Summary
Family Respite provided children aged 8-14 and suffering from Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and their carers an opportunity to relax and step away from their normal routines by taking them on outdoor trips. We had two trips to Aviemore and another two to Dalguise. Our Youth Group staff was present for all the trips chaperoning the kids in various fun activities. During this time their carers had a chance to rest and rejuvenate amidst nature, away from the pressures of everyday care life.
What Family Respite did
To deliver Family Respite we provided four out of town trips on separate occasions across the year. Two overnight trips just for the children to Dalguise in August 2023 and March 2024. We had two more trips for the whole family to Aviemore in October 2023 and March 2024. We identified participants by contacting our Youth Groups mailing list. As the trips were over subscribed, our support workers had to make assessment based on family needs to allocate spaces. To create more space in our minibus, we also allowed two families to drive down to Aviemore by their own means.
AVIEMORE FAMILY TRIPS
18 parents/carers and children in total representing 6 families enjoyed time to themselves while Youth Group Staff had the children for activities. Youth Group children had a fantastic time at their activities which provide cognitive stimulation through exposure to new environments, sights, and sounds. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with ADHD to maintain cognitive function and concentration. Some of their favourite parts were getting to make new friends, seeing polar bears, playing in the pool, and having meals all together in the evening. Those who participated in the high ropes challenge on our first trip felt very proud of themselves for facing their fears. This helped improve moods and provided a break from their normal routines.
During the youth activities parents/caregivers indulged in self-care such as spa treatments, sightseeing, shopping, swimming and more available in Aviemore. For many these would not be possible to enjoy while providing care. Family evening activities facilitated by our staff helped caregivers share and learn new ways to manage their caring responsibilities and build their confidence in the ability to sustain their role. The families also spent the evenings socialising together. Connecting with others who understood their experience provided much-needed emotional support and reduced feelings of isolation. “It was a wonderful experience connecting with one another.” “I am looking forward to opportunities to come along on something similar again.”
DALGUISE YOUTH TRIPS
22 children in total joined us for the 2 trips to Dalguise. For many of the children attending our Dalguise trips, it was their first overnight away from home without parents. Both groups on both trips did extremely well listening to staff and enjoying themselves. They were able to learn and practice emotional regulation and coping skills in a fun, safe and supervised environment. This encouraged independence and self-reliance as they gain confidence in their abilities to navigate new situations, make decisions, and solve problems on their own, which can translate to increased self-esteem and resilience.
The wide range of activities was an opportunity to explore new interests, discover their strengths, and challenge themselves in a supportive and inclusive environment. Everybody participated in the activities organised for them, facing anxieties and the opportunity to try new things – many a fear of heights was conquered! The giant swing, abseiling, and aero ball activities were some firm favourites, with new friends cheering each other on. The young people bonded over the course of the weekend and very much enjoyed getting to know one another. They were also very supportive of each other during activities creating a sense of belonging for them.
Although caregivers were not directly involved the Dalguise trips they had extra personal time for activities they enjoy and attend to their own needs knowing that their child is in a supportive and enriching environment. This provided peace of mind and reduced caregiver stress, promoting overall well-being. “I was able to prioritise rest and sleep over the weekend, I feel energised!” “It was great hearing stories of how the children enjoyed themselves and made new friends.”
We had several achievements but two can be highlighted in Family Respite. After the trips caregivers reported a great sense of relief and gratitude. "I had breathing space last weekend." The young ones also shared feedback that they had fun times and felt challenged to pursue new activities. This is attributable to having the appropriate staff who were able to design a programme that meets the needs of both the carers and the cared for.
What Dundee and Angus ADHD Support Group has learned
We have learned that plans often change! Storms led to a few problems, but we overcame these with proper planning with the respite and residential centres we used. We have learned that attracting funding is easier when you have evidence of how respite helps the children and families and so the evaluations and case studies are really important. The family respite breaks we offered worked so well for our group and enabled some families to attend who would not otherwise have been able to due to having other children both ADHD and non-ADHD. We were also able to provide these respite breaks for families facing real life challenges and able to provide them for families in financial need. We have learned that these family respite breaks are valuable, and we will be seeking funds for more in the future. We learned that the respite breaks and residentials allowed for stronger friendships to be made and continue at home and at the youth group.
How Dundee and Angus ADHD Support Group has benefitted from the funding
The Better Breaks Funding enabled us to provide breaks for children, parents and families. We attracted other funding to hold more residentials in the summer. We continued the family respite breaks and this year we were specially successful and resulted in a positive partnership with Landmark via our funding relationship with the Adamson Trust. Our ADHD Support group is valued by parents and children and the respite breaks added to this and so enhanced our reputation.
Project Outcomes
Outcome
28 children and young people have participated in fun activities, made new friends and enjoyed new experiences.
Results
28 children facing multiple support needs participated in our 4 weekend trips. All participated in the activities organised for them, facing anxieties and the opportunity to try new things – many a fear of heights was conquered! The giant swing, abseiling, and aero ball activities were some firm favourites, with new friends cheering each other on. The activities were facilitated by trained youth group staff experienced in supporting children with diverse needs.
Case study
S, a 10-year-old girl diagnosed with ADHD and Autism, struggled with social interactions and emotional regulation. She often felt overwhelmed in new environments and had difficulty making decisions independently. Her parents expressed concerns about her confidence and resilience, as she tended to rely heavily on their guidance and support in unfamiliar situations. S's parents noticed that she often avoided social activities and outdoor adventures due to anxiety and sensory sensitivities. She struggled to regulate her emotions when faced with unexpected challenges, leading to meltdowns and withdrawal from social interactions. Despite their efforts to encourage S's independence, her parents felt frustrated by the lack of opportunities for her to practice coping skills and gain confidence outside of their home environment.
As part of the 2nd Family Respite trip to Dalguise, S participated in the overnight trip organised for children like her. The trip included activities such as abseiling, high ropes, and team-building exercises, all facilitated by trained youth group staff experienced in supporting children with diverse needs. S was provided with personalised accommodations, including visual schedules, sensory tools, and a designated quiet space, to help her feel comfortable and supported throughout the trip. During the trip, S was challenged to step out of her comfort zone and navigate new situations independently. With the guidance of supportive staff, she practiced emotional regulation techniques when faced with sensory stimuli or unexpected changes in plans. S gradually gained confidence in her abilities to make decisions and solve problems on her own, such as choosing an activity to participate in. She discovered her strengths and resilience through overcoming challenges and accomplishing tasks with the support of her newfound friends.
Following the Dalguise trip, S's parents noticed significant improvements in her confidence and resilience. She was more willing to try new activities and engage in social interactions both at home and in school. S showed increased independence in decision-making and problem-solving, relying less on her parents for guidance and reassurance. Her family celebrated these positive changes, recognising the profound impact of the outdoor adventure experience on S's personal growth and well-being.
Outcome
Parents/Caregivers will have enjoyed time away from their home and had fun away from their caring role with the help of our youth group staff, and met new families with similar experiences.
Results
40 Parents/caregivers of 28 children were able to spend on non-caring activities as well as other family members including partners, relations, other children. This was only because they knew their children were being safely looked after by our youth group staff.
Parents had extra personal time to themselves to rest, pursue hobbies and other errands while the kids were away in Dalguise. In the trips to Aviemore, Carers were able to come along but the ADHD Youth Group Workers and volunteers took all children on separate activities allowing the parents/carers time to spend relaxing in the spa, spending time together, getting their hair done etc.
Case study
"My son mingled with the kids from the club rather than sticking with me, which made my heart sing and I got to know the other parents, rather than just a simple hi. It was great to spend time with others who know what it's like to live with kids who have ADHD. Thank you so very much for the opportunity to let my hair down for a while and for myself and X to bond with the other families."
Outcome
After Family Respite Breaks, carers will know they can use our regular services such as parent support, youth groups, and family support whenever required.
Results
Family evenings interactions helped caregivers share and learn new ways to manage their caring roles and built their confidence in the ability to do it. The Aviemore trips in particular created a supportive environment where caregivers could share, learn, and grow together, ultimately enhancing the well-being of families with special needs. The supportive atmosphere fostered by trained staff and fellow participants also played a crucial role in enhancing feelings of support and understanding among families.
Case study
Three parents who had not previously attended Parent Support meetings decided to join the Respite Trips, where they participated in the family evening Interactions. Initially hesitant to engage in group discussions, they found the supportive atmosphere fostered by trained staff and fellow participants to be encouraging. Through sharing their experiences and learning from others, they gained valuable insights into managing their caregiving roles effectively.
As a result of their positive experience during the Respite Trips, the 3 parents have become frequent attendees at our Parent Support meetings. 2 other caregivers feeling empowered by the knowledge and support gained from the trip, they actively sought further assistance and enrolled in our coaching service.
The introduction of family evening interactions within our Respite Trips not only provided caregivers with valuable tools and strategies for managing their caring roles but also created a supportive community where they felt understood and supported. The decision of three parents to become regular attendees at Parent Support meetings and enroll in coaching services demonstrates the profound impact of these interactions on their caregiving abilities. Moving forward, our Respite Trips aims to continue fostering a supportive environment where caregivers can share, learn, and grow together, ultimately enhancing the well-being of families with special needs.
Outcome
75% of carers and young people will report that they feel less stressed and supported as a family.
Results
From the feedback we received, we found over 85% of carers and young people reported feeling less stressed or more supported as a family, surpassing the initial target of 75%. This significant achievement is attributable to several factors. Firstly, the carefully planned activities and accommodations catered to the specific needs of both carers and the neurodivergent young people, creating a safe and inclusive environment where families could relax and bond. Additionally, the opportunity for respite provided by the trip allowed carers to recharge and focus on self-care, leading to reduced stress levels and improved well-being.
Case study
The J family, comprising of parents A and E, and their 12-year-old son M, who has ADHD, often faced challenges in managing stress and finding support as a family. M's unique needs and behaviours sometimes left A and E feeling overwhelmed and isolated, impacting their ability to connect as a family unit. Seeking respite and support, they decided to participate in the Family Respite trip to Aviemore in March 2024
The family trip proved transformative for the Js, with 85% of participants reporting feeling less stressed and more supported as a family. A and E were able to relax and enjoy quality time together, knowing that M was engaged in activities designed to meet his needs and interests. The structured yet fun and flexible nature of the trip allowed them to bond as a family while also receiving support from trained staff and fellow carers. M flourished in the inclusive environment, building connections with peers and gaining confidence in his abilities. As a result of the trip, the J family returned home feeling rejuvenated and supported, with strengthened family bonds and renewed optimism for the future.