Short Break Stories

Speakeasy Lanarkshire Respite Break

A story by Speakeasy Lanarkshire

We provided 2 respite breaks for carers and their cared for who are laryngectomies (removal of the voice box) due to cancer and are a self help group for fellow laryngectomees, oral, facial, head and neck cancers living in North and South Lanarkshire.

What Speakeasy Lanarkshire Respite Break did

We sourced funding for 2 years for a part time Information and Support Worker

We have recruited volunteers who have taken part in HIIC training (Health Care in the Community)

We sent letters to all members who then met and chose (by majority) where and when they wished to go. All members and their carers who wished to go were accommodated. We then included the number of volunteers required.

The first break was to the Mountains of Mourne and the Titanic Experience in May 2014 and the second break was to Llandudno in October 2014. The breaks were for 5 days/4 nights including transport and meals.

Carers and cared for enjoyed a number of organised trips with volunteers on hand to assist giving the carers and cared for a break from each other.
Carers and cared for went shopping, sightseeing and generally enjoyed a break from their caring role.

Carers and cared for enjoyed the entertainment provided by the hotel and relaxed in the happy atmosphere. They joined in and had conversations with other guests, some of whom were not aware of what a laryngectomy involved.

Carers took advantage of having volunteers to assist with their cared for and went shopping, did nothing or pursued another interest

Carers and cared for took part in outings and social events, meeting other guests and trying something different, ie bowling
Carers and cared for had meals provided, outings provided and social interaction with others and with the assistance of volunteers, had time on their own to relax in a comfortable environment.
One of our cared for had recently found out that the cancer had returned and was facing a very difficult period of treatment, consisting of 96 hours continuous chemotherapy for 6 rounds every 3 weeks. Both the carer and cared for were extremely stressed and found the time away, surrounded by people who cared and understood, alleviated a large part of their stress. Not having to deal with sympathy and enquiries, however well meant, and having time away gave them the space and opportunity to relax and consider the options. They returned home more able to deal with the difficult time ahead.

What Speakeasy Lanarkshire has learned

Challenge :
Explaining to some of the others passengers on the organised tour the difficulty laryngectomies may have with the equipment which allows them to breathe and which causes them to make certain sounds.

Benefits :
Being in a safe, comfortable environment with none of the pressures normally associated with their caring role gave carers time to breathe and be themselves. People with like conditions felt more confident in being out in public

Carers found that if any problems arose others could assist and recommend ways to solve most difficulties
Top tips Speakeasy Lanarkshire's top tips for an organisation that wants to run a similar project
Tip 1:
Research what is available and consult the membership with workable ideas of what is possible/wished for
Tip 2:
Read the notes given by funders carefully before completing any grant request
Tip 3:
Have lots of patience

"The relaxation session at the end of the presentations was really good and gave me some good techniques to reduce stress at home."

Service User

Short Break Stories is a site by Shared Care Scotland, a company limited by guarantee registered in Scotland SC161033.

Designed and developed by Do Good. This site uses a few cookies more on this.   Admin login