carers’ breaks report · carers’ breaks report 1st april 2016 – 31st march 2017 what are...

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Carers’ Breaks Report 1 st April 2016 – 31 st March 2017 What are carers’ breaks? Carers’ breaks offer carers opportunities to take time out from their caring role. Duration of breaks can range from one hour to a full day. Breaks can be about connecting carers, day trips out, information and advice, or workshops ranging from arts and crafts, healthy living, relaxation and training. Breaks provide carers with invaluable respite but also the opportunity to discover new hobbies and interests or perhaps rekindle old ones. They also provide an opportunity to learn, gain new skills and knowledge. Why are carers’ breaks important? Looking after someone can be physically and emotionally tiring. Having a break is essential and a few hours away can make the difference between being able to carry on caring and having to give up caring. Research suggests that carers are more likely than the general population to suffer from physical and emotional health problems, social isolation and financial hardship. Taking breaks provides carers with the opportunity to become more active, connect with others and to gain and develop new skills. All these factors will help to improve and maintain carers’ health and wellbeing. Where do carers’ breaks take place? Breaks take place at the Bath and Radstock Carers’ Centre and a range of community venues across Bath and North East Somerset. We are developing more breaks in localities to help carers connect with each other and engage with local activities, groups and clubs which are on their doorstep. Who’s involved with Carers’ Breaks? The Carers’ Centre has worked with many facilitators and providers over the past year. Breaks are also delivered in partnership with a range of community partners in order to sustain and extend opportunities for carers to take a break. Below is a sample of those partnerships and providers: Training, Information and Skills Adult Community Learning (Ipads, Computers, Cook & Eat), Alison Wilder (Buying and Selling on Ebay), Karen Dews (Photography), St Michael’s Church (Bread for Life), British Red Cross (First Aid for Adults/Children), Stone King & Money Wise (Financial Planning), Alzheimer’s Society (Dementia Café), BANES Mental Health (B&NES Council), Stroke Association (Development of Mindfulness for carers), Carers Café, Wellbeing College (Gentle Massage and Aromatherapy), B&NES Autism Service (Autism workshop), DeafPlus and VisionPlus (Hearing and Vision Workshop), Heritage Services (Behind the Scenes and Tunnel Tours). Art & Craft: Articulate (Glass/Mosaics), Andy Southwell (Willow Weaving), Adult Community Learning (Chinese Brush Painting/Music & Art), Andrew Eddleston (Pottery), Heritage Services BANES (Needle Felting). Barry Hulme (Watercolour Painting), Charlotte Stowell (Fimo Clay Modelling), Marie Hillcoat (Botanical

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Page 1: Carers’ Breaks Report · Carers’ Breaks Report 1st April 2016 – 31st March 2017 What are carers’ breaks? Carers’ breaks offer carers opportunities to take time out from

Carers’ Breaks Report

1st April 2016 – 31st March 2017

What are carers’ breaks? Carers’ breaks offer carers opportunities to take time out from their caring role. Duration of breaks can range from one hour to a full day. Breaks can be about connecting carers, day trips out, information and advice, or workshops ranging from arts and crafts, healthy living, relaxation and training. Breaks provide carers with invaluable respite but also the opportunity to discover new hobbies and interests or perhaps rekindle old ones. They also provide an opportunity to learn, gain new skills and knowledge.

Why are carers’ breaks important? Looking after someone can be physically and emotionally tiring. Having a break is essential and a few hours away can make the difference between being able to carry on caring and having to give up caring. Research suggests that carers are more likely than the general population to suffer from physical and emotional health problems, social isolation and financial hardship. Taking breaks provides carers with the opportunity to become more active, connect with others and to gain and develop new skills. All these factors will help to improve and maintain carers’ health and wellbeing.

Where do carers’ breaks take place? Breaks take place at the Bath and Radstock Carers’ Centre and a range of community venues across Bath and North East Somerset. We are developing more breaks in localities to help carers connect with each other and engage with local activities, groups and clubs which are on their doorstep.

Who’s involved with Carers’ Breaks? The Carers’ Centre has worked with many facilitators and providers over the past year. Breaks are also delivered in partnership with a range of community partners in order to sustain and extend opportunities for carers to take a break. Below is a sample of those partnerships and providers: Training, Information and Skills Adult Community Learning (Ipads, Computers, Cook & Eat), Alison Wilder (Buying and Selling on Ebay), Karen Dews (Photography), St Michael’s Church (Bread for Life), British Red Cross (First Aid for Adults/Children), Stone King & Money Wise (Financial Planning), Alzheimer’s Society (Dementia Café), BANES Mental Health (B&NES Council), Stroke Association (Development of Mindfulness for carers), Carers Café, Wellbeing College (Gentle Massage and Aromatherapy), B&NES Autism Service (Autism workshop), DeafPlus and VisionPlus (Hearing and Vision Workshop), Heritage Services (Behind the Scenes and Tunnel Tours). Art & Craft: Articulate (Glass/Mosaics), Andy Southwell (Willow Weaving), Adult Community Learning (Chinese Brush Painting/Music & Art), Andrew Eddleston (Pottery), Heritage Services BANES (Needle Felting). Barry Hulme (Watercolour Painting), Charlotte Stowell (Fimo Clay Modelling), Marie Hillcoat (Botanical

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Drawing/Art & Crafts), Jeff Body (Carving), St John’s Hospital (Art for Heart Sake), Patchwork. Healthy Living and Wellbeing: Sue Judge (Nutrition/Stress/Sleep/Building Confidence), Bath Health Heroes (Therapeutic Massages), Felicity Bowers (Lino Printing), Wild Side of Life (Foraging), EcoWild (Nature Nurture/Woodland Walks), Soundwell Music Therapy (music workshops), Jane Harvey (Rambling/Walks), Bini (Indian Cookery), St John’s Hospital (StoryTelling/Social/Everything Stops for Me). MOSAIC Lunch Club, Nick Dewfall (Boccia), A Word in Your Ear (Story Fridays), Yoga (Julie Ngama), Raheesha (Belly dancing), Ammerdown Retreat Centre and Combe Down Holidays Trust (Refreshing Days at Ammerdown). Two’s Company: These breaks are very popular and provide an opportunity for carers to take a friend, loved one or cared for on a day out with minibus bus transport provided by Bath Community Transport and Volunteer Drivers.

Spring 2016 – World Book Night/Railway Museum Summer 2016 – Clevedon/Yeo Valley Garden Autumn 2016 – Bristol Zoo/Highfield Garden Centre Winter 2016 – American Museum/Swindon Designer Outlet/Panto/Fleet Air

Arm Museum/Chair Yoga

Family Time: Breaks designed for all the family (adult and young carer families) to make and take time together and enjoy something fun and relaxing.

Spring 2016 – Meet the Romans, Bath City Farm + Movietime Summer 2016 – Avon Valley Country Park Autumn 2016 – Movietime Winter 2016 – Jack Frost Victoria Hall/Glow in the dark mini golf

Young Adult Carers (18-25): Breaks designed to encourage older young carers to engage with the adult breaks programme. Breaks are publicised in Caretime and not Chill.

Summer 2016 – Upfest Autumn 2016- Roller Staking Winter 2016 – Ice Skating

Sustaining the Breaks Programme: To sustain and support the breaks programme some breaks are developed and organised in collaboration with local organisations and partners. These organisations cross a variety of sectors: religious, legal, health, charitable and education and include volunteer support, delivery and funding.

Thirty-nine breaks were delivered in-kind, equating to 31% of breaks provided by carers, volunteers and local organisations in the last year.

Volunteering/In-kind: breaks delivered by carers/volunteers and organisations without charge:

Stone King & Moneywise (Financial Planning) Bath College (Hand Massage)

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Adult Community Learning (IPads, Computers, Needle Felting) Wellbeing College (Gentle Massage, Aromatherapy) Barry Hulme (Watercolours) John Tucker (Garden Talks) Alzheimer’s’ Society & Alex Hurley (Dementia Café) Carol Channon (Indian Head Massage) Laila Jhaveri (Body Massage) Liz Coleman (Chillout Combo) Anna Ferguson (Face Yoga) Steve Headley (Art Workshop) Bath Health Heroes (subsidised sessions) Soundwell Music Therapy (subsidised sessions) St Michael’s Church (Bread Making) British Red Cross (First Aid) B&NES Heritage Services (Tunnel Tours, Behind the Scenes) Brian Davey (Tai Chi, subsidised sessions) B&NES Autism Service (Autism talks) Bath Unity Players (subsidised tickets) Cool Ventures (Business/Employment workshops)

How do we plan Carers’ Breaks? After every break carers complete a feedback form which includes a section to give ideas and suggestions for future breaks. Every three months we collate this feedback to influence the next break programme to ensure that we provide breaks that carers want. So for example we used feedback from our autumn programme to influence our winter programme. We also tailor breaks to suit the season as well as feedback from staff and volunteers.

What’s been happening over the last 12 months? In the last 12 months we have offered 4 quarterly break programmes which came to a whopping total of 144 breaks, an average of 12 breaks per month. Breaks have ranged from information/learning, trips out, arts and crafts, healthy living and wellbeing to peer support and interest groups. Carers have enjoyed breaks on their own whilst others have spent time with the whole family or with a friend or the cared for person.

Carers gained skills and knowledge on a range of topics ranging from first aid, autism, dementia, and legal and financial affairs to building personal confidence, cookery and computing.

Peer Support Groups Nine peer support groups have been running this year, these are: Carers For Each Other (CFEO) A sociable and supportive monthly group for carers with learning difficulties. This group is currently planned and facilitated by a sessional worker.

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Dementia Café A monthly group delivered in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society. This group is designed for carers to come together with the person they care for. It’s an opportunity to chat and gain support and information from other carers, the Alzheimer’s Society and Dementia Support Officer Grace. KS2 (formerly known as Keep Safe Keep Sane) A peer led support group for people who care for someone with a mental health condition. This group meets monthly on an evening. ME/CFS support and social group A monthly evening peer led support and social group for parents and carers of children with M.E. / CFS. Think Tank A fortnightly supportive group with other carers who are looking after people with mood disorders. This group is facilitated by Tom our Senior Carers Support Officer. Breathing Space An opportunity to get some breathing space. A monthly peer support group providing time out to share experiences, gain fresh insights and find support through others. Bath Art Group A space to paint, draw and meet other people in a relaxed and friendly environment. The group meets fortnightly and encourages carers to share their skills in a supportive space amongst peers. Kaleidoscope A monthly peer-led opportunity to paint, draw or just enjoy a cup of tea and some friendly company. Garden Club An invitation for carers to come together to spend some time in our beautiful garden caring for plants, raised beds, fruit and veg patches and generally to get stuck in.

Employment, Support and Training Group Clive Brooks has organised and delivered monthly workshops to support carers and worked in partnership with Cool Ventures to deliver workshops in the last year.

Starting in Business – Cool Ventures Business Ideas Generation – Cool Ventures One to One Business Advice – Cool Ventures Regular Employment Support Groups

Clive moved from the Wellbeing Team to the Carers Outreach Team in October 2016. Clive no longer offers an employment support group but continues to work in partnership with Cool Ventures to offer employment related workshops along with individual appointments referred to in the breaks programme as ‘Employment Support Clinics’.

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Art & Craft We have provided a variety of art and craft opportunities for carers including willow weaving, pottery, fimo clay modelling, chinese brush painting, fused glass, patchwork, botanical drawing, lino printing, music and art, card making and needle felting. Art and craft provides carers with the opportunity to discover new hobbies and interests, rekindle old ones but also the chance to learn new skills and meet others which helps carers to overcome loneliness, lack of confidence and emotional strain. Just take a look below at the masterpieces created by carers in such a short space of time.

During the summer we organised workshops at the

Victoria Art Gallery in partnership with Adult Community Learning and Heritage Services, BANES. For the first time we offered felt

making. Carers made small animals from felt that they had

created from scratch. As well as creating some beautiful Chinese brush paintings and had a tour of

the Bloomsbury House Exhibition.

Felt making has been so popular, with carers requesting more workshops therefore we

arranged a festive needle felting session in the winter where carers designed a festive

decoration from scratch. An Easter inspired workshop is in

the pipeline.

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Healthy Living and Wellbeing

These workshops provided carers with the opportunity to learn more about what they can do to make positive lifestyle changes as well as providing the time and space to relax and unwind. Workshops included cookery, foraging, massage, refreshing days at Ammerdown, music therapy, face yoga, woodland walks, yoga, relaxation, mindfulness, tai chi, rambling, Boccia, roller skating, aromatherapy and garden talks.

Wreath Making – “Very enjoyable and a good distraction

from day to day struggle - great time out!! Thank you :).”

Wreath Making – “Had a sweet time learning a new

activity – enjoyable afternoon.”

Mindfulness – “Being totally detached

from my difficult situation.”

Gentle Yoga – “Feeling relaxed.

Positive.”

Foraging – “Brilliant and inspiring tutor,

learnt masses.”

Massage – “a chance to relax, take time

out for me, absolutely fantastic.”

Patchwork – “2 hours spent just thinking

about one thing. First time in months.”

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Two’s Company and Family Time These breaks are very popular and provide an opportunity for carers to take a friend, loved one, cared for or the whole family together often with minibus bus transport. Here’s just some of the feedback we have received from carers who have enjoyed Two’s Company and Family Time breaks.

Wellbeing Festival This year was the Carers’ Centre’s first Wellbeing Festival, over a two-week period in June to coincide with National Carers Week. A range of breaks and events were organised and the Carers’ Outreach Team also provided opportunities to connect and meet with other carers’ in localities across Bath and North East Somerset. The festival launched with the Sponsored Walk and culminated in the “Everything Stops for Me” Pamper Day for carers. The festival was linked to the Five Ways of Wellbeing: Connect, Be Active, Keep Learning, Take Notice and Give.

“Everything Stops for Me” was organised in partnership with Avon & Wiltshire

Mental Health Trust, St Johns’ Hospital and Bath Health Heroes. Over 35+ carers attended plus therapists, volunteers, carers and local organisations. A range of activities were organised: Bath Health Heroes provided Head/Body/Hand Massages, Anna Ferguson volunteered to run two Face Yoga workshops and volunteers ran an Art Activity. Information, advice and health checks were provided by Stroke Association and Wellbeing College talked to carers about their courses, as well as Carer Support Officers and staff chatting over a cup of tea and cake. We were grateful for the support and help from many volunteers and a wide range of donations. We were able to create goodie bags from a huge range of toiletries donated and collated through AWP and to lay on food supplied by Greggs Bakery. Steve Headley volunteered to run the Art Workshop and painted the Woodland Themed Canvas which hangs at Bath Carers’ Centre. Bath College Health & Beauty Students also volunteered their services to give hand massages to carers. Course

Leader Di Rowe said, “Thank you so much, the students thoroughly enjoyed their

selves and were humbled by the stories they heard.”

Family Time, Fimo Clay Modelling: “Lovely family time. Lovely company. Great outcome.” Two’s Company American Museum: "An opportunity to meet with other carers' + enjoy a visit in company.” Two’s Company Fleet Air Arm Museum: “The days out are something to look forward to - and to remember and talk about later - not just the experience itself. Meeting new people is always a pleasure and in some cases inspiring. Staff are welcoming and so helpful and go the extra mile.” Family Time Mini Golf: “Good activity and opportunity for us to do something as a family which is usually difficult. THANK YOU.”

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Photos from the “Everything Stops for Me” day:

We received some fantastic feedback from the event:

So how do we know if the Carers’ Breaks are any good?

There were also lessons to be learnt:

Just talking with others in same boat

Speaking to new people

Wonderful, relaxing, enjoyable day

Lovely person giving hand massage

I felt relaxed as soon as I walked in. What a lovely event, did exactly what it said on the tin.

All staff and volunteers were really kind and attentive.

I loved being in the garden, loved the ukulele entertainment and the relaxed chilled out vibe.

Also like the fact several organisations joined up to put this on.

Really nice things in the goody bags, thank you

Feeling positive, re-energised, great facial yoga and creativity with relaxation

Time to relax, taught ways of deep breathing, ways of relaxing the face

Lovely friendly atmosphere and welcome

Lovely friendly chats and conversation, if anything this was the best thing

Massage made me feel more relaxed

Loved the hand massage, very relaxing.

Enjoyed the art, lots of fun

Face Yoga was particularly enjoyable

I needed a day to relax and forget my worries at homes for a minute

Organising the event after National Carers Week to support promotion

Ensure carers are clear re lunch not being provided – we served nibbles/snacks and cake

Have a carer centre stand/table, recruit more carers centre staff on hand for support

Carers were disappointed there were not enough treatments, organise more therapeutic events/breaks over the festival period next year.

Some carers commented on better communication/publicity for the event – the event was published in Caretime and posters were up at Bath and Radstock Carer Centres as well as E-bulletins to carers as reminders.

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Evaluation At the end of each break we ask carers to complete a feedback form so that we can monitor and evaluate the breaks programme. This is important in order to learn from things which didn’t work so well and celebrate when things were successful. Last year we recognised that collecting feedback from carers after every break does not reflect the impact of carers regularly accessing the breaks programme. In October 2017 we reshaped the way in which we collect evaluation across all teams. We standardised our evaluation forms, better aligned them to our outcomes framework and separated satisfaction feedback from outcomes. The Wellbeing Team now collect feedback at two stages. Firstly, at the end of an activity this is known as the ‘Wellbeing Activity Feedback Form’ and secondly the ‘Periodic Wellbeing Evaluation Form’ which is sent out by post to all carers that have taken a break at the end of each month. The activity form focusses on carer satisfaction with the activity and the facilitator. The periodic form includes questions relating to the difference that taking a break(s) has made. We have separated feedback measurement from previous years on how satisfied carers were with the breaks programme and facilitator to enable us to see how this year’s results compare with previous years.

Overall satisfaction with the break We asked carers to rate how satisfied they were with the break with the scale ranging from very satisfied to very dissatisfied.

Carer Satisfaction 2016-2017 2015-2016 2014-2015 Outcome and

Comparison

Very satisfied 76% 78% 75% The results show that

the majority of carers

were satisfied with

breaks this year. There

was an increase in

satisfaction in 15-16

which then dipped in 16-

17. One individual was

dissatisfied with the

activity but did not leave

their name or any other

comments for us to

follow up any issues.

Somewhat satisfied 20% 18% 16%

Neutral 3% 4% 9%

Somewhat dissatisfied 0% 0% 0%

Very dissatisfied 1% 0% 0%

Prefer not to say 0% 0% 0%

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Satisfaction with the activity leader We asked carers to rate their satisfaction with the activity leader. This provides us with an indication as to whether the people leading the activities are doing a good job.

Carer Satisfaction 2016-2017 2015-2016 2014-2015 Outcome and

Comparison

Very satisfied 81% 84% 80% Facilitator satisfaction has

remained steady, overall

carers are satisfied with

the activity leader this

year. Again there was an

increase in satisfaction in

15-16 which subsequently

fell in 16-17. One

individual was dissatisfied

with the activity leader but

did not leave their name

or any other comments for

us to follow up any issues.

Somewhat satisfied 15% 13% 16%

Neutral 3% 3% 4%

Somewhat dissatisfied 0% 0% 0%

Very dissatisfied 1% 0% 0%

Prefer not to say 0% 0% 0%

Key Outcomes for Carers The three key outcomes of the breaks service are:

1. Health and wellbeing remaining stable or improving 2. Less socially isolated 3. Learning and developing

Health and Wellbeing In order to assess whether the breaks programme has an impact on carers health and wellbeing we include a distance travelled question. From April to October 2016 this was measured at the beginning and end of every activity. However, when we reshaped the way in which we evaluate our service in November 2016 we no longer included this question in the activity form but instead health and wellbeing is measured in the monthly periodic evaluation form. The tables below show the results for both periods.

Health & Wellbeing

(April 2016-October 2016)

Before After Outcome

Very Good 17% 60% Evidences a 43% “very good” improvement in health and wellbeing after the break. This outcome suggests breaks are helping carers to maintain and improve their health and wellbeing.

Good 38% 36%

Adequate 40% 4%

Poor 5% 0%

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‘Please consider the following statements and tell us whether, following your participation in wellbeing activities, you are now more or less able to agree with them.’ (November 2016-March 2017) More able

to agree About the

same Less able to agree

I am able to maintain or improve my own health and wellbeing.

53% 47% 0%

The results show that 53% of carers felt more able to maintain or improve their health and wellbeing after taking a break(s) whilst 47% felt about the same. This suggests that breaks are helping some carers to maintain or improve their health and wellbeing. The impact of taking a break isn’t as striking as it was from April to October. A reason for this may be the change in measurement so we have moved from a distance travelled question at the end of each activity to a monthly measurement in the form of a statement. One may propose that by measuring the impact made to carers’ health and wellbeing after one activity does not represent a meaningful picture and provides only a snapshot at that moment in time whereas allowing the carer time to reflect and after accessing a number of activities the results drawn from the periodic evaluation may represent a more accurate picture of the impact made.

Social isolation We ask carers if attending a break helps them to feel better connected to other people. This outcome supports carers to overcome loneliness and increase their support network.

Has today’s activity helped you to feel better connected to other people?

2016-

2017

2015-

2016

Outcome and Comparison

Yes 90% 74% This year 90% of carers felt more connected to others as a result of taking a break compared to only 74% last year. The increase may be due to a rise in the proportion of breaks which focus on socialising/peer support. There’s also a 15% decrease in not sure/left blank.

No 3% 4%

Not sure/unanswered 7% 22%

Carer’s comments on connecting and feeling more in touch with other people:

Being with other carers. Sharing with other participants An opportunity to meet with other carers' + enjoy a visit in company Meeting other carers, sharing conversation. Meeting people that understand you as a carer Togetherness Other people very friendly/talked about similar problems.

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Learning something new We measure this outcome by asking carers to tell us whether or not they learned something new from the activity. Unfortunately, due to human error this question was removed from the feedback form in April 2016 which means there is missing data from April until October. The table below shows the results from November 2016 to March 2017.

Do you feel you’ve learnt

something new?

2016-2017 2015-2016 Outcome and

Comparison

Yes 91% 90% The results show 91% of

carers feel they are learning

something from an

activity/break and the

results are consistent with

last year.

No 3% 5%

Not sure 6% 4%

This outcome shows us carers are gaining new skills and knowledge. This newfound knowledge may help carers in their caring role but also spark new interests and hobbies. Here’s some of the responses from carers which supports the results above that they are learning something new:

Learning a new skill, I could do at home Feeling relaxed. Good to be reminded of things I have learned before,

learning new things and sharing useful resources. Very enjoyable and helpful learning massage techniques. Fantastic course learnt so much. Lovely sensitive tutor and so knowledgeable.

This course will help me in both my caring role and personal needs as a stressed carer. Thank you so much :)

What carers found valuable and enjoyable We ask carers at the end of each activity to tell us what they found most valuable and enjoyable. Below are three common themes that can be drawn from carers’ feedback.

Creativity Learning and discovering new interests and skills Meeting new people and peer support

The outcomes above help carers to overcome loneliness, reduce isolation, lack of confidence and stress that often accompany a caring role. Carers attend breaks for a wide variety of reasons; to learn something new, make something tangible, revisiting an old interest and for some it is more about peer support and making friends. Many carers benefit from the support of other carers, talking and sharing. However, there is a smaller proportion of carers who do not want to discuss their caring role and want to escape and switch off.

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Here’s are some of the responses from carers about what they valued and enjoyed the most:

Factors that don’t work so well for carers We ask carers at the end of each activity to tell us if there’s anything that didn’t work so well for them and what could have been improved. Below are two common themes that can be drawn from carers’ feedback. Time – the divide continues; some carers would like longer sessions whilst others would prefer shorter activities. Getting the balance right is challenging but one which we will continue to manage by offering a mixture of shorter and longer sessions. We will also review and collate any comments made about the duration of activities to see if there are general themes as to whether a reduction or increase in time is suitable for a particular type of activity.

Not enough time. Would have loved longer. Would have liked more time to experiment. More time allocated for session We felt that it seemed a little too long. Possibly a bit too long

Caring Role - impact on taking breaks. Many carers find it hard to get to breaks or in time due to their caring role. Over the last year 23 breaks have been cancelled. 152 places on breaks were cancelled with 95 different carers accounting for these cancellations. Situations change quickly and breaks bookings can drop from 11+ carers to 4/5 carers on the day due to cancellations. This is inevitable when you are caring for someone, however there are some carers who regularly book and cancel

Being able to use our creative brain.

Learning a new skill, I could do at home

Always enjoy making something and a new activity

Being creative and being able to take home what I had made

Something I could continue as a hobby

Being able to do something I wouldn't be able or choose to do at home

Feeling relaxed. Good to be reminded of things I have learned before, learning new things and

sharing useful resources.

Helpful to my caring role and my health.

Everything. Inspired me to take up yoga

Meeting people that understand you as a carer

Togetherness

Other people very friendly/talked about similar problems.

An opportunity to meet with other carers' + enjoy a visit in company.

2 hours of relaxation - bliss!! Chance to meet other carers and share tips.

Met some great people, learnt a lot, caught up with old friends.

Time to forget about day to day troubles.

The opportunity to switch off and in a relaxing activity.

Just getting away

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breaks which incurs an increase in administration if having to cancel transport and rearrange pick-up times etc. We have a cancellation policy and if carers cancel without giving 5 working days’ notice (without good reason) a cancellation fee is applied. Where carers regularly cancel we aim to explore and ensure there are no hidden barriers to accessing breaks which we are unaware of. Sometimes we have to cancel breaks due to low numbers to avoid cancellation charges at venues/organisations. Demand for popular breaks – the high demand for therapeutic breaks continues e.g. Ammerdown Refreshing Days, Head and Body Massage as well as art/craft workshops. We offer a higher proportion of art and craft breaks within the break programmes and we’re working in partnership with Wellbeing College to offer Gentle Massage and Aromatherapy. Where funding allows we do buy in massage for special events e.g. ‘Everything Stops For Me’ Day. Across B&NES there is a wide range of community/organisations offering activities and groups to support people’s health and wellbeing on a variety of subjects/topics. We publicise local activities and organisations to ensure carers are aware of what is available on their doorstep. Since April 2016 the Carers Outreach Team have been working in geographical areas. The Team are providing local carer cafes and events which adds value to the existing breaks programme and contributes to the outcomes of connecting carers with each other and with local activities. Inevitably linking carers in with other partners and organisations and local activities it will help to sustain funding and support for carers as well as reducing travel, time and costs.

General feedback We leave space at the end of the feedback form for additional feedback comments. A key theme is that carers enjoy the variety and quality of the breaks programme and the impact it has on their lives.

Thank you very much for this event. I feel rejuvenated and have a better state of mind.

Give us a Break Saves lives! Thank you for a lovely day The days out are something to look forward to - and to remember and talk

about later - not just the experience itself. Meeting new people is always a pleasure and in some cases inspiring. Staff are welcoming and so helpful and go the extra mile - fitting me in after a cancellation, offering a hot drink on a cold day. Thank you!

really good activity and opportunity for us to do something as a family which is usually difficult. THANK YOU.

Very well presented. I feel refreshed & relaxed and have some techniques to avoid/decrease stress

There is a wonderful range of activities and I have very much enjoyed trying new things. Thank you very much

These breaks are a lifesaver. Thank you so much!!! Being a carer often means that time spent with your cared for person is at the

GP surgery/hospital/filling forms/on the phone. Give Us A Break gives me the chance to spend quality time with my Mum (2's company) and recharge both our batteries. A big THANK YOU for that.

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If it wasn't for the centre, ….and me wouldn't go out on day trips, even a few hours with the classes are a change. It seems to refresh me.

Really appreciate the wide range of activities on offer. Something for everyone.

Who completed the breaks questionnaire? 414 activity forms were completed from 1st April 2016 to 31st March 2017. 64 carers responded to the periodic evaluation form from 1st January to 31st March 2017. The feedback forms are now anonymous unless a carer chooses to state their name on the form. However, we can explore the characteristics of carers that access breaks in order to help us identify common themes of those carers that aren’t engaging with breaks. Gender 82% of those carers accessing the breaks programme are female, 18% are male. This shows there’s a higher number of female carers accessing breaks than there are male carers. This is representative of the number of female and male carers registered with the Carers’ Centre. Out of those carers registered with the Carers Centre 30% are male and 70% are female. The Carer Participation Officer has engaged with male volunteers and carers to gather feedback last year. As a result of this feedback we held an indoor sports evening to play Boccia. Six male carers attended who all thoroughly enjoyed the activity. Since the first session last summer the men’s Boccia group has continued to meet monthly and it’s attracting a few new male carers too. Throughout the year we have held several targeted breaks for male carers. Uptake continues to remain low therefore it is important we continue to talk and listen to male carers to support engagement and male carers in their caring roles. Age As we can see from the breakdown below the breaks programme is largely accessed by carers of working age and retired carers. Only 9% of carers aged 18-34 accessed the breaks programme. Over the last year we have made improvements to the breaks programme in order to increase our engagement with this age group. We are doing this by offering more breaks during the evenings and weekends and breaks targeted to this age group only.

1.43

8.9

16.7

21.420.4

15.5

14.9

Carers' ages %

18 and under

18-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65-74

75+

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Summary and Development Feedback, Monitoring and Evaluation Last year we recognised that collecting feedback from carers after every break does not reflect the impact of carers regularly accessing the breaks programme as well as other services and support offered at the Carers’ Centre. This is why in October 2017 we reshaped the way in which we collect evaluation across all teams. Aa mentioned earlier on in this report the Wellbeing Team now collect feedback at two stages; at the end of an activity and at the end of each month. Breaks Leaflet/Guidance The breaks service needs to be as transparent as possible in order to reduce telephone calls and queries regarding breaks bookings, entitlements, cancelling breaks, donations, feedback and replacement care. Breaks service guidance has been included in a service wide ‘Handbook for Carers’ which is included in a welcome pack to carers. Moving on with breaks/activities As previously mentioned there is a wide range of community organisations across B&NES offering local activities and groups to support people’s health and wellbeing on a variety of subjects/topics. Whilst we promote partners and other community organisations activities through our newsletter and e-communications it can be difficult to capture all of the activity that takes place across B&NES and there is the danger of overloading carers with too much information. With this in mind we are working on a “Moving On with Breaks” leaflet to outline the wide range of organisations across B&NES offering free and subsidised activities, groups and clubs. This supports carers to engage with local provision, connect with each other and their local community. Facilitators During the last year we have developed a Facilitator Guidance booklet which aims to support the providers we work with and give guidance about payment, purchase orders, health and safety and safeguarding. Five Ways to Wellbeing Last year we are explored embedding the Five Ways to Wellbeing into our work at the Centre. The Five Ways to Wellbeing are a set of evidence-based actions which promote people’s wellbeing. They are: Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning and Give. These activities are simple things individuals can do in their everyday lives. The Themes have been adopted/linked to by Wellbeing College, NHS, Children’s Society, Avon Wildlife Trust and BANES Council. The Wellbeing Festival that took place during the summer last year was linked to the Five Ways to Wellbeing. Since then each quarterly breaks programme has been generated with the Five Ways to Wellbeing in mind. During the winter we offered carers a Five Ways to Wellbeing workshop in partnership with the Wellbeing College but unfortunately due to low sign-up we had to cancel the workshop. Moving forward we will continue to embed the Five Ways within the breaks programme. We are also using this as a tool and resource within the new Wellbeing Navigator service which supports carers in their local community to connect with others, navigate local health

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and wellbeing services/groups/clubs and to maintain and improve their health and wellbeing through one to one support. Accessing breaks We are aware that a large proportion of new and registered carers do not engage with the breaks programme. Outreach Officers feedback when carers highlight breaks they are interested in and where possible we build this into the next breaks programme. We developed a localised Me Time offer for new carers during the winter which we will pilot for 6 months. Outreach Officers were consulted on popular breaks/interests in their localities. This feedback was compiled and subsequently a number of gift/activity vouchers were purchased for each area. Outreach Officers distribute these vouchers during a support planning session as a support option. We will review the effectiveness of this in the coming summer. In order to support carers who have not accessed breaks we need to find out the reasons why they haven’t accessed the breaks service. Perhaps there are hidden barriers or it may be enough to know that the breaks programme is there should they need it. More work need to be done around this in the form of a survey/consultation and we will build this into the 2017-18 workplan.