Angela and Derek’s story: festival fun

Angela and Derek’s story: festival fun

Angela and Derek both care for Angela's mum, who lives with them and requires significant support due to lymphoedema in her legs and several other health conditions that affect her mobility and wellbeing. Together, they provide daily practical and emotional support, helping with personal care, household tasks, appointments and companionship.

Alongside their caring responsibilities, Angela and Derek are also  grandparents and regularly have their grandchildren to stay. While they are devoted to their family, the demands of daily life often leave very little time for themselves as a couple.

During a carers' event, Angela spoke with a social worker and learned about the Time to Live fund. Recognising how much they would benefit from a break, she applied for a microgrant to support travel, overnight accommodation and tickets to a show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

With care arrangements in place for her mum, Angela and Derek were able to enjoy a much-needed overnight break together.

"We had a brilliant time. We had a whole day and night together, soaking up the atmosphere at the Festival Fringe. It was something we had looked at a few times, but never thought would be possible because of the cost and caring for mum. We had such an amazing time enjoying the atmosphere and taking everything in. It was bliss."

For the first time in a long while, Angela and Derek were able to step away from their caring responsibilities and focus on spending quality time together. Free from daily routines, schedules and worries, they enjoyed exploring the city, attending a performance and simply being together. The break provided an opportunity to relax, reconnect and create positive memories away from the pressures of everyday life.

Returning home, both Angela and Derek felt noticeably refreshed and energised. The experience had given them time to recharge emotionally and mentally, helping them return to their caring roles with renewed resilience.

For Angela and Derek, their Festival Fringe break was a reminder that taking time for themselves is not a luxury, but an important part of maintaining their own health and wellbeing while supporting those they care for.

Find out more about Time to Live here.