information about the Scheme, visit www.shetlandcarers.org/respitality

To sign up to the Scheme, either as a carer or a Gift Provider, please contact carers@shetland.org or tel: 01595 743923.

Shanna, from Fjara Cafe Bar, with Amanda Brown of Shetland Carers.