Breaks Away North Ayrshire
A story by Unity (Formerly Unity Enterprise)
We provided grants directly to carers living in North Ayrshire.
What Breaks Away North Ayrshire did
We provided grants directly to carers who provide unpaid care to a family member, partner, friend of any age who needs help to manage due to a long term condition, disability physical or mental health problem including Dementia or substance misuse.
We advertised in our newsletter which goes out to over 1000 Carers, we had posters up, it was on our Facebook page, taken to outreach, we telephoned Carers who we thought might meet the criteria. The newsletter also goes to over 100 professionals so they also had the information. We informed Carers who came into the Centre.
Carers were assisted with the application process where necessary and signed an agreement when the application was passed.
She enjoyed the companionship and the terrific relaxing atmosphere. Carer A thinks this is something she may do again as she found it uplifting and thanks all who made this possible.
She felt the break also benefited the people she cares for as she was less stressed, it was beneficial overall and the chance to do something she wouldn’t normally do.
She felt it was nice to do something as a family and they managed to talk about what was on her mind.
It has allowed her to meet new people. Both the carer and cared for can now appreciate they both have needs that need to be met independently. The exercise is helping her stress levels.
Another older Carer looks after his wife who has mental health issues and arthritis. The Carer had asked for a grant to help towards caravan fees. To begin with his mood was fair, his mood now is really good. He feels the chance to go to the caravan every couple of weeks during the summer has benefited himself and the cared for. He feels he recharges his energy each time he is there and is ready to carry on. When at the caravan his wife is more outgoing and happy, she has benefited both
physically and mentally and they both appreciate the grant given.
On returning as well as being able to see her other son settled she felt really good. She feels she gained confidence. She was able to have a full night’s sleep which
she doesn’t usually get due to her caring role. She was able to have conversations without interruption and could access more places. On returning she felt NORMAL”, the same as everyone who can go on holiday. She admits it made her realise what she is missing out on and was a bit discontented for a couple of days, Her disabled adult son had the full attention of his dad, he is a dads boy but, it made him appreciate her more when she came back. She now feels better about herself. She was able to step out of the bubble of a caring role and relax.
Another Carer who cares for his wife and adult son who have multiple health issues, his own health is poor. His caring role did not allow him to go away from home. There was only a shared laptop for use of the whole family. He had to book time with the rest of the family if he wished to use it. It felt this was his only opportunity to have some time away from his caring role. With a grant he was able to purchase a laptop for his exclusive use. Before he had his own laptop he said his mood was poor. After having the laptop for 2 months he stated his mood is good, he feels more able to fulfil his caring role, is more relaxed, feels happier.