TGP Cymru's project, Travelling Ahead, works across Wales to support the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities. It has been able to offer short breaks or a meal, coffee and cinema vouchers to over 70 carers through the scheme.
Feedback from the scheme shows that even a short break or a meal out can have a very positive impact on a carer. We hear from three carers about the power of such a break.
One carer, an Irish Traveller in her mid-sixties, enjoyed a three night break in a holiday park with some of her grandchildren and siblings. She says that she never has time to think about herself and it was the first time she was able to relax since losing her mother a year ago.
She cares for her adult son who has quite severe mental health issues and learning disabilities, and says it has been a long road. Her son is in his late forties now and she worries about who will look after him when she has gone.
No one has ever done this before
The short break enabled her to enjoy some down time that gave her a much-needed boost. She also appreciated the fact that her role as a carer was being recognised and valued: “The break was absolutely beautiful; being able to relax helped me a lot and I felt much better after this little holiday. But it was also the fact that someone thought about me, it was nice what they did for me. No one has ever done this before.”
“I am a Romany Gypsy and look after my Mammy. I have three children and a husband. I have chronic health conditions myself and I often feel unwell and in pain so I can’t get around much.
“It was so good to have this holiday as a family, our little holiday park pick me up! We stayed at a caravan site and went out to a lovely country park. We played crazy golf together and I even won £125 at the bingo!
After my break I felt so relaxed, I was not as agitated, and it helped me feel more well in myself. I felt like I was a world away from all my problems.
Another carer, who enjoyed a three day break at Hafan y Môr Holiday Park in Pwllheli ( pictured © Haven), was able to make some happy family memories while their cared-for child is still with them.
Their child is diagnosed with a life-limiting illness that causes physical and cognitive degeneration. All the family love the cared-for child, who brings them a lot of joy, but requires full support and needs help with everyday activities such as eating, toileting and movement. With other children to look after, the carer is a very stressed and busy mum.
The carer says that they all really enjoyed the time away together. The swimming pool and the entertainment at the holiday camp were a big hit with the children and they made many family memories together. They all still talk about the break which they rated as 10 out of 10!
The carer reflects,
I feel happy that my child had this experience while he is still with us and that the family had this time with him.
Time is precious and we’re grateful that the Short Breaks Scheme is giving unpaid carers across all communities in Wales a moment to enjoy it with their loved ones.