Melanie's story: hammock among the flowers

Melanie's story: hammock among the flowers

Melanie is a carer who supports both her partner, who lives with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, and her child who is autistic. With caring responsibilities forming a significant part of her everyday life; opportunities to take time for herself can be limited. However, whenever she can, Melanie finds comfort and peace in her garden - a space she describes as her personal haven.

Following discussions with her local carers' centre about the importance of taking regular breaks and prioritising her own wellbeing, Melanie decided to apply for a Time to Live microgrant. With the funding, she purchased a sturdy, weather-resistant hammock with a stand, as well as a book voucher, allowing her to combine two of her favourite ways to relax: spending time outdoors and reading.

"Taking time to relax can be a mixed bag for me, as there are so many areas of caring in my daily life that take over. I know how important taking time for myself is, but for me it's best spent at home in my garden - my haven - along with my other passion: reading books. Being able to combine the grant to purchase a hammock and a book voucher helped create a space where I could truly relax whenever I was able to use it."

The grant has helped Melanie feel calmer and more relaxed within her caring role, reducing feelings of stress and anxiety. Importantly, the hammock has also become a shared space where she can spend quality time with her child, while enjoying the benefits of being outdoors. Access to fresh air and time in nature has provided positive benefits for the whole family, supporting their overall health and wellbeing.

Melanie's story highlights the importance of asking carers what a meaningful break looks like for them. Sometimes, the most valuable support is not about getting away, but about creating opportunities for rest, connection and wellbeing at home. By listening to carers and understanding their individual circumstances, small interventions can have a lasting impact on wellbeing and quality of life.

Find out more about Time to Live here.