Short Break Stories

The Person Centred Holiday Fund for Carers

A story by Unity Enterprise South Ayrshire Carers Centre

We provided grants directly to carers who live in South Ayrshire and provide 20+ hours/week of unpaid care to a family member, partner, relative or friend caring for an adult 21 years and over and needs help to manage a long term condition, disability, physical or mental health problem or addiction.

What The Person Centred Holiday Fund for Carers did

Carers were asked to complete an application form and award agreement (guidelines included). Carers were advised to make the break individual to their own needs and include as many details of the break as possible. Members of staff were available to help with the process where necessary.

The panel consisted of: David Roxburgh (Service Coordinator), Sheryl Stone (Red Cross), Phil White (CHP Coordinator) and at times an ex Carer. The panel meets every 6 weeks or so. The project was advertised to Carers through the Centre newsletters, posters, social media, at support groups, events and conferences, information in GP Surgeries.

Mr A has had his own health issues in the past from which he has recovered, Mrs A has current health issues. There are 3 Young Carers in the family. This was their first family holiday. Mrs a was anxious about the break but with the support from Mr a and their daughters she was able to enjoy the break. The family had a short holiday and accessed activities whilst there. They would not have been able to do this without the grant.

Carer C chose a course of alternative therapy appointments as her short break as she felt she would benefit more from this than days away from home with the cared for. The treatments have left her feeling refreshed and more able to cope in her caring role. she has continued to access alternative therapy from the Centre since this.
Carer D whose child has autism requested a session ticket to a local attraction. the ticket was used on numerous occasions over the summer months. The child's paid carers was also able to attend giving the rest of the family the opportunity to have some time out from their caring role. As a result of this award the family bonds have been strengthened and they have all benefited from the grant.

What Unity Enterprise South Ayrshire Carers Centre has learned

The challenges have been arranging tickets, booking hotels to suit very specific dates, if the Carers is able to be even slightly flexible with dates it can make things a lot easier. The biggest challenge can be deciding eligibility. We found Carers who may not be in great financial need but who are awarded a nominal sum have engaged with our services and received vital emotional support. The requests and needs of our Carers are so diverse we feel it is important to take a holistic view of their situation, therefore we focus on their choices.

If there is one overriding principle it is to ensure we offer them a break of their choice. It has been a real pleasure to be able to offer a wide range of short breaks to Carers, (and at time the cared for/family). The difference it has made to Carers has been incredible, they feel better supported to continue in their caring role, refreshed, it has given them good memories to treasure.

All new Carers who register with the Centre have been offered the opportunity to access the project it has been advertised in our newsletter, at events and conferences we attend, on social media, by the use of posters and information available in GP Surgeries. We have certainly found that some new Carers have been attracted to registering with the Centre because of the opportunity to apply for a break.
Top tips Unity Enterprise South Ayrshire Carers Centre's top tips for an organisation that wants to run a similar project
Tip 1:
Flexibility of awards.
Tip 2:
Make sure Carers supply all relevant details for example: exact dates, times names of all the people involved when the application form is completed
Tip 3:
Try and encourage people to apply for a break to be taken at least a couple of months after the panel meets to decide on awards.

"I know what day L is coming, it's written on my calendar every week. I love it when I see her name on a Thursday and I look forward to her coming".

Service User

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