Carla's story: quality time at East Links Park

Carla's story: quality time at East Links Park

Carla is the sole carer for her eight-year-old son, who has autism and ADHD. Caring for her son is rewarding, but it also comes with significant challenges. One of the most difficult aspects is the impact of chronic sleep deprivation. Her son regularly struggles to sleep through the night and can remain awake for long periods, leaving Carla exhausted as she balances her caring role with work and everyday responsibilities.

Her son is a bright, energetic child who is constantly on the move. However, he has limited awareness of potential dangers, particularly around roads and when interacting with unfamiliar people, meaning Carla must always remain alert. He can also become overwhelmed by busy environments and finds it difficult to regulate his emotions, which can lead to periods of distress and challenging behaviour.

With the demands of caring often taking priority, Carla wanted the opportunity to step away from daily pressures and enjoy some positive, quality time with her son. She hoped to create happy memories together in an environment where they could both relax, have fun, and simply enjoy each other's company.

Through the Time to Live voucher scheme, Carla was able to access tickets for East Links Park. The visit provided a welcome break from their usual routine and allowed them to spend meaningful time together in a safe, inclusive, and family-friendly setting.

The short break had a positive impact on both Carla and her son. Having the opportunity to spend quality time together away from the challenges of everyday life helped reduce stress, strengthen their relationship, and create lasting memories. The experience gave Carla a much-needed emotional boost and provided her son with an enjoyable day in an environment where he could explore, play, and thrive.

Find out more about Time to Live here.