Summary
The Wee Breaks project provided a programme of mini breaks for carers/cared for people. These breaks included: - spa days with lunch (18 people), afternoon Tea at home (for those unable to get out and about - 12 people), Christmas lunches (Glasgow, Fife and Aberdeen) - 42 people, get togethers with lunch (including Fife walks with a spring lunch and trips on the Waverly) - 42 people. The wee breaks were taken either by the carer/cared for person together or individually, whatever was the more beneficial. Guide communicator support and transport was provided as required. The carers/cared for people lived across Fife, the Greater Glasgow area and Aberdeen/Inverness.
What Deafblind Scotland has learned
One of the key lessons learned through this project is the importance of finding the right short break for each individual and ensuring it is fully accessible to meet their specific needs. Deafblind people and unpaid carers have a wide range of preferences, abilities and support requirements, so a personalised approach is essential. Taking the time to understand what participants enjoy, identify any barriers to attendance, and provide the right communication and mobility support helps ensure that short breaks are meaningful, enjoyable and inclusive.
A key part of creating a positive experience is working closely with venues before each event. We liaise with venue staff in advance to discuss the needs of deafblind attendees, answer questions and identify any adjustments that may be required. To support this, we share Deafblind Scotland’s Inclusive Communication Guide https://www.dbscotland.org.uk/inclusive-communication-guide, which provides practical advice on communicating with and supporting deafblind people. This preparation helps build confidence among venue staff and creates a more welcoming and accessible environment for everyone attending.
A particularly successful example was our Christmas party in Fife, which was attended by an unpaid carer and the deafblind person they support. The carer had not been able to attend social events for a long time due to their caring responsibilities and isolation. Attending the event gave them an opportunity to relax, have fun and connect with others who shared similar experiences. Meeting people who understood their challenges helped them feel less isolated, while the welcoming atmosphere allowed both attendees to enjoy a positive and memorable evening. Reflecting on their experience, they said:
“We haven’t had this much fun for many years. Thank you to everyone for welcoming us. We look forward to attending another event.”
This experience reinforced the value of accessible, community-based short breaks that not only provide respite but also create opportunities for social connection, peer support and improved wellbeing for both deafblind people and their unpaid carers. It also highlighted that accessibility is not only about physical access, but about ensuring people feel understood, included and welcomed from the moment they decide to attend.
Impact on beneficiaries
Outcome 2: Carers feel better supported to sustain their caring role.
Through the Wee Breaks project, we provided a range of supports, including financial assistance, transport and guide/communicator support, enabling carers to take a break either with or without the person they care for. We also delivered a varied programme of social activities throughout the year, creating opportunities for carers and deafblind participants to come together, build friendships and benefit from peer support.
We exceeded our target of 18 carers for this outcome (actual figure 61 carers).
We provided the support (finance, transport and guide communicator support) so carers could enjoy a mini break with or without their cared for person. We organised the calendar of social activities (as described in previous outcome) to bring participants together to promote friendship and peer support opportunities.
Outcome 3. Carers and the people they care for will have improved wellbeing.
We asked carers to complete a health and wellbeing questionnaire at the beginning and the end of the project. This captured how participating in the Wee Breaks project has impacted on their health and wellbeing.
Feedback from carers, using our wellbeing questionnaire showed that 100% of carers felt more relaxed and less stressed as a result of participating in the project. Carers reported that having time away from their caring responsibilities helped them to recharge, improve their wellbeing and return to their role feeling refreshed and re-energised.
Many carers also highlighted the value of spending quality time with the deafblind person they support in a social setting, allowing them to strengthen or reconnect with their relationship beyond their caring role. The combination of accessible breaks, social opportunities and practical support has helped carers feel more supported, resilient and better equipped to sustain their caring responsibilities.
Some quotes from carers:
"Just wanted to say a big "Thank You" to you, to Deafblind Scotland & Funding Providers for the excellent Spa Day and Lunch my daughter and I attended on Thursday. It was the first Spa Day I have experienced and a welcome relief from recent stress! Everyone at Malmaison in Aberdeen was very helpful and the massage & facial were bliss and the lunch that followed was delicious! We were well and truly Pampered 😀 Thanking everyone again for such a generous treat!"
"Just a quick email to say we both had a fantastic time today, loved it. Staff amazing throughout, great assistance & a staff members mentioned they had read the guidance document that DbS provided prior to our visit, that really helped us all communicate. Thanks for this opportunity from both of us. It has been very much appreciated and welcomed."