Summary
The You Matter TOO project delivered a wide-ranging programme of health, wellbeing, creative and social activities designed to give adult carers regular, accessible and meaningful breaks from their caring responsibilities. The programme included holistic therapies, Tai Chi, fitness classes, yoga, walking trips, art and pottery workshops, residential breaks, theatre visits, festive shopping trips and social outings. Dedicated opportunities were also provided for carers through peer support sessions and male carers through the Men Care Too group. Activities were designed to meet carers’ varied needs, interests and abilities, providing opportunities to try new experiences, develop friendships and connect with others in similar circumstances. Through these activities, the project helped carers take valuable time for themselves, improve their physical and emotional wellbeing, reduce stress and feelings of isolation, and feel recognised and supported in their caring roles. By investing in carers’ wellbeing and providing opportunities to relax, recharge and socialise, You Matter TOO also contributed to helping carers sustain their caring responsibilities and improve the wellbeing of the people they care for.
What Helensburgh and Lomond Carers SCIO has learned
The You Matter TOO project highlighted several important lessons about designing and delivering effective short breaks for unpaid carers. While the programme was well received, we recognised that carers’ circumstances can change unexpectedly, making flexibility essential. Changes in caring responsibilities, illness, emergency appointments or increased support needs can prevent carers from attending planned activities at short notice. We learned the importance of maintaining regular communication with carers, requesting early confirmation of attendance and using reserve lists wherever possible to ensure opportunities are not wasted.
Transport and accessibility were also important considerations, particularly for carers living in rural areas or experiencing isolation. Offering a mixture of local activities, outreach opportunities and trips further afield helped provide greater choice and encouraged participation. We recognised that activities must be accessible and suitable for carers with different health needs, abilities, interests and family commitments, highlighting the value of individual conversations and person-centred planning.
The project also reinforced the importance of providing a varied programme that balances established, popular activities with new experiences. Offering therapeutic treatments, exercise classes, creative workshops, social outings and residential breaks allowed carers to choose opportunities that best suited their needs. Activities that encouraged social connection were particularly valuable in helping carers build friendships and reduce isolation.
Volunteer involvement was another important consideration, with appropriate support, training and coordination essential to delivering safe, enjoyable and high-quality experiences. Financial pressures can also prevent carers from taking breaks, so providing activities free of charge, with meals and transport included where possible, helped remove barriers to participation.
We learned that successful short breaks must be flexible, inclusive, affordable and shaped by carers’ feedback. Ongoing consultation, careful planning and evaluation help us respond to changing circumstances, overcome barriers and ensure that carers have meaningful opportunities to enjoy life outside their caring role, sustain their caring responsibilities and improve their own wellbeing and that of the people they care for.
Impact on beneficiaries
The You Matter TOO project has made a positive difference to unpaid carers by providing meaningful opportunities to enjoy life outside of their caring responsibilities. Through a varied programme of activities, including residential breaks, theatre trips, walking groups, creative workshops, social events and health and wellbeing sessions, carers have been able to take time for themselves, try new experiences and enjoy spending time with others. These opportunities have helped carers reconnect with their interests, build friendships and enjoy a welcome change from their day-to-day routines.
The project has also helped carers feel better supported to sustain their caring roles. By providing regular opportunities to take a break, relax and access activities suited to their individual needs, carers have been encouraged to prioritise their own wellbeing. Peer support opportunities, including the Men Care Too, have enabled carers to connect with others in similar circumstances, share experiences and feel less isolated. This support helps carers feel recognised and valued, while giving them opportunities to recharge and better manage the ongoing demands of caring.
The activities have contributed to improving the wellbeing of both carers and the people they care for. Taking part in physical activities, holistic therapies and creative sessions has provided opportunities to improve physical health, reduce stress and support emotional wellbeing. Social activities have helped combat loneliness and build confidence, while breaks from caring have allowed carers to focus on their own needs. By supporting carers to maintain their health, resilience and social connections, You Matter TOO has helped create more positive experiences for carers and the people who depend on them, supporting families to continue caring for longer while maintaining a better quality of life.