Allowing yourself to have a break can be a challenge for many unpaid carers and even more so for male carers. We take a look at how three of our delivery partners for the Short Breaks Scheme are engaging with this hidden group.
Many carers feel they don’t actually deserve to have a break – that their caring role is just part of being a husband, wife, dad or daughter - and forget that they have to live their lives too. For male carers the situation can be even worse, where many face stigma around their caring roles. This makes it harder for them to ask for support or acknowledge when they are struggling, which can lead to increased stress and mental health issues.
Carers Trust and the Men's Health Forum research found that four out of ten male carers surveyed never get a break from their caring role, while over half felt that the needs of male carers were different to those of female carers. Many cited that men find it harder to ask for help and support and that balancing work and caring is challenging, particularly if they are the main earner.
Our network of local carers organisations who are delivering the Short Breaks Scheme are doing a fantastic job in highlighting the opportunities and benefits of taking a well-deserved break. However, they are finding that it is harder to reach and encourage male carers to take part in an activity. In the scheme’s first year, only 30% of carers who took part identified as male, compared to the 2021 census figure of 41% of unpaid carers in Wales identifying as male.
The first hurdle in encouraging more male carers to take a short break is to make sure that they are aware of the opportunity. One trick that many delivery partners use to reach male carers is to do so through their partners and female friends.
Rewild Play explains, “We have organised several events focused at supporting male carers, but they are difficult to reach as most tend not to use social media, so we encourage their partners to tell them about events and activities. Male carers also seem reluctant to join in when they don’t know other male carers. We are therefore organising an evening out where the male carers can accompany their partners and we are encouraging as many carers as possible to bring their male partners.”
Ray of Light Cancer Support adds, “We recognised the unique challenges faced by male carers and developed targeted marketing materials that spoke directly to their experiences.”
Bridgend Carers Centre tells us about another route to raise awareness to male carers, “Our newsletter is distributed to the local Lads & Dads group and activities advertised are encouraged to be promoted to the male carers within the group.”
At first glance, many short breaks, such as spa days and art classes, can seem to cater more to a female audience. However, carers organisations also offer more active or competitive activities. Rewild Play recently ran an axe throwing event, which was a big hit with their male carers, as Joanne French explains, “Axe throwing with our male carers was anything but relaxed! Their competitive nature kicked in and everyone was determined to hit the target every time. Some missed their shot but there was plenty of time to hone their skills and learn different ones like the two-handed throw with two axes. Happily everyone went home with all their limbs still attached!”
Ray of Light Cancer Support took a similar approach to encourage take up from male carers, “We organised specific workshops, like our Blacksmith and Bushcraft workshops, and support groups that catered to their needs, creating an environment where they could feel comfortable sharing their experiences. Feedback from participants indicated that the hands-on nature of the workshops was particularly rewarding, as it gave them a sense of accomplishment and relaxation.”
One carer says,
It was such a rare treat to focus on me for a change. Thank you for such an unforgettable experience.
They continue, "What a day! I never imagined I’d be able to make anything like this, but the blacksmith workshop was incredible. I actually made my own fire poker - something I’ll cherish forever! The lunch you provided was absolutely outstanding. It was such a relief to not have to worry about packing food or planning anything. All I needed to do was show up and enjoy myself."
Male carers also seem reluctant to take a break unless it’s an activity that they can do with their families. Rewild Play agrees, “This approach does seem to work, as we had a significant number of male carers attending the residential weekend with their families at Gwersyll yr Urdd, Llangrannog. The break was a great success with 41 families taking over the whole site for three days and two nights. Activities were for adults as well as children, so lots of our carers took the opportunity to try climbing, skiing and quad bike riding. A couple of carers revisited their youth and even enjoyed the bouncy castle!”
Sarah Jarvis, CEO Bridgend Carers Centre, says they have seen some positive uptake by male carers, “Although male carers are historically difficult to engage with, we have seen a slight rise in male participation during the ‘Dads and Kids’ Bushcraft activity day and the parent carers and working carer short breaks.
She continues, “At a recent event we held for dads and their kids, we had UV crazy golf, disco bouncy castle, craft and a buffet. We usually include the kids (cared for and siblings), as it breaks down the barriers to dads attending - they love to be able to bring their kids to safe, inclusive settings and speak with other dads who have caring roles.”
Sarah reflects, “The funding from the Short Breaks Scheme means we have been able to run a full schedule, targeting carers of all ages, and offer a diverse range of short break activities to cater for all interests. It has enabled us to reach out into communities to identify and support the most vulnerable carers and their families.”
Taking part in short break activities can help male carers to establish social connections that help reduce isolation and improve their overall quality of life. Thanks to the efforts of our delivery partners, male carers are being actively targeted and encouraged to engage in short break activities that support their mental, emotional and physical health.
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