Taking a break in lockdown: Part 1
Over the last few months the Carers’ Centre wellbeing team has been working to transform the way we support carers with their wellbeing — our second priority area for the lockdown period. Using tools and techniques learned through our work with the National Lottery Digital Fund, the team have developed a range of new offers and supported more than 100 carers in new ways. Here’s the first of 2 blog posts on what they did, and what they learned along the way:
It began with data to try and make sure we spent resource on services which carers actually wanted and needed. Through a sample of carers we learned that although carers were keen to take a break only 60% were interested in online options. 40% were actively not interested (maybe not surprisingly, a significant proportion of those we support are 70+). So, if 40% were not able to access services online, what could be done?
Our Wellbeing Manager worked to devised an offline ‘remote break’ scheme with carers being sent art/craft kits or books to give them ‘permission’ to take time out for themselves.
“I wanted to be able to send carers something that they could fit in to their increasingly busy lives. Something they could pick up even if just for ten minutes each day. Speaking to carers I know that they are more likely to take vital time out for themselves if someone else is asking them to, and this was a way to reinforce that it’s important to look after yourself .” Carla Senior, Wellbeing Manager
As the idea was developed the team undertook a consequence scanning exercise to try and make sure the program actually delivered it’s aim. For example, it was identified that if the remote break sent out was not of interest, it would have no positive impact on carer wellbeing. As a result, there couldn’t just be 1 option for a remote break, there had to be a range (though small, to keep it manageable). Four categories of ‘break’ were developed to match to people’s interests. It was also identified that carers were so busy they might receive the break but not actually use it. So, a process was developed for our Wellbeing Adminstrator to contact the carer a few weeks after the break was sent out for a chat and to gain feedback. Consequence scanning is an approach developed by doteveryone and we’re learning how helpful this can be . Although aimed at digital development, we’ve found it just as helpful when planning non digital projects too!
With the idea formed, a small pilot was undertaken. In general feedback was good, but also showed some issues we hadn’t considered. For example older adult carers often have different requirements to younger adult carers. One 80 year old male carer requested a colouring book, and was sent our standard mindfulness colouring book. His feedback was that this hadn’t been appropriate for him. In hindsight, we can see why (see below!) So it was agreed that each category would have 2 or 3 unisex choices to cater for adult carers aged 18–85+.
Having been adjusted after the pilot, the service was given a wider rollout and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. In less than 2 months more than 70 carers have taken up this offer, most of whom haven’t accessed a break with us before. 70% reported that it had helped them take a break and supported their health and wellbeing.
What’s also been interesting are some unintended consequences we hadn’t considered and now want to look in to further. Several carers asked for breaks they could do with the person they care for, such as colouring or puzzles. We had assumed that a ‘break’ would be an activity on their own. Others asked for a break for the person they care for, as ensuring they are entertained allows the carer time to breathe. Again, not what had been assumed. It’s made us question what a break is for a carer, and it’s something the team want to investigate further, to make sure our future breaks programme actually meets the needs and behaviours of those we’re trying to help. We’re excited about how this project can develop and we’d love to hear your thoughts!
