Saga knows that issues around care are extremely important to the over 50s. More than six million people in the UK provide unpaid care to their loved ones. This figure is expected to rise to around nine million in the next 25 years. Not only are carers often overlooked by society they also appear to be a low priority for government, Many provide much needed care 24 hours a day with little or no opportunity for a short break let alone a holiday.

The Saga Respite for Carers Trust was launched to try and help redress the balance for as many carers each year as possible by providing a much-needed holiday for the carer and a friend. The award also includes spending money and, if required, respite care for their loved ones to ensure continuity of care.

Award winners come from all over the UK, with most looking to the sun for a chance to re-charge their batteries, while others choose to remain in the UK, visiting parts of the country they have longed to see but put on hold while caring for their loved ones.

How to nominate a carer

The period for submitting nominations for 2012 is now open. Over the coming months nominations received will be reviewed by the trustees and successfully short-listed applicants will be contacted.

Nominees who were unsuccessful in 2011 are able to re-apply. To qualify as a nominee you must be over 50, have been caring for someone for more than a year, not taken a significant holiday away from your caring responsibilities within the last year, and not be a professional carer.