Rose and Ava’s story: London getaway

Rose and Ava’s story: London getaway

Rose is a devoted mother and unpaid carer to her teenage daughter, Ava, who lives with an eating disorder and anxiety. These challenges affect every aspect of Ava’s daily life, often making even the simplest tasks overwhelming. There are times when leaving the house feels impossible, and reaching out for support can feel exhausting for them both.

“It’s hard to explain how the simple task of having to plan or think about cooking can be hugely difficult, then when you do have to think everything through, it can also be incredibly exhausting.”

The emotional and practical demands of caring can leave little time for rest or connection, and opportunities to simply enjoy being together can feel out of reach.

During a conversation with their local carers' centre, alongside Ava’s support worker, the idea of taking a break together was explored. It had been such a long time since Rose and Ava had been able to step away from the pressures of daily life and just enjoy each other’s company. With support of a Time to Live microgrant, they were able to plan an overnight trip to London - somewhere they had both wanted to visit for a long time.

This break made a meaningful difference for both Rose and Ava. It gave them the space to spend time together beyond their daily challenges. It strengthened their relationship and created positive, shared memories. For Rose, it offered a much-needed opportunity to rest and recharge, helping her return to her caring role with renewed energy.

Find out more about Time to Live here.