Adferiad received funding from the Short Breaks Scheme to support carers of people with mental health and co-occurring needs to take a break from their caring role.
Adferiad tells us how the Short Breaks funding is helping in their work to support people and their carers living with serious mental illness and addiction issues.
Having the Short Breaks grant available for carers has been a huge benefit to the service we offer them. It has allowed us to offer them a much-needed break when they call and say they are struggling or exhausted.
"Carers often feel there is no help available, so when we can offer them this grant it makes a huge difference to them and us. Carers are very thankful, and it gives them a pick-me-up during a time of need”, Lauren Jones, Adferiad Carers Outreach Worker, Pembrokeshire.
Funding from the Short Breaks Scheme has allowed Adferiad to offer a mix of solo and group activities chosen by each carer. These are supplemented by day trips and existing support events run in each of their 16 bases across Wales.
All of the short breaks are designed to meet the individual needs of the carer and include cinema trips, dinners out, manicures, carer group day trips as well as social events and peer support groups.
Adferiad County Manager, Sam Hughes, who runs Anglesey Carers Support Group, says,
“The group love to spend time together, but limited funds meant they were rarely able to do activities. When the Short Breaks Scheme funding was announced, many of the carers struggled to think of what they would do with it. Some felt they didn’t deserve it, while others wouldn’t dream of going on a trip without their loved one.
“Running group activities was the perfect solution, as they help carers to prioritise their own wellbeing, without feeling like they are wasting precious resources or doing a disservice to their loved one.”
One activity the group chose was the Tan y Ddraig pottery gnome workshop in Conwy. Working with the cool, soft clay was really relaxing, with one carer commenting on how peaceful it made her feel, helping her to forget all her worries for just a little while. After the workshop, the carers went for lunch together at a local café, allowing them to catch up on a deeper level, share stories and talk about their worries.
One carer tells us, “I really enjoyed the workshop. To be honest I had to make myself go but I am so glad I did. Talking to other people really lifted me and I know I need a push sometimes; it is rare I ever go anywhere for me.”
Another carer says, "Until I was put in touch with Adferiad, I didn’t take time to do anything for me, even though I had been told it would do me good. I didn’t see myself as in need of support. I realise now how important it is to accept help, so much so that I want to do a bit of voluntary work, as I think I need to find myself again!”
Adferiad offer breaks across Wales. Use our database to find out more and how to apply.