This time last year we visited the amazing charity, Follow Your Dreams, at their short break takeover at Bluestone Resort, Pembrokeshire, hosting 350 unpaid carers.
Follow Your Dreams, a national charity that inspires children and young people with learning disabilities, received £82,000 in funding from the Short Breaks Scheme. It meant they were able to offer unpaid carers from across Wales a fun-packed, educational break, with precious family time and the chance to create lifelong friendships with people in similar situations.
The day we visited we saw first-hand how important this break was to the families involved, and there were a few tears of happiness shed!
We met up with Diane Blackmore, Chief Executive Officer, Follow Your Dreams. Diane is a force of nature who makes these events happen and seems to be everywhere, organising, talking to families and liaising with her small group of volunteers. She told us she registered over 32,000 steps on one day at Bluestone!
Diane give us the background to the project, “ Our ‘Play Stay & Sign’ project supported unpaid carers and young carers of children and people with learning and other disabilities from across Wales to join a five-day break. We focus on fun, togetherness, health and wellbeing in a friendly and supportive relaxing environment in the lovely grounds of Bluestone.”
Carer,
To step back and spend quality time together has been wonderful, and to be surrounded by other special families who just get it, is invaluable.
All the accommodation at the lodges were funded and a full programme of activities ranging from wake up/shake up to arts and crafts was on offer. The buzz on site was palpable, with children and parents thoroughly enjoying themselves everywhere we went.
Diane says, “Families have an invaluable opportunity to meet, make friends and socialise with other families experiencing similar situations and share their knowledge and experience. It’s also an opportunity to enhance relationships within the family unit through spending quality time together on a break away from daily routines and challenges. Participants benefit from support with the tools for improving their communication with, and understanding of, one another.”
Carer,
From the moment we walked in, I felt completely overwhelmed with emotion, just seeing all these wonderful children and the love and support. After taking my daughter out of school and struggling with lack of support, understanding and acceptance, here was a whole load of wonderful people just celebrating their kids together. Thankyou from the bottom of my heart to all involved.
Many families were there with their children with disabilities who were all enjoying some unique, inclusive and sign-based activities. Diane explains, “The residential helps them to feel more included in a group or community as well as in family life, and less excluded and isolated by their disability. The activities are centred around their communication needs. These activities are also incredibly important to their siblings and carers who are an important part of this very special project.”
Carer,
The entire Bluestone had a happy buzz for the duration. I've never seen so many smiley, friendly faces in one place. It felt inclusive, welcoming and like one big happy family. It was heartwarming.
Caleb from South Wales has Down Syndrome, Global Learning Difficulties, Hyper Mobility and ADHD and needs 24/7 care. His mum Nicola is also registered disabled with a rare eye condition.
Nicola told us: “Bluestone allowed us to have quality time together as the facility and activities provided were well catered to his need. I felt supported by the wider network of carers who understood without having to say a word. It allowed us to have quality time and learn skills to aid and communicate more effectively.
“Bluestone enabled me as a carer to address my own wellbeing. Although the caring duties for my son didn't change whilst there, this trip allowed time for the daily distractions, which you address at home, take a back seat. It made me realise that I neglected my own wellbeing which then impacts on my son. By attending I was able to look after myself better which improved the quality of care I was providing.
I saw a much happier, attentive and engaged child
“Also, the facilities made it easier for me to attend my sons needs and promoted his independence to explore his surrounding safely. My husband Kevin, who cares for the both of us, felt he could relax more, knowing day-to-day dangers were minimal in comparison to when we are home.
“The Bluestone residential week is a lifeline for many families. As a carer you can feel isolated and judged. However, for this whole week, the pressure is off, as others are in similar situations. Some form friendships with other carers and, more importantly, the children and young carers feel safe and secure. It provides families time to share advice and knowledge and form friendships and sense of belonging. It’s like being in a safe cocoon the whole week, which enable carers to attend to their wellbeing in order to provide best care for their loved ones.”
Diane says that the Short Breaks Scheme funding contributed largely to the success of the project and enabled Follow your Dreams to reach out to more new carers not known to their charity previously, in all benefiting 350 carers from Wales.
After we left and the event ended, Diane followed up with participants and reports that 100% of carers felt that the break helped to improve their mental and/or physical wellbeing and empowered them with the resilience to continue in their caring role.
Carer,
A huge thanks from us to you. We've had the best time! Busy, emotional and amazing! It's been the best opportunity to just 'be', no pretence, no explaining, no fake smiles. Just pure joy!
We met up with Diane Blackmore, Chief Executive Officer, Follow Your Dreams. Diane is a force of nature who makes these events happen and seems to be everywhere, organising, talking to families and liaising with her small group of volunteers. She told us she registered over 32,000 steps on one day at Bluestone!