Interim National Care Service Advisory Board: Advice to Scottish Ministers and Council Leaders - Rights to Breaks for Carers

Annex A – Easy Access Breaks Lived Experience example

Time to Live

Mohamad, a Syrian refugee living in Scotland, cares for his wife while managing his own health challenges. Life as a carer can be isolating for Mohamed, and he has longed for the chance to reconnect with old friends and share familiar cultural experiences.

With a Time to Live microgrant, Mohamad was able to visit friends and enjoy a meal at a Syrian restaurant.

“We are so appreciative. It gave us all a real boost, and the acknowledgment of my caring role made me feel valued and seen. The family loved the food and the company of friends. Food is such an important part of Arabic culture - thank you.” (Mohamed, unpaid carer)

Better Breaks

With Better Breaks funding during 2024−2025, Epilepsy Scotland delivered two residential weekends: one at PGL Dalguise and a creative retreat at Netherurd Garden House. These getaways provided young people living with epilepsy opportunities to build confidence, independence and social connections, while offering much needed respite for parents and carers. The young people experienced a wide range of activities that they expressed interest in, including nature walks, bird watching, star gazing, animal-assisted therapy, canoeing, archery and more. Meanwhile, carers reported using this time to rest, reconnect with partners or other children, travel or enjoy personal time, often for the first time in years.

“It takes pressure off me as the sole provider of care and alleviates my worries about his social isolation.” (Parent carer)

“Before the residential my confidence was low, but at the end of the weekend my confidence is high. I don’t want to say goodbye to my roommates!” (Young person)

Creative Breaks

Joe is a young adult carer. As part of the Creative Breaks 2023−2024 funded project, ‘Me Time’, Joe attended a 3-night break to Blackpool with a group of other young adult carers. During the trip, Joe formed new relationships with peers and staff, becoming more comfortable in discussions, laughing with others, and coming out of their shell.

“It was an amazing experience and a break away from everything...it really made me realise how much I enjoyed being around people again...the whole week was amazing. Thank you so much for this experience!” (Joe, unpaid carer)

Respitality

Mrs. L looks after her elderly mother who has multiple health conditions, including dementia. She reached out to her local carers’ centre while experiencing significant stress. In response, they were able to offer immediate support through a Respitality massage voucher, providing much-needed relief to help reduce Mrs. L’s stress and anxiety.

As a result, Mrs. L reported feeling less stressed and more able to cope with the demands of her caring role. Importantly, the experience marked a turning point, as she began to prioritise self-care in her daily life through positive conversation with her local carers’ centre. This in turn has laid the foundations for Mrs. L’s ongoing good wellbeing and resilience.

“I’ve just been for my complimentary treatment with Karin. It was absolutely amazing. I feel a huge benefit from having a gorgeous facial and wonderfully relaxing massage – she really is excellent. Thank you and the whole team for making things like this possible. It is hugely appreciated by me.” (Mrs. L, unpaid carer)