Summary
The project delivered a multi-faceted activity programme that empowered adults with disabilities and multiple ASN to lead more confident, inclusive and active lives, while providing regular respite for carers and reducing isolation and exclusion
What Include Me 2 Club SCIO has learned
The project has reinforced the importance of designing short breaks that are flexible, affordable, accessible and shaped around the individual needs and preferences of both carers and the people they support. We learned that meaningful respite is most effective when cared-for adults have access to safe, welcoming environments where they can build friendships, develop confidence and participate in activities they genuinely enjoy, while carers have the freedom to use their break in whatever way best supports their own wellbeing.
The success of our low-cost Connect Club demonstrated the growing demand for accessible daytime provision, particularly as budget cuts and the cost-of-living crisis place increasing pressure on families. This highlighted the importance of keeping activities affordable and exploring opportunities to extend successful models into other communities where provision is limited.
We also learned that building trust and confidence takes time, particularly for individuals who have experienced isolation or whose confidence in socialising has been affected by the pandemic. A gradual, person-centred approach, supported by consistent staff and volunteers, helps participants feel safe and develop lasting relationships. Flexibility in delivery is equally important, allowing us to adapt activities, group sizes and support arrangements in response to changing needs.
Finally, ongoing consultation with members and carers is essential to ensuring short breaks remain relevant and meaningful. Through feedback, questionnaires, service user forums and individual outcome monitoring, we can identify what works well, address barriers such as transport and digital access, and continually improve our provision. We will apply these lessons by continuing to co-produce activities with members and carers, protecting affordability, strengthening local partnerships and developing successful services in response to demonstrated community need.
Impact on beneficiaries
The project made a positive difference to both unpaid carers and the adults with disabilities/multiple ASN they cared for. Through our programme of weekly social clubs, outings, Buddy Club activities and Well Walks, cared-for adults had regular opportunities to socialise, build friendships, develop skills and take part in their communities in a safe and inclusive environment. These activities helped reduce isolation and exclusion while increasing confidence, independence, social connections and overall wellbeing.
For unpaid carers, the project provided regular and dependable respite from their caring responsibilities. Knowing that the person they cared for was safely participating in activities they enjoyed allowed carers to use this time for themselves—whether to rest and recharge, spend time with family and friends, attend to other responsibilities or simply have a break. This gave carers greater opportunities to enjoy a life outside their caring role and helped reduce feelings of isolation and pressure.
The breaks also helped carers feel better supported and more able to sustain their caring role. Having regular opportunities to step away from continuous caring responsibilities provided valuable time to focus on their own wellbeing, restore their energy and manage the emotional and physical demands associated with caring. This contributed to improved resilience and helped carers feel more confident in their ability to continue supporting their loved one.
Importantly, the benefits were mutual. Cared-for adults were able to develop friendships, confidence, practical and social skills and greater independence, while carers benefited from reduced pressure and increased opportunities for respite. This supported improved relationships within families, with carers and cared-for people able to spend more positive time together rather than their relationship being dominated by caring responsibilities. Overall, the project contributed directly to all three Creative Breaks outcomes by providing carers with a life outside caring, supporting them to sustain their caring role, and improving the wellbeing and resilience of both carers and the people they cared for.