Neath Port Talbot (NPT) Carers Service used funding from the Short Breaks Scheme to support over 300 adult carers, or as they like to call them, unsung heroes.
Available to any adult carer within the Neath Port Talbot County boundary, NPT Carers Service designed the short breaks to suit the individual needs of each carer. They included overnights stays, annual passes for places like Folly Farm, gym memberships, spa days and restaurant vouchers. They also offered group activities, such as Tai Chi Classes, Sound Baths and Reiki and organised a day coach trip to Bath for some Christmas shopping.
Carly Hastings, Volunteer and Short Breaks Coordinator at NPT Carers Service, says, "The service was personalised to each carer, so they could choose the type of break that would benefit them. They could also choose whether they wanted to access the break with or without the person they care for.”
“We have continuously listened to feedback from carers and adapted what we offer accordingly.” Carly continues, “Carers responded positively to group events and activities, so we arranged several different group trips and activities. Our Sound Bath events proved so popular we have run two more, with some very positive feedback.”
It meant some peace and me time. It’s really helped me and I feel more ready to go back to my caring role.
This was wonderful, so, so relaxing and powerful, I cried quite a lot but feel lots better Thank you so much!
It was amazing, I came in a mess of stress and I'm walking out with my head in the game.
Claire John, Service Delivery Manager, adds, "Each individual carer has been offered a short break tailored to them, so the carer has been able to decide what type of break will work best for them in their circumstances.
"Having these breaks has allowed carers to rest from their role and reduce their loneliness and isolation.” Claire continues, "Carers have had the choice whether to take a break completely separate from the person they care for or to include them in the break- whatever works best for each individual carer. The cared-for also benefits, either directly by accompanying the carer on the break or indirectly, by having a more revitalised carer afterwards.”
The coach trip to Bath for Christmas shopping and the Living Wreath Workshop were more than just a short break, for many they were a lifeline, their only chance to connect with others in similar situations and have some time for themselves.
Having a break from 24 hour caring has been really good for my mental health.
It meant everything to me – a change of routine and meeting other carers - otherwise I just stay in the house and clean.
Today has let me be me again, not just someone’s care giver. Even these few hours were just for me
My empty cup has been topped up, this grant has been a lifeline to me.
NPT Carers Service have noticed that by having a break and an opportunity to decompress from the stress of being a carer, carers are more resilient in their caring roles and more able to continue to care. "Having a personalised break has allowed carers to focus on what is important to them and what they need to sustain them in their caring roles”, Claire states.
One carer with eight year old twins, who are nonverbal and severely autistic, says, "I survive on 4 hours sleep a night. I haven’t had a break for seven years and feel I have lost myself. I am the mother, housewife, cook and cleaner. My twins are my world, but it is exhausting.”
The carer was offered a voucher to stay at the Celtic Manor in Newport. When NPT Carers Service called them a few months later, the person on the end of the phone was upbeat, positive, and enthusiastic. She had used her short breaks voucher two weeks previously and she and a friend had had a fantastic time, sharing many laughs and stories.
The carer commented that she didn’t realise how much she really needed this short break and what a big difference it has made to her wellbeing and mental health,
My batteries were flat, they have been re-charged. It’s nice to be cared for instead of doing all the caring.
NPT Carers Service sums it up, "The difference this funding makes to people’s lives is crucial; you can give something seemingly small, but the benefits are huge.”