Carers’ Breaks

1st July 2015 – June 2016

What are Carers’ Breaks?

Carers’ Breaks offer carers opportunities to take time out from their caring role. Breaks can be about connecting carers, day trips out, information and advice sessions, or workshops ranging from arts and crafts, healthy living, relaxation and training. Whilst Carers’ Breaks provide carers with invaluable respite the opportunities can also help carers discover new hobbies and interests or perhaps rekindle old ones. It provides learning and training opportunities that could help carers gain new skills and knowledge and perhaps the confidence to take them into employment, if that is the desired outcome. Carers’ Breaks can be anything from 1 hour to a full day.

Why are Carers’ Breaks Important? We provide breaks to encourage carers to think about their health and wellbeing in order to carry on caring. Having a break is essential and a few hours away can make the difference between being able to carry on caring and having to give up caring. Research suggests that carers are more likely than the general population to suffer from physical and emotional health problems, social isolation and financial hardship. Taking breaks enables carers to become more active, meet others and gain and develop new skills. All these factors will help to improve and maintain carers’ health and wellbeing.

Where do Carers’ Breaks Take Place? Breaks take place at the Bath and Radstock Carers’ Centre and a range of community venues across Bath and North East Somerset. We are developing more breaks in localities to help carers connect with each other and engage with local activities, groups and clubs which are on their doorstep.

Who’s involved with Carers’ Breaks? The Carers’ Centre has worked with many facilitators and providers over the past year. Breaks are also delivered in partnership with a range of community partners in order to sustain and extend opportunities for carers to take a break. Below is a sample of those partnerships and providers: Training, Information and Skills Bath Records Office (Family History), Ipads (Beginners/intermediate) Adult Community Learning, Alison Wilder (Buying and Selling on Ebay), Karen Dews (Photography). Caring Role British Red Cross (First Aid for Adults/Children), Stone King & Money Wise (Financial Planning), Alzheimer’s Society (Dementia Café), What Kind of Carer Are you, The Caring Relationship, Finding The Balance (In8), BANES Mental Health (Mental Capacity), Stroke Association (Development of Mindfulness for carers), New Carers Café, Gentle Massage (Wellbeing College).

Art & Craft: Articulate (Glass/Mosaics), Andy Southwell (Willow Weaving) Claire Reddway (Story Telling/Reminiscing/A Tale to Tell), Adult Community Learning (Chinese Brush Painting/Music & Art) Heritage Services BANES (Needle Felting). Barry Hulme (Water Colour Painting), Charlotte Stowell (Fimo Clay Modelling), Marie Hillcoat (Botanical Drawing/Art & Crafts), St John’s Hospital (Art for Heart Sake). Healthy Living and Wellbeing: Sue Judge (Nutrition/Festive Treats/ Stress/ Sleep/ Creating-Building Confidence), Bath Health Heroes (Thepapeutic Massages), Felicity Bowers (Lino Printing), Wild Side of Life (Foraging), Eco Wild (Nature Nurture), Soundwell Music Therapy, Jane Harvey (Rambling/Walks), Adam Volkes (DJ Workshop), Andrew Eddlestone (Pottery/Clay), Bini (Indian Cooking), St John’s Hospital (StoryTellling/Social/Everything Stops for Me). MOSAIC Lunch Club, Boccia, Fun with Flowers, Get Crafty, Pewter Smithing, Jeff Body (Carving). Two’s Company: These breaks are very popular and provide an opportunity for carers to take a friend, loved one or cared for on a day out with minibus bus transport provided by Bath Community Transport and Volunteer Drivers.

Summer 2015 – Bristol Zoo Botanical Gardens/Weston Super Mare Autumn 2015 – Canal Boat Trip/Westonbirt Arboretum/Tyntsfield Winter 2015 -Cribbs Causeway/Christmas Get Together Spring 2016 – World Book Night/Railway Museum Summer 2016 – Clevedon/Yeo Valley Garden Trips Out: Hauser & Wirth Gallery/Haynes Motor Museum

Family Time: Breaks designed for all the family (adult and young carer families) to make and take time together and enjoy something fun and relaxing.

Autumn 2015 – Magdalen Residential Winter 2016 – Bath on Ice Spring 2016 – Meet the Romans, Bath City Farm + Movietime Summer 2016 – Avon Valley Country Park Autumn 2016 – Movietime

Older Young Carers (18-25) Breaks designed to encourage older young carers to engage with the adult breaks programme. Breaks are publicised in Caretime and not Chill.

Summer 2016 – Upfest Autumn 2016- Roller Staking

Sustaining the Breaks Programme: To sustain and support the breaks programme some breaks are developed and organised in collaboration with local organisations and partners. These organisations cross a variety of sectors: religious, legal, health, charitable and education and include volunteer support, delivery and funding.

Over the last year, 26 breaks were delivered in-kind, equating to 18.8% of breaks provided by carers, volunteers and local organisations in the last year.

In addition carers that have gained employment through support planning and access to training and volunteering opportunities and carers that wish to share their skills and hobbies are used as break providers. In the last year, 58 carers have gained employment through help and support from Clive Brooks, Employment, Support & Training Officer.

Volunteering/In-kind: breaks delivered by carers/volunteers and organisations without charge:

Stone King & Moneywise (Financial Planning) Bath College (Hand Massage) Adult Community Learning (IPads, Chinese Brush Painting) Wellbeing College (Gentle Massage) Barry Hulme (Watercolours) John Tucker (Garden Talks) Surrinder Sandham-Bains (Talk) Alzheimer’s’ Society & Alex Hurley (Dementia Café) Carol Channon (Indian Head Massage) Laila Jhaveri (Body Massage) Liz Coleman (Chillout Combo) Anna Ferguson (Face Yoga) Steve Headley (Art Workshop) Bath Health Heroes (subsidised sessions)

How do we plan Carers’ Breaks?

After every break carers completed a feedback form which includes a section to give ideas about future breaks. Every three months we use this feedback to influence future break programmes to ensure that we provide breaks that carers want. So for example we used feedback from our autumn programme to influence our winter programme. We also tailor breaks to suit the season as well as feedback from the Carers’ Outreach Team.

Here’s what’s been happening over the last 12 months In the last 12 months we have offered 4 quarterly break programmes which came to a whopping total of 188 breaks, an average of 15.6 breaks per month. Breaks have ranged from information/learning, trips out, arts and crafts, healthy living and wellbeing to peer support and interest groups. Carers have enjoyed breaks on their own whilst others have spent time with the whole family or with a friend or the cared for person.

Carers gained skills and knowledge on dementia, buying and selling on eBay, building personal confidence, the Mental Capacity Act, legal and financial affairs, Ipads/using the internet, first aid, juggling life and caring, managing conflict and range of art and craft skills.

Support Groups We have six support groups: Keep Safe. Keep Sane, ME/CFS, Think Tank, CFEO, Breathing (Inspiration) Space and Kaleidoscope plus 2 interest groups: Garden and Art Groups. These are organised and supported by and for carers. Sadly at the start of the year, Barry Hulme was no longer able to support the CFEO group. Barry had volunteered his time to support the group and Art Club for a number of years and we thank Barry for his enthusiasm and dedication to supporting carers.

Employment, Support and Training Group Clive Brooks has organised and delivered monthly workshops and clinics to support carers and worked in partnership with Cool Ventures to deliver three workshops last year.

Starting in Business – Cool Ventures Business Ideas Generation – Cool Ventures One to One Business Advice – Cool Ventures Regular Employment Support Groups and more recently Clinics

Clive has supported 58 carers into employment within this reporting period.

Art & Crafts We have provided a variety of art and craft opportunities for carers including watercolour painting, willow weaving, pottery, Fimo clay, Chinese Brush painting, Botanical drawing, Lino printing and Needle felting. Art and craft provides carers with the opportunity to discover new hobbies and interests, rekindle old ones but also the chance to learn new skills and meet others which helps carers to overcome loneliness, lack of confidence and emotional strain. Just take a look below at the masterpieces created by carers in such a short space of time.

We organised several workshops at Victoria Art Gallery in partnership with Adult Community Learning and Heritage Services, BANES. Carers made small animals from felt they had created from scratch, created some beautiful Chinese brush paintings and had a tour of the Bloomsbury House Exhibition.

Clay Pots – “Relaxing and Absorbing”

Patchwork – “2 hours spent just thinking

about one thing. First time in months”

“Lovely lady facilitator, nice social

activity and learned a new craft”

Healthy Living and Wellbeing workshops provided carers with the opportunity

to learn more about what they can do to make positive lifestyle changes. Workshops included nutrition and cookery, wild food foraging, Indian head massage, body massage, relaxation days at Ammerdown, face yoga, yoga/mindfulness, garden talks, rambling and Wellbeing Festival.

Wellbeing Festival This year was the Carers’ Centre first Wellbeing Festival, over a two week period in June to coincide with National Carers Week a range of breaks and events were organised. Carers’ Outreach Team also provided opportunities to connect and meet with other carers’ in localities across Bath and North East Somerset. The festival launched with the Sponsored Walk and culminated in the “Everything Stops for Me” Pamper Day for carers. The festival was linked to the Five Ways of Wellbeing: Connect, Be Active, Keep Learning, Take Notice and Give.

“Everything Stops for Me” was organised in partnership with Avon & Wiltshire

Mental Health Trust, St Johns’ Hospital and Bath Health Heroes. Over 35+ carers attended plus therapists, volunteers, carers and local organisations. A range of activities were organised: Bath Health Heroes provided Head/Body/Hand Massages, Anna Ferguson volunteered to run two Face Yoga workshops and volunteers ran an Art Activity. Information, advice and health checks were provided by Stroke Association and Wellbeing College talked to carers about their courses, as well as Carer Support Officers and staff chatting over a cup of tea and cake. We were grateful for the support and help from many volunteers and a wide range of donations. We were able to create good bags from a huge range of toiletries donated and collated through AWP and to lay on food supplied by Greggs Bakery. Steve Headley volunteered to run the Art Workshop and painted the Woodland Themed Canvas which hangs at Bath Carers’ Centre. Bath College Health & Beauty Students also volunteered their services to give hand massages to carers. Course Leader Di

Rowe said, “Thank you so much, the students thoroughly enjoyed their selves and

were humbled by the stories they heard.”

We received some fantastic feedback for the event:

So how do we know if the Carers’ Breaks are any good?

At the end of each break we ask carers to complete a feedback form so that we can monitor and evaluate the breaks programme. This is important in order to learn from things which didn’t go/work so well and celebrate when things were successful.

There were also lessons to be learnt:

Just talking with others in same boat

Speaking to new people

Wonderful, relaxing, enjoyable day

Lovely person giving hand massage

I felt relaxed as soon as I walked in. What a lovely event, did exactly what it said on the tin.

All staff and volunteers were really kind and attentive.

I loved being in the garden, loved the ukulele entertainment and the relaxed chilled out vibe.

Also like the fact several organisations joined up to put this on.

Really nice things in the goody bags, thank you

Feeling positive, re-energised, great facial yoga and creativity with relaxation

Time to relax, taught ways of deep breathing, ways of relaxing the face

Lovely friendly atmosphere and welcome

Lovely friendly chats and conversation, if anything this was the best thing

Massage made me feel more relaxed

Loved the hand massage, very relaxing.

Enjoyed the art, lots of fun

Face Yoga was particularly enjoyable

I needed a day to relax and forget my worries at homes for a minute

Taking time for myself

Most enjoyed the pebbles and massage

I loved the art therapy very much, and hand massage/massage

A chance to relax, take time out for me – absolutely fantastic – love hand massage. Diana from Bath College was very gentle and caring.

Choice of activities – had massage, face yoga/hand massage all excellent in relaxing me

Well organised and welcoming

Back massage and friendly staff

It was very relaxing and it was lovely to be touched and talk

Organising the event after National Carers Week to support promotion

Ensure carers are clear re lunch not being provided – we served nibbles/snacks and cake

Have a carer centre stand/table , recruit more carers centre staff on hand for sup-port

Carers were disappointed there were not enough treatments, organise more thera-peutic events/breaks over the festival period next year.

Some carers commented on better communication/publicity for the event – the event was published in Caretime and posters were up at Bath and Radstock Carer Centres as well as e:bulletins to carers as reminders.

We separated feedback measurement from last year on how satisfied carers were with the breaks programme and facilitator.

Overall satisfaction with the break: We asked carers to tell us how satisfied

they were with the break on a scale from 1-6 with 1 being very dissatisfied and 6 being highly satisfied. Highly Satisfied Very Dissatisfied

..

Carer Satisfaction 2015-2016 2014-2015 Comparison

highly satisfied 74.4% 75% There was a .6% drop in carers highly satisfied and an increase of 1.6% carers being very satisfied

very satisfied 17.8% 16%

satisfied 4% 9%

Well organised and very pleased to be able to do something very different. Just a most amazing day. I learnt so much. Calm, relaxed, exciting, creative, escapist, informative Was so good for wheelchair. Beautiful house Learning something new in a sociable environment Great fun and something lovely to take home. totally absorbing enjoyed the story and learnt from experience.

74.4

17.8

4.0 1.3 0.2 2.2

0.0

10.0

20.0

30.0

40.0

50.0

60.0

70.0

80.0

highly satisfied6

5 4 3 dissatisfied 1 not answered(blank)

Carers' overall satisfaction with the break %

Effectiveness of the Facilitator We asked carers to rate the effectiveness of the facilitator, whether the people leading the activities are doing a good job. This was on a scale from 1-6 with 1 being very dissatisfied and 6 being highly satisfied. Highly Satisfied Very Dissatisfied

Carer Satisfaction 2015-2016 2014-2015 Comparison

highly satisfied 80% 80% Facilitator satisfaction remains the same as previous year very satisfied 14% 16%

satisfied 3% 4%

Right level of teaching and allowing freedom of creativity. The facilitator was sensitive to all abilities. Able to ask questions The approachable session provided by the facilitator. He clearly provided

explanations and answered our questions. Lovely and patient, really nice to switch from the stress of caring for a couple

of hours, thank you very much A very clear explanation and so good at handling individual questions

The tutor Karen very informative. Enthusiasm + knowledge of teacher. Time given to each participant. A good balance of photo taking + editing/computer work. I learned a lot about taking photos/how to use camera + computer.

In order to assess whether the breaks programme has an impact on carers health and wellbeing we include a distance travelled question at the start and end of the break.

78.0

15.1

2.7 0.4 0.2 3.6

0.0

10.0

20.0

30.0

40.0

50.0

60.0

70.0

80.0

90.0

highly satisfied6

5 4 3 dissatisfied 1 not answered(blank)

Carers' rated the effectiveness of the facilitator %

Collecting feedback from carers after every break does not reflect the range and impact of other services and support offered at the carers’ centre. We are currently exploring other tools and methods to ensure we “fully” evaluate the range of services which improve carers’ health and wellbeing.

Carers’ reasons re ratings “before” the break:

Can be very lonely at home Stressful time with caring responsibilities I have been under an incredible amount of stress in the last couple of weeks My physical health has not been great lately and I have been stuck at home I arrived at the centre feeling a bit stressed by the journey and was looking

forward to a day of peace and calm I was so tired and stressed and depressed

16.0

34.2 36.0

6.5 7.4

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

Very Good Good Adequate Poor Not answered(blank)

Carers' rated their overall health and wellbeing BEFOREthe break %

47.6

37.8

6.10.4

8.1

0.0

10.0

20.0

30.0

40.0

50.0

60.0

Very Good Good Adequate Poor Not answered(blank)

Carers' rated their 0verall health and wellbeing AFTERthe break %

Carers’ reasons re ratings “after” the break: This morning's session has helped me to realise that I need to take a step

back sometimes. Because I was still tired but relaxed and happy A very inspiring class and engrossing. I was ok, but some advice I was given was very helpful because I am now

getting my emotions sorted out about something.

Below table shows the difference made by the break, by measuring the difference between the ratings before and after the break. This outcome suggests breaks are helping carers to maintain their health and wellbeing as well as improving it and enables carers to continue in their caring role.

Health & Wellbeing Before and After

Before After Comparison

Very Good 16% 47.6 Evidences a 31.6% “very good” improvement in health and wellbeing after the break Good 34.2% 37.8

Adequate 35% 6.1

Creativity, learning, discovering new hobbies and interests, inspiration, encouragement, meeting new people, and peer support are valuable outcomes for carers These outcomes help carers to overcome loneliness, reduce isolation, lack of confidence and stress that often accompany a caring role Carers attend breaks for a wide variety of reasons to learn something new, take a skill home or making something tangible, revisiting an old interest or trying something new. For many it is an escape, being away from home or learning something which will support their caring role. Many carers benefit from the support of other carers, talking and sharing. However there is a smaller proportion of carers who do not want to discuss their caring role and want to escape and switch off.

Carers are trying activities for the first time and learning something new These outcomes show carers are gaining new skills and knowledge. This newfound knowledge may help carers in their caring role but also spark new interests and hobbies which can lead into employment if that’s the desired outcome.

78% of carers tried an activity for the first time, with 22% repeating a break they had previously enjoyed. I have never done this before - I chose it because it really appealed to me

Tried Activity for first time

2015-2016 2014-2015 Comparison

First Time 78.2% 78% Carers are still willing to try new things and enjoy repeating breaks they have previously attended

Repeat 21.8% 22%

Factors that did not work so well for carers

Emotional and physical impact – is a factor for all carers, but the data indicates that a break significantly improves overall health and wellbeing for over 35% of carers.

It is important to understand the barriers carers face and ensuring facilitators are aware of carers barriers may help them to support and guide sessions more fully and create/define boundaries. We are currently working on a facilitator handbook to support facilitators. From all the feedback received from carers sharing, and chatting about their caring roles is an important element during the break.

Some breaks such as Finding the Balance, The Caring Relationship are much more likely to contain opportunities for carers to share their experiences (if they chose).

On several occasions throughout the day I felt I had been interrogated by another carer who kept talking about her situation and asked too many questions about my own circumstances. I found it very intrusive and draining

It would take more than a cookery demonstration to affect my wellbeing

78.2

21.8

0.0

10.0

20.0

30.0

40.0

50.0

60.0

70.0

80.0

90.0

Yes No

Carers' tried an activity for the first time %

Timings – some carers would like evenings, weekends (Sundays) others prefer only day-times. It is not always possible to run more things at weekends due to facilitator and staff availability. Over the last year we have run 42 breaks in the evening or weekend with break lengths varying from 2 to 5 hours. I like more activities to happen on Saturday and Sundays at a similar time as

World Book Day further and longer group would be nice

The divide continues, some carers would like courses others enjoy one off sessions and cannot commit to anything longer; getting the balance and the funding to run courses is challenging. Caring Role impact on taking breaks - many carers find it hard to get to breaks or in time due to their caring role. Over the last year 24 breaks have been cancelled (16 in 2016 and 8 in 2015). . Situations change quickly and breaks bookings can drop from 11+ carers to 4/5 carers on the day due to cancellations. This is inevitable when you are caring for someone, however there are some carers who regularly book and cancel breaks which incurs an increase in administration if having to cancel transport and rearrange pick-up times etc. We have a cancellation policy and if carers cancel without giving 5 working days’ notice (without good reason) a cancellation fee is applied. Where carers regularly cancel we aim to explore and ensure there are no hidden barriers to accessing breaks which we are unaware of. Sometimes we have to cancel breaks due to low numbers to avoid cancellation charges at venues/organisations. Demand for popular breaks – there is great demand for therapeutic breaks eg Ammerdown Refreshing Days, Head and Body Massage as well as art/craft workshops. We are hoping to recruit a volunteer to deliver massage in Bath and we’re working in partnership with Wellbeing College to offer Gentle Massage and Aromatherapy in the future. Across BANES there is a wide range of community/organisations offering activities and groups to support people’s health and wellbeing on a variety of subjects/topics. Since April the Carers Outreach Team have been working in geographical areas and it is hoped that connecting carers with each other and with local activities will sustain funding and support for carers, reduce travel, time and costs. We are currently working on a leaflet to publicise local activities and organisations to ensure carers are aware of what is on their doorstep, and what can be accessed for free or at subsidised rates. Carers would like more information: Both carers centres have a small library of information leaflets and a dedicated information and advice line available for carers to access on a daily basis. Support Groups for those caring for people with mental health, low mood/anxiety, ME/CFS can also be a good source of information and support as well breaks designed to support carers’ in their caring role.

Carers feel they have become more active

We offered a variety of breaks to increase carers’ activity levels through: Tai-Chi, quarterly rambles, Yoga, Spring Walk & Foraging, Bowling, Boccia, Ston Easton and Bristol Botanical Gardens. This offers carers with a range of physical abilities to engage with more active breaks.

66% of carers reported that breaks helped and supported them to become more active. The figures indicate a decrease in activity levels which may be down to less “activity” style breaks being delivered and/or carers feeling less active.

More Active 2015-2016 2014-2015

Yes 66.1% 93%

No 10.1% 2%

Not sure 10.8% 5%

Carers’ comments on their increased activity levels:

Have been able to walk and plenty of seating. A lovely few hours enjoying nature in beautiful gardens. The gardening is good for me. great work out- will try have to continue with this at least weekly Meeting people and the guided walk. being with like-minded people was amazing Just talking with others in the same boat having a therapy, lovely friendly chats and conversation, if anything this was

the best thing

66.1

10.1 10.8 13.0

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Yes No Not Sure Not answered(blank)

Carers' have become more active as a result of accessingthe breaks programme %

Carers report that the breaks programme has helped them to feel more in touch with other people.

This outcome supports carers to overcome loneliness and increase their support network. Carer’s comments on connecting and feeling more in touch with other people:

Socialising with other carers while learning a new skill. Sharing with other participants Meeting other carers in relaxed setting. sharing ideas, learning ways to cope

/positive change Meeting other single mums Seeing another culture and how some coped with the terrain and diversity of

the country

This outcome helps ensure carers are less isolated and more physically active to support their overall health and wellbeing. Carers’ motivation for attending a break varies and organising a programme which meets the range of needs and interests is vital. The importance of the feedback form is to gather intelligence about what carers would like to do in the future. We are aware that a large proportion of registered carers do not engage with the breaks programme and Outreach Officers feedback when carers highlight breaks they are interested in. More work is in the pipeline to support carers who have not accessed breaks.

73.708

4.310.3 11.7

0.000

10.000

20.000

30.000

40.000

50.000

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Yes No Not Sure Not answered(blank)

Helped carers' to feel more in touchwith other people %

More in touch 2015-2016

Yes 73.8%

No 4.3%

Not sure 10.3%

Additionally, a key theme is that carers enjoy the variety and standard of the breaks programme and the impact it has on their lives …

I very much appreciated the spirit of generosity from the therapists and staff at the cen-tre and in particular the space for quiet reflection created during the service in the chapel.

It seems to be of little help to people like me who can't leave their spouse. It was a hugely enjoyable + sociable activity.

Got me out of the house + back with people

Thank you for all the behind the scenes work.

Good to see different activities on offer.

Have told other carers of this great facility nice to meet other cares plus meet new peo-ple plus switch off caring. it is great.

I have learnt so many new skills and gone to so many new places this year. thank you so much.

The company is invaluable. my mum says she wouldn't go anywhere if it wasn't for that

Thank you for helping us and giving opportunity to meet other carers

The best activity I've done! Amazing facilitator and amazing fun! Thank you

I very much value these spaces created for carers to be empowered by having access to more knowledge It provides a needed break and I am surprised each time how much I enjoyed it and needed it

A very good programme of activities - one offs + short courses - not too demanding in time - refreshing + useful + fun Thank you.

You have saved my sanity on many occasions .

I really relaxed and did not think about caring. It was so nice to make something so nice.

It was a really lovely productive morning. I would really love to do more classes with Andy if possible.

Really appreciate the wide range of activities on offer. Something for everyone

A good variety of breaks, well organised If it wasn't for the centre, # and me wouldn't go out on day trips, even a few hours with the classes are a change.

It seems to refresh me. It's good to do something DIFFERENT, out of the usual rou-tine.

Energises one. The breaks are really good.

You meet all kinds of people that are in the same as you.

Thank you for a brilliant programme It's great to meet other parent carers

Always surprised to be reminded how important it is to get out and socialise

These breaks are a lifesaver. Thank you so much!!!

You are making a huge difference to our lives Thank you for being there

Who completed the breaks questionnaire? 445 adult carers completed the breaks questionnaire between 1st July 2015 to 30th June 2016.

Gender: The above shows a higher number of female carers are accessing breaks than male carers. This is representative of the number of female and male carers registered with the Carers’ Centre. The Carer Participation Officer has engaged with male volunteers and carers to gather feedback during the last six months, and in the spring we held an indoor sports evening to play Boccia. Six male carers attended who all thoroughly enjoyed the activity. We have a lawn bowls evening and a further Boccia evening lined up for the autumn programme. Talking to male carers and listening to them is important if we are to improve male engagement and support male carers in their caring roles. Registered Carers:

Male: 29% Female: 71%

Age: As we can see from the breakdown below the breaks programme is largely accessed by carers of working age and retired carers. Only 6% of carers aged 18-34 accessed the breaks programme. We will aim to increase our engagement with this age group by offering more breaks during the evenings and weekends and breaks targeted to this age group only.

22%

78%

Gender %

male

female

Summary and Development Points 2015-2016 Feedback, Monitoring and Evaluation Collecting feedback from carers after every break does not reflect the wide range and impact of other services and support offered at the carers’ centre. We are currently exploring and developing other feedback tools and methods to ensure we “fully” evaluate the range of services which improve carers’ health and wellbeing. Breaks Leaflet/Guidance The breaks service needs to be as transparent as possible in order to reduce telephone calls and queries regarding breaks bookings, entitlements, cancelling breaks, donations, feedback, replacement care and ME Time. Breaks service guidance is to be included in a service wide Wellbeing Booklet which is currently being developed. The booklet outlines the services and support which supports carers’ health and wellbeing: information and advice telephone line, Telephone Befriending Service, meetings with Carers’ Support Officers, attending breaks, counselling and participating in the Community Activator Programme. Moving on Breaks As the Carers’ Outreach Team are working in localities we are developing a “Moving On with Breaks” leaflet to outline the wide range of organisations across BANES of-fering free and subsidised activities, groups and clubs. This supports carers’ to en-gage with local provision, connect with each other and their local community. Facilitators We have developed a Facilitator Guidance booklet which will support the providers we work with and give guidance about payment, purchase orders, health and safety and safeguarding. This will be published over the winter.

During the last year we gathered feedback from facilitators/providers and a number requested to learn more about carers, the carers centre and support services. We

1.43

8.9

16.7

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15.5

14.9

Carers' ages %

18 and under

18-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65-74

75+

are looking into a “facilitator” event/celebration in which we could raise awareness of carers’ issues with facilitators, providers, partners and Volunteer Counsellors. Five Ways to Wellbeing We are exploring the opportunity to embed the Five Ways to Wellbeing into our work at the Centre. The Five Ways to Wellbeing are a set of evidence-based actions which promote people’s wellbeing. They are: Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning and Give. These activities are simple things individuals can do in their everyday lives. The Themes have been adopted/linked to by Wellbeing College, NHS, Children’s Society, Avon Wildlife Trust and BANES Council. The Wellbeing Festival that took place during the summer was linked to the Five Ways to Wellbeing.