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Questions about our respite breaks
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About our breaks
What is a Spiral respite break?
A Spiral respite break is a supported holiday for adults with learning disabilities, with trained staff providing care around the clock. Breaks run across the UK and Europe and are organised by Spiral Sussex, a non-profit charity with over 27 years of experience. They give holidaymakers a real holiday, and give their parents, carers and guardians a break too.
Who are the breaks for?
Our breaks are for adults with learning disabilities. Support is planned around each person — from guests who are largely independent to people who need full one-to-one care.
Where do you go?
We run 19 upcoming breaks — seaside classics, city adventures, theme parks, canal boats and sunshine escapes to Europe, including Euro Disney & Paris, Tenerife, Costa del Sol and Budapest. Most UK breaks last five days; some trips are longer.
Is there a brochure?
Yes. Our 2027 holiday brochure has every 2027 break in one place, with dates, prices, what's included and how to book. You can read or download it as a PDF.
Care and support
What care and support do you provide?
Our trained staff provide 24/7 care tailored to each guest. That can include personal care, medication prompts or administration, mealtime and dietary support, help with money and shopping, and communication support such as visual schedules or easy-read information.
What staffing levels are there?
Support is planned individually, from shared support right through to full one-to-one. Before you book, our Respite Breaks managers assess your needs and recommend the right level — you only pay for the support you need.
Can I bring my own carer?
Yes. Personal care assistants are welcome to join our holidays. Your carer gets the same accommodation, meals and trips, so you keep the comfort of familiar support.
Are the breaks wheelchair accessible?
We make our breaks as accessible as we can. We prioritise step-free routes and venues, check lifts, accessible toilets, door widths and parking in advance, and Spiral has its own mobile hoist that comes with us on many holidays. Tell us what you need and we'll talk it through.
What if I'm nervous, or have never been abroad?
That's fine — we'll go at your pace. Before you travel we talk through what you'd like to try and any worries, and we can offer airport practice runs, easy-read guides, sensory-friendly planning and flexible alternatives on the day.
Do I have to join every trip?
No. Every break has a programme of trips and days out, but there's no pressure to join everything — take part in as much or as little as you like.
Who are the staff?
Breaks are led by our Respite Breaks Manager, Gary Jefferies, who has over 30 years in the care sector, and our Assistant Manager, Charlotte Salvage, who is available around the clock on holiday. They are supported by trained carers and volunteers they choose personally.
Prices, funding and payment
How much does a respite break cost?
Our upcoming breaks cost from £1,250 to £2,950 per person, depending on the destination and length. The price includes accommodation with breakfast and dinner, transport, 24/7 care and support, and a programme of trips. Extra one-to-one support and single rooms cost more, and we give you a personalised quote after your assessment.
What's included in the price?
Every break includes accommodation (half-board as a minimum — breakfast and dinner), transport to the destination and back plus local transfers, 24/7 care and support, a full programme of trips, and a personalised holiday diary to keep.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. You can spread the cost over two payments or six, on dates that suit you. You can pay by invoice, cheque, card or over the phone.
Can I use direct payments, a personal budget or a grant?
Yes — direct payments and individual budgets are welcome. There are limited grants available and we'll help you apply. If money is a worry, talk to us: we can agree a payment plan that suits your circumstances, with no pressure and no judgement.
Is Spiral a charity?
Yes. Spiral Sussex Ltd is a non-profit registered charity in England and Wales (No. 1091044). We're not a holiday company — the money you pay goes back into delivering the best possible break.
Booking
How do I book a respite break?
Call 01273 111 700 or email holidays@spiralsussex.org to say which break you'd like — we can hold a place while you book. New members fill in a short membership form, then we meet you (at our centre, at home or by video call), complete an assessment of your support needs, and confirm your booking and payment plan.
Can families or carers book on my behalf?
Yes. We help families and carers through every step — funding options, grant applications and care requirements — and we're happy to arrange calls with family members so everyone is comfortable with the plans.
How do I contact the holidays team?
Phone 01273 111 700 or email holidays@spiralsussex.org. You can also send an enquiry through this website.
Still have a question?
Our holidays team is happy to help — no question is too small.