A new holiday home in Caister, near Great Yarmouth, has been unveiled by the mental health charity Great Yarmouth and Waveney Mind to give carers a break.

Yarmouth’s deputy mayor, Michael Jeal, yesterday opened the house in Mountbatten Way, which has been rented from the borough council and refurbished with a �5,000 grant from the national Mind organisation.

The three-bedroom property is the first of its kind in the region and is available for rent by any person or family who cares for a relative and is need of a respite break.

The holidays are specifically aimed at offering carers a break, though they can choose to bring those who they care for on holiday too.

Any profits generated will be reinvested in Mind’s charitable work supporting carers and encouraging mental health and wellbeing in the Yarmouth and Waveney area.

Stuart Bennett, development manager at Great Yarmouth and Waveney Mind, said the new home offered a valuable resource to carers in the region and further afield.

“Carers do such an important job so offering somewhere for them to have a much-needed break is invaluable,” he said.

“Respite breaks are commonly offered to individuals who are cared for, rather than the carer themselves.

“Grants for respite breaks are available to carers so we have ensured the rental is affordable with week-long stays from only �250.”

He said he hoped people came from across the country to appreciate a holiday on the Norfolk coastline whether it was to enjoy summer sunshine or a quiet winter break.

The house has been furnished with donations from local businesses such as John Lewis and Hughes Electrical.

Roger Gowen, a carer from Yarmouth, said: “There is a desperate need for services like this for carers who have to deal with the stress, worry and physical work of looking after a loved one.

“Young carers who also have the pressures of school will especially benefit. Having a break at a respite home offers a different environment and makes carers feel less trapped.”

Loretta Tubby, a carer and volunteer at Mind, said: “It’s great that Mind supports people in need of a well-earned break. The holiday home is in a great location.”

Mr Jeal said: “I think it’s fantastic to have a respite home in the region to provide carers with a place to stay and get away from the stresses of life. Mind has done a great job in creating a haven for those who need to recharge and have some fun.”

For more information visit http://www.gywmind.org.uk/respite-holiday-home.asp or call 01493-842129.