Jean’s story: crafting through life’s challenges
Jean is a carer who supports her adult daughter. Jean's daughter experiences addiction and mental health challenges. She is also a kinship carer for her granddaughter, who lives with them. Alongside the demands of her caring responsibilities, Jean has been coping with the loss of her husband.
Balancing the needs of her daughter and granddaughter while navigating her own grief was beginning to take its toll. Thankfully, Jean had support in place and regularly attended coffee and chat sessions at her local carers' centre, where she found a welcoming space to share her experiences and connect with others.
During one of these sessions, Jean was encouraged to explore a Time to Live microgrant and think about what might help her take some time for herself. After reflecting on what would make a meaningful difference, she applied for the grant and was delighted to be successful.
Jean used part of the funding to purchase outdoor garden toys for her granddaughter. The remaining funding was used for a craft magazine subscription, allowing Jean to nurture a hobby that has long provided her with comfort, relaxation, and a creative outlet.
“My love of crafting is something I turn to whenever I need a little time for myself or some headspace. I enjoy the creativity and look forward to the magazine arriving each month. I would make a cup of tea, sit down and enjoy reading through it and planning new projects. It has really helped me stay focused.”
The grant not only supported Jean's own wellbeing but also created opportunities for her and her granddaughter to spend quality time together. For Jean, the microgrant provided much more than practical items. It created opportunities to pause, recharge and make positive memories during a particularly difficult period in her life. The crafting subscription gave her a regular source of enjoyment and something to look forward to each month. Meanwhile, the garden activities brought moments of fun, connection, and laughter with her granddaughter.
Find out more about Time to Live here.
Jean said
“I wanted my granddaughter to have something too. Sometimes she’ll be happily playing...which gives me a chance to rest. But when we play together, we have such a great laugh. It helps keep me active, and the laughter is so good for my soul.”