Race Equality First’s Short Breaks project supported many and varied trips for carers from Cardiff, Newport, Vale of Glamorgan, Swansea and Caerphilly. It helped carers to take a short break away, have a daytrip or just have some quality time for themselves or with friends and family. However, plans for guided walks were thwarted by the Welsh weather!
Race Equality First tells us, “The demand for the grants was phenomenal. The best thing has been the response to the awards and the overwhelming relief some people have expressed to us at being able to get assistance to do something different with their day, or undertake an activity that they would not normally be able to afford.
“The greatest satisfaction has been the number of people who have used their grants to visit family that they may not have seen for some time, and the ability for families to go away and do something together.”
Race Equality First is the lead body in Wales for tackling racial discrimination and hatred and assists with a wide range of issues, from health and social care, to housing, safety and community support and much more.
Laura O’Keeffe, Head of Finance and Fundraising at Race Equality First tells us more about their project:
“Group trips have been very popular, which is quite normal with the communities that we work with. Going somewhere or having a day together as a community, rather than individually, provides opportunities for people to help each other with their caring responsibilities and to do something different together. We have had trips to music events, cinema outings, fitness activities, shopping trips and interfaith activities.
"Individuals travelled outside of Wales to take a break, see the sights and spend quality time with the person they care for, rather than the daily drudge of regular responsibilities.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure delivering these grants and has given staff a real boost to be doing something positive for people rather than continual fire-fighting and problem solving.”
One carer says,
This break signifies more than just a change of scenery. It offers a chance to recharge, rejuvenate and recalibrate my caregiving role.
Watch our short video to hear more from Laura and some of the carers the Short Breaks Scheme has supported.