The event marked the beginning of a new era in the Hall’s 150-year history, with the introduction of a dedicated respite venue, designed to give unpaid carers in Sefton the opportunity to take much-needed breaks. The charity is opening it’s door to unpaid carers to rest in the tranquil ground, enjoy prepared meals, and wellness activities.
In attendance at the celebration were Vicky Keeley, CEO of Sefton Carers Centre, and The Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside, and numerous local carers, all attendees offered their support and congratulations, toasting to the success of this meaningful new partnership and to the continued legacy of Ince Blundell Hall as a place of compassion, service, and community spirit.
Trustees and SLT of Ince Blundell Hall from left to right (Rev Canon Dr Rod Garner, Sister Eileen, Mrs Sue Harrison, Mr Raymond Harrison (Chairman) Sister Margaret M, Sister Francis)
The launch of the Carers Respite Service represents the latest milestone in Ince Blundell Hall’s long-standing tradition of care and service to the people of Sefton. Founded by the Augustinian Sisters, the Hall has provided residential and nursing care for generations, rooted in values of dignity, respect, and compassion.
Now, through collaboration with Sefton Carers Centre, the Hall extends this mission even further — offering short-term respite stays to support carers who dedicate their lives to looking after loved ones. These respite breaks will allow carers to rest, recharge, and tend to their own wellbeing at Ince Blundell Hall.
Working alongside Sefton Carers Centre ensures that respite opportunities are accessible to those who need them most. Carers will be able to apply for a respite stay through Sefton Carers Centre, which will help coordinate referrals to Ince Blundell Hall.
Each respite guest will have access to a cosy room, high-quality home-cooked meals, and the opportunity to participate in social, spiritual, and wellbeing activities during their stay.
Emma Dorrity, Project Manager at Ince Blundell Hall, said:
“We are immensely proud to see this project come to fruition after months of dedicated work alongside the Augustinian Sisters, whose compassion and commitment continue to inspire everything we do at Ince Blundell Hall. This collaboration with Sefton Carers Centre embodies our shared mission to care for those who give so much of themselves to others. We look forward to welcoming carers in the new year and to providing them with the peace and rest they so greatly deserve.”
Celebrating the Launch
At the launch event, guests gathered in the historic surroundings of Ince Blundell Hall to commemorate the occasion with speeches, tours of the new respite facilities, and a celebratory toast.
Vicky Keeley, CEO of Sefton Carers Centre, praised the collaboration, saying: Sefton Carers Centre is delighted to be working in partnership with Ince Blundell Hall New Carers Respite Service. The Hall offers a wonderful opportunity to enable unpaid carers in Sefton a place to relax and rejuvenate. In Sefton there are over 35,000 people who provide care to a family member or friend with a long term illness or terminal condition. Unpaid carers provide a vital service and it is important that carers look after their own health and wellbeing. The Hall will provide an outstanding venue and Emma and her Team will provide support and activities to fit with the needs of our carers in Sefton.
How Carers Can Access Respite Support
Carers who are interested in taking a respite break through the new service can contact Ince Blundell Hall directly to register their interest or request further information.
Email: admin@inceblundellhall.org.uk
Call: 0151 929 2596
Alternatively, carers registered with Sefton Carers Centre can enquire about respite eligibility and referrals through their local support team.
Support for Carers – Holidays for carers | Carers Trust
About Ince Blundell Hall
Set within the peaceful village of Ince Blundell, the Hall is one of Sefton’s most historic estates. Established and run for many years by the Augustinian Sisters, Ince Blundell Hall provides respite for unpaid carers in a warm and inclusive environment. Guided by a legacy of compassion, the Hall continues to evolve to meet the needs carers while maintaining the values on which it was founded.
About Sefton Carers Centre
Sefton Carers Centre is a registered charity providing information, advice, and support to unpaid carers across the Sefton borough. The Centre’s mission is to ensure that carers are recognised, valued, and supported through practical help, emotional support, advocacy, and training opportunities.
Media Enquiries
For more information, please contact:
Emma Dorrity
Ince Blundell Hall
0151 929 2596
admin@inceblundellhall.org.uk
www.inceblundellhall.org.uk
