Courtney's story: bouncing back

Courtney's story: bouncing back

Courtney is a young adult carer and a member of the Gypsy/Traveller community. She provides care and support for her mother, who lives with a long-term health condition, as well as her younger brother who has a learning disability. Family has always been at the heart of Courtney's life, and providing care is a responsibility she has embraced from a young age. Strong family values and supporting one another are important parts of her family's way of life.

Alongside her caring responsibilities, Courtney often found little time to focus on her own wellbeing. Through support from her local cultural carers' group, she was encouraged to apply for a Time to Live microgrant to access a break from caring and invest some time in herself.

Following a successful application, Courtney used her microgrant to purchase a foldable boogie bounce trampoline and workout clothes. The trampoline has given her a fun and accessible way to improve her fitness, take regular breaks from her daily routine and prioritise her own health and wellbeing.

One of the aspects Courtney values most is the flexibility it provides. As the trampoline is portable and easy to store, she can use it at home when she has spare time, while also taking it along to boogie bounce classes. This means she can enjoy regular opportunities for exercise and social interaction without it placing additional pressure on her caring role.

"I can have regular 'time out' breaks away from caring, without the stress of having to leave my mum at home alone. I can spend short amounts of time doing fitness workouts without it impacting on my caring role."

The opportunity to participate in boogie bounce has had a positive impact on both Courtney's physical and mental wellbeing. It has provided her with valuable time for herself, boosted her confidence and energy levels, and created a healthy outlet for managing the demands of caring. Through the support of the Time to Live microgrant, Courtney can take meaningful breaks from caring, while staying connected to the people who matter most. The experience has shown how small changes can make a significant difference, helping carers to look after their own wellbeing while continuing to support their loved ones.

Find out more about Time to Live here.