Breaking Away offered a program of respite for young carers across Mid Argyll, Kintyre and Islay (MAKI). This respite came in the form of regular fortnightly pony club sessions and outdoor activities carried out by Lochgoilhead outdoor activity center.
We provided Holiday Clubs for children with additional support needs in the Easter, Summer and October holidays of 2020. Children were aged from 3 to 18 years old and had a variety of abilities. Our holiday provision also included outreach support and delivery of activities to family homes.
We provided carers in the Forth Valley area the opportunity to access Macrobert Arts Centre’s cinema with the person they care for. This project promoted positive wellbeing and bonded the carer/cared for relationship through cultural activity while developing friendships and a network of carers.
EveryoneIn connected carers and cared for young people through initially short breaks and activity days and subsequently through online activities which focused on creative arts and wellbeing and outdoor activities.
The activities helped carers and cared for young people keep connected, well and supported.
Time to Smile was a project delivered to support unpaid Carers and cared for in Cowal and Bute. The project plan was to work in collaboration with Cowal & Bute Elderly befrienders. Our aim was to provide enjoyable social events to aid in reducing isolation and improving connections and wellbeing.
We provided Monthly Time for Me groups, residential breaks, creative therapies, therapeutic massage sessions and a daily blog, for adult carers living in rural, remote locations, enabling them to stay connected and informed, get a break from caring, receive peer support and focus on their wellbeing.
We ran a monthly social event, each with a different themed activity. This was open to the carers and families of our TEENS+ students, as well as the students themselves. We offered flexible options for attendance/participation.
We ran our Nurture Group which is for young adults with mild disabilities and experiences of ACEs takes place one a month where group members participate in activities aimed at preventative emotional health and wellbeing, in a safe and secure environment that allows them to be their selves.
We provided 3 ‘Health and Well-being’ residentials for young carers ( 9-14 years) – “It’s okay to not be okay”. Delivering specialist support to help young carers learn positive and healthy coping strategies to cope with their difficult feelings and make the changes that are right for them.
Creative Companions provided short breaks opportunities to Gypsy/Traveller carers in Edinburgh/Lothians, Perth & Kinross and Argyll. Plans for family days & residentials were severely impacted by COVID-19 & replaced by online activities, afternoon teas, guided pamper sessions and Festive packs.