Carers Trust Crossroads West Wales ‘Time Together’ project offers flexible and responsive short breaks to help carers in West Wales recharge their batteries, make connections and lift spirits.
The organisation has so far supported over 380 carers and over 120 people in receipt of care to access a range of short breaks options.
Carers Trust Crossroads West Wales is a specialist voluntary organisation providing support to carers, giving them time to be themselves. They provide a range of services which are tailored to meet the needs of the individual carer and their family, working alongside other local community services.
Carers helped co-produce the Time Together programme through a series of focus group meetings, facilitated by Carers Trust Crossroads West Wales. From the information gathered, the organisation developed a comprehensive list of activities that included a range of short break options to meet the varied needs of carers across Carmarthenshire.
Carers have accessed grants to fund short break opportunities with friends or family and enjoy self-care activities to improve their health and wellbeing and quality of life. They have also been able to take part in a Wellbeing Activities Programme, to meet up with other carers, both with and without the persons they care for, to relax and recharge.
The project has been very well received with a high number of carers engaging in the scheme and really appreciating the range of short breaks available to them. Families and young carers enjoyed a day trip to Heatherton Theme Park. There were also day trips to Carmarthenshire Museum and Gardens, Narbeth Food Festival and Meibion Elli Grand Concert.
Weekend activity sessions were run for children and young people with complex needs, learning disabilities and autism. These provided their parent carers and sibling young carers with a crucial break from caring. The Microgrant and wellbeing vouchers included a wide range of activities, from bowling to beauty treatments, cinema vouchers, afternoon teas, and admission to local attractions.
One carer, Liz*, who is in her 70s, looks after her husband, following diagnosis of a fistula in his spinal column. She says they have to live day-to-day so it’s hard to plan things. Although Liz enjoys going out and meeting other people, she can’t be away too long. Her husband’s mobility was badly affected after several operations and he has to rely on walking sticks, a wheelchair and a scooter, so he rarely leaves the house. Liz has to help him with personal care and a lot of practical help, and, as a result of his care needs, her sleep is disturbed most nights.
Liz was therefore really happy to be able to attend the trip to the Carmarthenshire Museum and Gardens. The trip had a very positive impact on her wellbeing and she greatly benefited from being able to relax and spend a little time in a different environment. She really valued making connections with other carers and sharing experiences with those in a similar situation.
Reflecting the diversity of ages, Carers Trust Crossroads West Wales Time Together project supports Surinder*, a 34-year-old parent carer. She was over the moon at hearing the news that she will be able to spend an overnight stay in a spa hotel. Surinder will be able to enjoy a little time away from the pressures at home where she cares for her 7-year-old son who has quadriplegia cerebral palsy. He needs 24/7 support so Surinder has been unable to go back to work and hasn’t had a break for four years. She also balances the caring role with parenting her 3-year-old daughter. Surinder’s mental health has been impacted and she experiences periods of loneliness and isolation.
Surinder finds it hard to spend time with her partner, who works shifts, and a short break away together from the caring role while her son has respite care will mean so much to them. Just the thought of a full night’s sleep in a comfortable bed is lifting both their spirits!
On hearing the grant was awarded, she said, “I am over the moon. We are counting down the days.”
It may just be one night away, but it’s already helping, knowing they will come back recharged, relaxed and a little bit more resilient.
*Names are changed to protect privacy