When Age Connects Torfaen were awarded extra funding for Short Breaks Scheme activities in south east Wales, they decided to run some pamper session specially designed for female Muslim carers.
Many carers feel they don’t deserve a break and caring is just something that they do for their families and friends. This is particularly true for female Muslim women, which is why Age Connects Torfaen believes this short break made such an impact.
Eleven ladies from a Black Minority Ethnic carers group in Newport were treated to a pamper morning, where a range of treatments was offered, including hair washes and trims, hand massages, facials and head massages.
Age Connects Torfaen made some change to its approach to make sure the sessions were accessible, appropriate and comfortable for Muslim female carers. All products used were Halal friendly, as were all refreshments of course. The area was closed off for the ladies so they could fully relax, and a designated bathroom and prayer room were made available.
Emma Wootten, Age Connects Torfaen, says: “It was a really rewarding experience that I felt really made an impact on them."
The session reminded them that they must take time for themselves before they can provide others with quality time and care.
“One of the ladies said that her head massage brought her to tears as it helped release the stress and exhaustion that she had bottled up due to always looking after everybody else. She hadn’t realised quite how much she had needed it and will now make taking time for herself a priority. She intends to do it little and often to maintain a good quality of carer resilience and support her caring relationship."
Emma concludes, “Some of the ladies, who all care for husbands, aunties, uncles and parents, had never had any pamper treatments before. They really enjoyed the chance to just sit together, catch up and relax. They all intend to return for further sessions as well as a range of future activities we have been able to create with them!”