The Short Breaks Scheme is building a reputation for offering highly personalised and flexible breaks for unpaid carers. We take a look at some of the different types of breaks carers have enjoyed and if it's living up to its reputation.
Carers Trust Wales has enabled over 13,000 carers to take some much-needed time off through the Short Breaks Scheme.
Funded by Welsh Government, the scheme has supported a broad range of breaks - from one-off overnight breaks to weekly craft classes. There have also been cinema outings, art therapy groups, outdoor adventure activities, Christmas market and shopping trips, comedy club nights, sewing groups, meals out, spa days, family fun days out, choir groups, peer support groups and much more. Not only have carers been able to relax and recharge their batteries, but many have also learnt new skills, such as painting, cooking, kayaking and surfing.
In the scheme’s first year, around 17% of unpaid carers who took part chose an overnight break, 14% a day out, 26% a group activity and 43% opted for an individual or micro grant.
Liz Wallis, Programme Lead for the Short Breaks Scheme at Carers Trust Wales, says, "We designed the scheme to be as flexible as possible, allowing our delivery partners to work with carers to choose the break that best fits around their lives and caring situations. It is therefore very rewarding to hear about the wide range of activities carers have undertaken and highlights just how versatile the scheme is.”
The type of break taken is often dictated by the individual carer’s situation. Carers Outreach Service received over £65,000 to support nearly 300 carers from Gwynedd, Conwy and Ynys Mon to take a short break in 2023/24. Most chose to take an overnight break or receive an individual grant, although some opted for a day out and the group activities.
Carers Outreach explains, “The type of break taken by carers, whilst bespoke to each carer’s needs, demonstrates patterns aligned to their relationship with the cared-for person and the stage of their caring journey.
“Parent carers are more inclined to request an overnight break with the cared-for person, away from the home environment. Whereas those caring for a spouse/partner with mental health issues usually request a more therapeutic break, without the cared-for person.
“Carers with the cared-for in hospital, typically seek a break to allow them to engage in activities their caring role usually prevents them from doing, such as seeing friends, going to the hairdressers, having a massage or spa treatment. Those caring for a parent with dementia typically want hobby materials to allow them to have a break within their caring role, such as art or sewing materials and bird watching equipment.”
The scheme allows the carers organisations to listen to carers and find out what activity would best meet their needs. When Inclusability supported over 300 carers in the Bridgend, Swansea and Port Talbot areas to have short break, they asked their carers what type of breaks they would prefer.
Inclusability explains, "To tailor the activities to the needs of carers and to impact as many different carers as possible, we developed a digital choice form. Based on the responses received, we planned a diverse range of respite activities. Some carers expressed the desire for relaxing breaks away from their caring responsibilities, as well as opportunities to connect with fellow carers, while families preferred to come away with us.”
Another Short Breaks delivery partner, NEWCIS, agrees,
The ability to offer breaks that have been decided by carers themselves mean they respond to the individual need and can be put in place quickly.
The wellbeing vouchers Kidney Wales offered carers of children with kidney disease were personalised to each carers needs, ensuring they were able to gain respite in a way that did not cause any stress or anxiety. They say,
Carers really appreciated having the choice, as what works for one carer may not work for another.
The scheme set out to be as flexible as possible and it seems it is living up to expectations. Carers are enjoying a broad range of activities, offering a vital break from their caring role in a way that works for them and with them.