With over £1,500 of funding from the EyUp! charity, 15 unpaid carers were able to attend a fully funded overnight retreat which took place at Parceval Hall in June.
The retreat was carer focused and attended by unpaid carers. It gave a safe space for those with caring responsibilities the time to reflect, relax and prioritise self-care. The retreat had some structured opportunities to learn how to enhance wellbeing, learn mindfulness techniques and reflective practice.
There were many positive comments from the carers who attended the retreat. One carer who attended said: “The activities that were undertaken at the retreat gently supported us to gradually relax and appreciate the significant value of taking time out from our usual routines – clearing some headspace to focus on our needs as individuals and how to positively address them in order to sustain our physical and emotional health and enable us to continue to effectively and safely deliver our family and friend carer roles. I also felt acknowledged; respected, cared for and genuinely valued in relation to my carer role.”
Gillian Cowell, carers project manager at the Trust, said: “The carers network is so grateful for the funding received by EyUp! for us to be able to run this retreat. Carers don’t often get the opportunity to do something for themselves and the retreat is a much needed space for carers, such as myself, to reflect and take some time away from our caring responsibilities. I would like to say thank you to everyone who took the time to come, we have had some lovely feedback.
You can find out more about the retreat and hear more feedback in this short video.
Further information about the support available to carers can be found on the South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust website here: Carers support – South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
