Back in the saddle
Alex is a young carer who helps look after their mum who has a mental illness, which can mean frequent episodes of extreme mood swings. Alex supports their mum a lot, helping with personal care as well as household tasks and cooking.
This means Alex often has little time for relaxing or socialising with friends their own age. Other family members step in to look after Alex’s mum so that Alex can get a break.
Alex used a Time to Live grant to buy a saddle and book horse riding lessons. This gave them the freedom to visit horses whenever there was time.
Alex recognises that being able to enjoy this hobby at times that suit helps them cope with caring better and not only do they have more patience, they feel happier all round.
Find out more about Time to Live here.
Alex said:
“I have been spending more time riding horses and it's now my hobby. I feel more independent and happier within myself.”