Short Break Stories

Family Experience Take 3

A story by Bright Sparks Playgroups

Bright Sparks provided families and carers the unique opportunity to experience supported breaks away, which due to their children’s disabilities would not always be possible.

These breaks are fully organised and facilitated by parent volunteers.

What Family Experience Take 3 did

No staff were employed for the project it was organised and coordinated by volunteers. This was our 3rd year of The family experience so our youngest aged group of children were eligible for the family experience. We used Facebook and survey monkey to include all parent carers.

The Family Experience to Blackpool for 3 days at Easter staying in The Big Blue Hotel, including Pleasure Beach Passes. Barony Castle Hotel and Spa, 7 weekend breaks for 1 or 2 nights including breakfast and evening meal with use of spa facilities. For couples or individual carers. Moness Spa Resort, 2 luxury cottages for 2 nights with full access to leisure facilities including a grocery pack. We had 2 separate weekend breaks here in May & August.

Dublin a 2 night city break in shared apartments for couples and individual carers. Madrid was our first dad’s only break! 2 night city break in a shared apartment including tickets to watch Real Madrid.

There was lunch at Beijing Banquet, a sportsman dinner, cinema a carers event and a family event, bowling with 8 lanes for a family session. Ryze Trampoline Centre with exclusive hire for our families, Go Karting a dad’s mini Grand Prix, Nerf Wars a kids activity.

We used the contributions received to run a 2 nights/3 days break to Reykjavik in Iceland for 24 parent carers. This break included a visit to The Blue Lagoon, Circle Tour and Northern Lights Experience.

What Bright Sparks Playgroups has learned

Organisation is essential, with forward planning and pre booking. This allows us to maximise the budget received. Online surveys so our families can have their opinion on what they do and where they go. Maintaining good working relationships with other companies and organisations.

Project Outcome

Successfully completed Take 3 giving the youngest group the experience of a supported family break.

Results

We successfully offered all families from the youngest group an opportunity to access a supported family break.

Case study

"We went on the tram and visited South Pier, we also visited Blackpool Zoo which was fab." "It was so lovely for the four of us to spend time together as financially not always easy to take the kids on holiday so lovely that the hotel and pleasure beach were paid for, a real treat from start to finish." "Life can be tough with a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder, family time and getting a break from every day routines is great for us as parents and for both the kids" "It meant a great deal to us to be able to take the kids away for Easter and something we would have struggled to do financially without the help of Bright Sparks"

Project Outcome

Completion of first dad’s carer break giving them the opportunity to relax.

Results

Successfully completed our first dad's only break.

Case study

"Quite simply, it was a type of break that I no longer viewed as being possible, to be able to relax from caring duty and do something that is once in a life time was fantastic, and it was also a brilliant opportunity to make new friends, something that for a carer is very very difficult." "It was good getting to know the other dad's with kids that attend Bright Sparks, sharing our stories and experiences, and of course having a bit of a laugh." "My wife takes my son to Bright Sparks as I am working, this was the first time I was able to speak to other parents (fathers) about their experience with their kids" "The guys with older kids that have been where I am just now with my 3 year old was all very positive and it gave me hope for the future." "Building friendships with dads/carers who also care for children with complex needs and to know that you are not alone, learn from their experiences and also share yours." Bright Sparks is creating a community of people who are working together for the good of all our families.

Project Outcome

Carers experiencing time for themselves with others who are in a similar situation.

Results

102 carers attended an overnight break away from their caring role.

Case study

"Being with other carers and being able to recharge my batteries and just be "me" for a few days was invaluable, I'm reminded that I am more than just "mum"! "We all cared for each other and chipped in with the housework, we respected each other and helped the others anyway we could to make sure each of us enjoyed our break and didn't feel too guilty! It reminded me that I am not alone in my parenting of a special needs child journey!"

Project Outcome

New friendships made with other carers.

Results

A group of mums who became friends on a carers break have recently just been away for a weekend again together.

Case study

"After experiencing my first carer break and the benefits it gave me I was determined to allow myself time for me again." "My new friends and I managed to organise a 2 night trip away to allow us some me time, we returned to the same location as we attended previously as we felt confident and safe due to the prior booking"

Project Outcome

Reaffirming good working relationships with partner organisations within mainstream and leisure activities.

Results

Continuing to maintain our good relations with other organisations and companies.

Case study

Group booking discounts received, early bird offers and free cancellation.

Project Outcome

Being able to deliver everything we proposed.

Results

Dedication and hard work. Believing in our outcomes and our ability to achieve them.

Case study

Again we maximised the budget allocated and managed to achieve all we set out to and more. We are extremely proud of what we have managed through our 3 year vision. Delivering 100% of the funds received to our families.