Interlink Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT), in collaboration with Voluntary Action Merthyr Tydfil, piloted a project to ensure carers in some of the most deprived areas of Wales could access the Short Breaks Scheme.
The scheme, coordinated by Carers Trust Wales and funded by Welsh Government, provides an opportunity for unpaid carers across Wales to have a short break away from their caring role, to enjoy some time for themselves and to focus on their own well-being.
Carers Trust Wales has distributed funding to over 30 organisations to offer a variety of short breaks, groups activities and microgrants. However, with no carer centres in Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil, a different approach was required. Working with Interlink RCT, Carers Trust Wales allocated £80,000 of funding which was disseminated to 11 grassroots organisations across the region.
One organisation that received funding was Small Woods, a thriving community with a shared passion for UK woodlands. Its Short Breaks project, the Carer’s Programme, was made up of 10 nature-based sessions, delivered in Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taf for both unpaid carers and those who they care for. Sessions were designed to provide an immersive experience in local green spaces, provide relief from the daily grind, encourage connection with nature and teach green skills to pass on to friends and family.
Elise Hughes, project officer at Small Wood says, “The project has stimulated some fantastic partnerships and made a real difference to carers’ lives.” She continues, “It was lovely to see the groups connect with each other and form a natural bond. Participants frequently expressed how much they enjoyed this time, and felt calm and ready to take on the remainder of their day.”
One participant comments, “Things like this do really make difference, even if it’s only that couple of hours and then it’s just the togetherness, the talking about it.”
Kate Cubbage, Director Carers Trust Wales, says, “This project ensured we helped fill a gap in carers’ support in areas of Wales that have significant unmet need. The evidence is clear that the poorest areas of Wales are often exceptionally caring, with some of the highest percentage of unpaid carers within their communities. It was vital that we worked with partners in these areas to offer creative and impactful solutions. Feedback from both the funded organisations and carers has been extremely positive and we hope to continue to build on this early success.”
Interlink RCT concludes, “The success of this grant scheme is testament to the difference voluntary sector groups and organisations make in supporting unpaid carers in their vital role”.
Other organisations who received funding for this region via Interlink and the Short Breaks Scheme included Barnado’s, Cancer Aid Merthyr Tydfil, Age Connects Morgannwg, Becca’s Besties, Behaviour Support Hub, Cwmparc Community Organisation, Café 50, Gelli Life for Living, Twyn Community Hub and Valleys Kids.
