About Us

Our respite services support people undergoing the toughest of life’s challenges. Respite helps people to face their challenges with renewed strength.

The benefits of respite is evidence-proven. Taking some time to rest helps people to recharge. They can reflect, enjoy wellbeing activities, spend time with loved ones and in nature. These experiences build strength and resilience.

Based in Gateshead, Tyne & Wear, we work within some of the most deprived areas in the UK. We believe everyone deserves to access quality support during a crisis. We help low income families who are also facing a range of difficulties: mental health issues, serious illness & disability, life traumas, carers.

Our Values

Royal reflects how we treat people - with dignity and sensitivity. We aim to empower and help and everyone thrive, no matter their starting point.

Our Respite Cottage

Our new respite cottage has been designed together with the community. It provides a restful stay in the countryside.

Endorsments

Respite work is endorsed by community leadership, healthcare professionals, local authority and voluntary sector services and funding partners.

Our Story

“When my 5-year old son was diagnosed with leukaemia, the strain was unbearable. Treatments and extended hospital stays were impossible to juggle with work and family. A respite break transformed my journey. It empowered me to continue beyond the trauma. Today my son is fully recovered and studying in college. My wish is to make a difference to others through respite.”

Founding Trustee, Saul Sommer

Our Values

Support our work

Royal describes the way we treat people. Dignity and sensitivity are at the heart of all we do. We aim to empower people and build on their strengths. We believe everyone can thrive, no matter their starting point.


We are embedded in the communities we support. Our team has lived experience of the issues and cares passionately. We have a strong network of community partners and referrers. We are stronger together!


“Thank you not only for the support, but for the thoughtful and sensitive way you delivered it.”

Our Team

Shaul Sommer

Teacher, college lecturer and certified financial coach.

Dov Behr Bolel

Director of a commercial real estate agency and qualified surveyor.

Avrohom Davies

Talmudics researcher and account manager at a wholesale supplies business.

Eliyohu Shepherd

Director of property management company, financial support caseworker.

Our Respite Cottage

With the support of friends, funders and supporters, we are delighted to announce the opening of our new respite cottage.

Royal Respite’s cottage will provide a higher quality service:

  • Bespoke design
  • Disabled friendly
  • Culturally sensitive facilities
  • Fully equipped kitchen
  • Consistent availability

The new respite cottage has been designed together with the community.

Our new business model allows us to offer breaks at better value for money. This means that your donations will help even more people. Property ownership also provides the charity with greater sustainability.

Galena Cottage Photo Gallery  ➔

Watch drone footage of our cottage

Endorsments

“Royal Respite carry out fantastic work to support families and individuals facing challenges, whether following a health crisis, a hospital stay or emotional difficulties. Their offer includes a free of charge getaway to Royal Respite’s brand new countryside cottage. Their work is transformative in creating an environment in which people can focus on recovery rather than the challenges.”

Jonathan Klajn, JCCG (Partner Organisation)

Royal Respite in the media
Read here ➔

“The new cottage has massively improved the service. I can tell you that this service is a necessity. It doesn’t fix problems; but it helps families to gather up strength so they can continue with life. I recently referred a family who were struggling to come to terms with their baby’s down syndrome diagnosis. A few days away took the edge off the stress so they could think clearly. They came home ready to support their child. Royal Respite honestly changes lives.”

Rabbi Avraham Arren, Referrer

Empower people to face
challenges with strength