Summary
The activity short break takes place at The Rings, Fife, and it is a fully accessible, inclusive activity break for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, and their families, from the North-east of Scotland.
What Charlie House Activity Short Break did
We provided short breaks for families at The Rings throughout October 2023. Families had access to various
activities during their stay including: Soundplay projects, alpaca experience, rock 'n' roll bingo, deer centre visit
and use of an on-site hot tub.
22 families including 37 parent carers and 22 children with complex disabilities attended the short stay break for
three nights each. Families registered interest with Charlie House identifying their needs and equipment required
along with availability. Activity coordinators then worked closely with staff at The Rings to allocate suitable
accommodation and time slots. Families who have not yet been on a short break, are new to the charity, or are
going through a particularly difficult time were given priority booking.
The Rings provided a chance for the families to have a relaxing break from their normal caring routine. In
addition to the planned activities, families were also able to spend time in the on-site barn with a sensory play
area and large communal area which offered space of families to spend time together and for children to play.
Three of our regular children and family volunteers, who already have positive relationships with families,
assisted in the delivery of the short breaks. They provided extra support for parent carers throughout the
duration of their stay. We worked closely with external activity providers to develop activities which were suitable
for the families in attendance. The first Soundplay session went mostly well, however there were a few instances
of children becoming distressed, this had a negative effect on the other children in attendance. For the second
session we discussed and agreed that we would run individual sessions. As a result, the second session was very
successful.
On multiple occasions parent carers expressed how relaxed they felt throughout their stay. This is a great
achievement as the families’ lives are challenging due to their child’s medical needs, to remove some of life's
stresses has a very positive impact on their wellbeing.
What Charlie House has learned
Project planning and budgeting - With the increase of costs during the current cost-of-living crisis, we explored
various other activity options to allow us to remain within budget while ensuring the families had a fulfilling short
break.
Developing new short breaks activities - Particularly during the evening activities, we will be looking at ways to
improve the inclusivity of activities for some of the disabled children in attendance.
Dealing with unexpected challenges or opportunities - For future planning it would be helpful to have a back-up
plan for activities. There was a storm (Babet) during some of the stays and we were unsure if activity providers
were going to be able to attend or if it was in the best interests of the children to be outdoors in the weather conditions. Although alternatives were provided, it may have been helpful to be more prepared for these instances.
How Charlie House has benefitted from the funding
The better breaks funding allowed us to develop a relationship with Soundplay Projects who provided sensory sessions during our stay. This will allow further opportunities for the children and families we support in the future. Some of the families have already attended more sessions with Soundplay Projects since returning home. The numbers of families we support has been rapidly growing over the past year, with many families who are new to the charity expressing interest in the activity short break. Due to the increase in numbers, we are going to extend the short stay break to being bi-annual with another batch of stays taking place in April during the school holidays, as well as our usual October short break offer.
Project Outcomes
Outcome
Up to 33 children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions will have increased feelings of happiness as a
result of the activity short break.
Results
Through observation our activity coordinators reported back that out of the 22 children with life-limiting or life threatening conditions who attended the activity short break, 95% of them showed increased feelings of happiness due to their time at The Rings. A couple of the children became ill during their trip accounting for the other 5%.
Case study
Throughout the stay the Milne family (2 parent carers, 1 disabled child and 1 sibling) had access to planned
activities of Pony Axes and a group visit to the Scottish Deer Centre. As well as this there was evening activities
of Rock 'n' Roll Bingo, arts and crafts and use of the free space to enjoy various ride on toys, basketball, curling
and boccia.
Robert thoroughly enjoyed the trip to the Deer Centre, although he is nonverbal, he was showing his excitement
by smiling and pointing at the animals. In the evenings he particular loved having access to the free space to try
out all the ride on toys and ball games, he showed signs of enjoyment when interacting with other children within
a safe and secure environment.
Robert’s Mum stated: “kids enjoyed the trip and made new friends.”
Outcome
Up to 66 parent carers will report feeling less isolated after attending the activity short break.
Results
37 parent carers attended the short stay break at The Rings. After the activity short break, we sent a survey to
families who attended to gather information. When asked “Do you feel as a family you had an opportunity to
create new friendships?” 100% of respondents said “yes”. The activity coordinators also observed the families in
the communal area of the barn mingling and parent carers getting to know one another, thus decreasing their
feelings of isolation and being able to build a peer support network with families in similar circumstances as their
own.
Case study
Bridget attended the short stay break with her partner and child who is a wheelchair user. The short stay break
was of great benefit to them all, giving them time to relax and do things which can otherwise be difficult based
on their child's complex caring needs. The main highlights for Bridget were "Spending time with Charlie House
staff and being able to have a cuppa tea while the kids played” and also “waking up being in the middle of
nowhere and being able to reset the batteries.”
Outcome
Up to 66 parent carers will report feeling happier and less stressed because of attending the activity short break.
Results
When asked in the post-short break survey “Do you feel as Parent/Carers you had the opportunity to relax and enjoy the activities” 100% of respondents answered “yes”. Prior to the trip 50% of respondents reported that they felt “stressed”. Families have an exhaustive home life based on their child’s complex medical needs, having an opportunity to spend time making precious memories together can be so impactful on the parent carers mental wellbeing and not having to worry about organising or paying for trips reduces stress.
Case study
One of the parent carers, Carol, reported feeling general stress prior to their trip to The Rings. Providing a trip away from home with no added pressure forget to have to find suitable accommodation for her family and plan activities to keep their children entertained whilst away. On returning home she stated: "A change of scene somewhere so lovely really recharged my batteries as a parent."
Outcome
Up to 33 children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and up to 66 parent carers will report feeling
more relaxed and have less tension within the family as a result of attending the activity short break.
Results
Through observation our activities coordinators reported that out of the 59 children and parent carers, 93% appeared to be more relaxed and enjoy time together as a family making special memories to treasure. Two of the children took ill while attending the short stay break and therefore, we have deducted the families from the total. After the break one of the parent carers commented: “An amazing place. Special memories made for all of us.”
Case study
Prior to her family's trip to The Rings, Zoe expressed that she felt tired. Zoe travelled on the short stay break with another parent carer, her disabled child, and their sibling. Providing accessible accommodation made this trip easier. Some of the highlights from the family were spending time with other families and making precious memories. They particularly enjoyed the Music in Hospitals session, where her child enjoyed dancing along to the music. On returning home, Zoe stated: "The break was relaxing and refreshing for the whole family."