A national disability charity has joined forces with the Alzheimer's Society to provide respite care and help for overworked carers.

Vitalise, which runs the Jubilee Lodge respite break centre in Chigwell, has highlighted research which reveals the negative effect on carers who do not have the lifeline of regular respite from caring. 

The study found that four out of ten carers had not had any time off at all from their duties in the past year, leading to depression, anger and loss of health.

As part of its plans, Vitalise will provide respite break provision for people with disabilities and carers.

The charity have began providing specialist 'Alzheimer’s Weeks', which are devoted exclusively to people coping with Alzheimer’s and dementia, enabling them to spend quality time together in a supportive environment.

Vitalise Chief Executive Chris Simmonds said: “We are doing our bit to support people with Alzheimer’s and dementia through our special Alzheimer’s Weeks, which enable those coping with dementia to rest, recuperate and rediscover a loving connection."

"Access to regular, good quality respite breaks for all people with disabilities and carers should not be a luxury but an absolute essential in enabling families affected by disability to carry on coping."