Short Break Stories

Time for a Break, Time to Live

A story by Argyll & Bute Carers Network

We provided grants directly to carers who live inn Argyll and Bute.

What Time for a Break, Time to Live did

We assist carers to complete the form and with sourcing their chosen item, activity or break. Decisions are made by a local panel which is useful as decisions can be made quickly and help given when needed. We advertise on the web page, Facebook, newsletters and leaflets.

AA is a single parent and has very little support from family members and until recently her son was home schooled. This has left AA feeling very socially isolated and she has had no time for herself and was unable to access our services. However her son recently secured a place at a school that accommodates his needs and she now feels that she can start getting some sort of life for herself.

AA seen our article for Time to Live in our bi-monthly newsletter and she came along to one of the centre’s coffee mornings to find out more about it. The Outreach Carer Support Worker advised her to apply as she said she had not had a break for 5 years. AA didn’t have the confidence to take the ‘cared for’ away on her own as everything in his life had to be structured due to his disability but she now feels with the routine that school has given him, it would now be possible. Financial hardship was also an issue as the ‘cared for’ benefits had been reduced and waiting appeal.

“It was fantastic to get away from everyday life with my son, some days were difficult due to my son's disability but creating memories and having new experiences strengthened our mother/son bond, I would not be able to go on this holiday if it had not been for the money awarded by Time to Live"

A couple gave up their life in London to come and look after her mother who has very challenging behaviour due to her Dementia they care for her 24/7 it is very demanding as she is unable to do anything for herself including feeding & toileting. Mr H's family live in Algeria and they had not been able to visit for a number of years as they both had to give up full time employment. They were encouraged to fill out a short breaks application. They were over the moon to be offered the chance to visit their family in Algeria.
Sarah is working full time in Glasgow and when she is home she is the carer for her mum and is also helping run the family business. Her mum is not accepting that she is needing more and more help which is making the caring situation more difficult. Sarah is extremely tired and stressed as the rest of the family are not supporting her. By helping Sarah to arrange a few days away on a spa break it allowed her to relax and re-charge her batteries.
We took carers from across Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Isles to Portavadie Marina for lunch, a sail and great fun. It is such a special day where carers are really looked after by the wonderful staff. This year we had 66 carers, this event happens in Carers Week in June.

What Argyll & Bute Carers Network has learned

The fund has allowed us to offer a break to carers who are maybe not using any other services it makes them aware of our service and the benefits of registering with the carers centre. The fund has made a difference to the organisation as it encouraged young and adult carers to come along to the centre, especially those that would not normally come to access our services and it gives them the opportunity to meet other carers in the same situation as themselves. Hopefully they keep coming in on a regular basis and get the support that they need to continue with their caring role.
Top tips Argyll & Bute Carers Network's top tips for an organisation that wants to run a similar project
Tip 1:
Keep the application process simple and quick.
Tip 2:
Keep it Local Panel.
Tip 3:
Allow for a quick response to help quickly.