The Short Breaks Scheme project run by Action for Children offered young carers from Ynys Môn and Gwynedd small grants of up to £50 to be used on a short break that suited their needs and interests.
We are giving young carers choice and the freedom to choose which short break they access.
Action for Children issued almost 100 cinema tickets, vouchers for activity days to places such as Chester Zoo and Zip World, restaurant and takeaway vouchers, and Amazon and Ticketmaster vouchers.
Thank you so much for everything for the boys they’re just so excited for the cinema. They are just feeling so much better at the moment and that makes me feel amazing too! – Parent
This approach has been proven to successfully give young carers a flexible and inclusive approach to experiencing a short break, accommodating for the different needs and lived experiences of young people.
Katie Roberts, Children and Families Practitioner from Action or Children picks up the story, “We supported families if they were unsure what type of break they may benefit from, offering suggestions that may suit the varying needs and interests of the many young carers we support.
"For example, one young carer asked for a short break they could enjoy from home due to the anxiety they feel about leaving the house. They received an Amazon voucher to buy a DVD and a takeaway voucher, which meant they could still take advantage of a short break from the comfort of their own home, which better suited their needs.”
“From the feedback received from young carers, we can see the short breaks grant is helping to improve wellbeing. We are giving young carers choice and the freedom to choose which short break they access. Young carers tell us they feel better for accessing the grant and that they have been able to relax and enjoy a day out or activity without any worry.
“Short breaks offer young carers the freedom and space to rest, as an individual or as part of a wider group where they can meet up with others. They are more likely to feel less isolated and more likely to make new friends in the young carer network as they come together to experience fun new activities”, Katie explains.
Having time away with my family was lovely. We had so much fun and it was nice not having to worry about my brother. We could just relax and be kids again.
- Young Carer
Katie says, “We know that young carers are happier in their role when they know they have an upcoming break and something to look forward to. This project gives young carers a break from pressures and conflicts at home, and ensures they feel like they have the right to, and less guilt about, taking short breaks from their caring roles.”
Thank you so much. Something like this may seem small to other people but to me and my family it meant a great deal.
– Young Carer
Two brothers received vouchers for the cinema and for a local laser tag. Their mum tells us, “The boys provide care for their younger sister who has complex medical conditions and requires 24-hour care. They help by providing practical and emotional support. Both boys’ wellbeing have been affected since becoming young carers. Days out are very limited for the family as there is not enough room in the car to accommodate them all along with all the medical equipment needed for their sister.
“The activities made a major difference to the boys. It made a huge difference not having to worry about their sibling at home. It was lovely to be able to treat them without worrying about the cost.
“Having something to look forward to has really helped and on the day, I could see a big improvement in how they were feeling mentally. The boys said they had the ‘best time ever’. The young carers team have been our saviours.”
Zoe aged 15, and younger brother Josh aged 11 have caring responsibilities for their parent, who shared their story with us.
“Zoe and Josh both do a lot for me. Zoe does the cooking and helps clean and takes out the bins. She makes sure I eat regularly and sorts my weekly medication for me. She also supports me during my bathing and if I’m sick, she takes over as my role of parent for her brother Josh. Josh helps by cleaning a lot, does the dishes and helping with the washing, the animals and is an amazing emotional support (they both are!).
“Zoe received a £50 voucher for ice skating in our local ice rink. Zoe absolutely loves ice skating and has benefitted so much from this voucher. Her mental health gets a break from everything for two hours on the ice, from which she always comes back looking recharged and happy. It’s a wonderful day out for us as a family too. Josh and I spend the time watching with a hot drink in hand!
As well as giving young carers something positive to look forward to, we hope that by providing these opportunities it will continue to help develop their sense of worth as they are celebrated and given the attention and recognition they deserve.