Voluntary Sector
Local businesses offer complimentary breaks to carers
“Mytime” makes huge difference to carers in Liverpool.
ocal Solutions, a Liverpool L charity, developed ‘mytime’ in response to the number of
carers that were referred to Liverpool Carers Centre. Across the UK there are over 6.5 million carers supporting a loved one who is older, disabled or seriously ill. That is currently 1 in 8 people and this number is rising. Mytime aims to connect carers who would benefit from a break from their demanding caring roles, with businesses and organisations offering complimentary leisure, cultural and educational activities. There is a generous and committed group of 24 hotels providing complimentary overnight stays with breakfast that allow carers to take a well earned break. In total over 38 local businesses and organisations have been working with ‘mytime’ to give carers access to breaks from their demanding roles.
Many of these are stretched to the limit and find it difficult to balance work, family, health and personal wellbeing with their caring roles. This can often lead to stress, depression, isolation and mental health issues. Breaks on offer include things like overnight stays, meals, afternoon tea, spa trips, cultural / sporting activities and theatre tickets. This is great for carers who cannot take advantage of an overnight break due to the demands of their caring roles. But with over one thousand carers currently registered with mytime, demand exceeds supply. Carers hold families together, This ‘hidden, often forgotten, army’ are ‘on duty’ around the clock, unable to maintain a life of their own as they make huge sacrifices along the way to ensure that their loved ones lead a fulfilling life.
Their contribution to society is immeasurable. Carers could really do with a break… with some ’mytime’. Their devotion, resilience and dedication should be recognised. Yvonne Roberts, lead Writer of the Observer, said of mytime, “In India they call it ‘frugal innovation’ – small changes, employing familiar ingredients, costing comparatively little, that can make a big difference in surprising ways.” One carer who enjoyed an overnight stay at a hotel said; “I stayed in the hotel with my wife who has taken long term leave from work to help look after our son. It takes all of our time, commitment and energy and although we wouldn’t have it any other way, it is still draining. It was lovely to get away without having to worry and fantastic being able to sleep – I slept for 12 hours straight in the hotel”
Thanks to funding from The Big Lottery Fund, mytime has now been able to develop a new website which allows carers to easily access information about the breaks on offer and register their interest. The website can also be used to help the project grow to areas outside of Liverpool so that carers right across the UK can benefit. Contributing organisations recently received a recognition award from Liverpool’s Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr Christine Banks at a special event at The Hilton Hotel. They also heard from carers who have been on a break and find out about the massive impact it has had on them. Businesses can get involved at www.mytime4carers.co.uk to provide opportunities for carers and find out how they can get involved.
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