Carers Testimonials
While we strive to continually improve on the services we offer and hope to develop further over the year ahead we also thought it would be useful to capture and feedback on a few of the comments carers have made to us on what a carers group, a bus trip, or a shortbreak can mean to them.
"I used my Short Break grant for massages to help with stress and chronic pain. It made a huge difference to my physical self. I could move better and after a few months my pain was much more under control. Having that hour of relaxation also did wonders for my mental health. I felt less uptight and more calm without the constant pain. Shetland Carers have really helped take some pressure off me with their services. I’m so grateful."
~ Carer who was awarded a Time for Me Short Break grant
"I spent my Short Break grant on arts & crafts supplies which included diamond art, model house kits and colouring books. Instead of worrying about the next stress in my life, I had a chance to sit down, relax and enjoy some crafting. It gave me the breather I needed and I felt the benefits straight away. I feel it helped my mental health and it benefited my children because I was less stressed. I think these grants are so important - I felt a sense of worth when being awarded the grant and a sense of accomplishment when finishing a craft piece. It also helped to distract me from having anxious thoughts."
~ Carer who was awarded a Time to Live Short Break grant
"Thank you for such a lovely meal. It was wonderful to be looked after so well. Being able to enjoy a relaxing meal was a joy. All the staff were attentive and made me feel cared for. Your efforts are greatly appreciated. Thank you."
~ Carer who was awarded a Respitality Break of a dining voucher for Fjara Cafe Bar
"I spent my Short Break grant on an SRT More4Life membership. My whole family benefited even though the subscription was just for me. I felt able and encouraged to take my bairns swimming more often and the improvement in my mental health due to the subscription had a positive impact on my whole family. I reached burnout this year because I was doing too much for everyone else and not looking after myself. Having the subscription has meant that I have made myself a priority. After my break I felt an increase in confidence, less stressed and less isolated."
~ Carer who was awarded a Time for Me Short Break grant
"Our Short Break grant went towards flights for a holiday abroad. It gave us a chance to take a break in a place we had dreamed about visiting. It helped our mental health and having that short period of time to recharge has enabled us to be in a more positive mindset going forward. We spend so much of our time caring, not only directly, but all the other aspects that take planning or organising, so getting time to switch off slightly from that and enjoy a break has meant that we came back feeling refreshed both mentally and physically. It is extremely difficult to put into words exactly what this grant did and just how much it benefitted our whole family. The only thing I can say is 'Thank You' and that we are all truly grateful."
~ Carer who was awarded a Time for Me Short Break grant
"We had the opportunity to enjoy a stay with you. We had a lovely meal and a pleasant evening and a lovely breakfast in the morning. We greatly appreciate your generous contribution to carers. It really helped us to have a short but enjoyable break. Thank you very much."
~ Carer who was awarded a Respitality Break of an overnight stay at Busta House Hotel with dinner and breakfast included
"Thank you to everyone at the Shetland Hotel for our carers break – it was so nice to have some breathing space to reset before going back to my caring role. We appreciate it! Xx"
~ Carer who was awarded a Respitality Break of an overnight stay with breakfast included at Brudolff Hotels
"I used my Short Break grant on garden supplies. I like to plant summer plants at the front of our house and I also have an allotment section in my garden. Just going to the garden centre and picking the plants, right through to potting up and hanging out plants helps take my mind elsewhere so that I'm not thinking solely about caring, appointments, the future etc. The bonus of nice blooms and fresh vegetables is terrific! I am very thankful for this grant, it means so much and makes my life better for a few months of the year."
~ Carer who was awarded a Time to Live Short Break grant
"Thank you so much for giving Shetland Carers, and therefore me, this chance to get out of my life for a day. I can’t tell you how much I appreciated it! And what great teaching! I can't tell you how much of a difference a day like this makes!"
~ Carer who was awarded a Respitality Break of a jewellery making workshop with Shetland Jewellery
"Thank you so much for our stay with you. It’s a lovely place, we had a nice time, just relaxed and had some time out, which was much needed. So relaxing to have some time away just the two of us. Came home feeling very relaxed and recharged. Thank you for the very kind gift."
~ Carer who was awarded a Respitality Break of a two night self-catering stay with Self Catering Shetland
"Thank you for the package I got!! Can’t tell you how much I needed that, so thank you! I’ve been struggling recently so this has been a massive uplift!"
~ Young Adult Carer who received a Goodie Bag as part of Young Carers Action Day
"Thank you very much for all the help and support throughout the years, it has been very much appreciated. Shetland has an amazing support for people with ASN and their families, we have been very lucky, thank you!"
~ Parent of a young carer and child with additional support needs
"I can’t thank you enough for my Respitality Break. As I’m a full time carer to three individuals, it is hard for me to get time ‘for me’ or get replacement care for everyone so I can do something. Being able to have a take-home kit to paint, meant I could do it at a time which worked for everyone and have my daughter help me with it. Thanks so much."
~ Carer who was awarded a Respitality Break of a gift voucher for Aa Fired Up
"The SeaBirds + Seals Boat Tour was a Respitality treat beyond words. Such a warm welcome and in depth understanding of the wildlife as well as the local history – what a refreshing and revitalising trip and experience."
~ Carer who was awarded a Respitality Break of a tour around Bressay and Noss onboard Seabirds-and-Seals
"Thank you so much for your gift of a reflexology session. You were so welcoming, putting me at my ease. I found the session so relaxing and enjoyable and am so grateful for you giving your time and expertise."
~ Carer who was awarded a Respitality Break of a reflexology session with Reset Well-being Therapies
"I spent my Short Break grant on acupuncture and also on getting my hair done. The grant has ensured I take time out to have my hair done regularly, which makes me feel good. It might not seem much to some people, but for me it’s a major achievement, and time out from the pressures of caring. This money makes such a huge difference to my wellbeing, which I usually neglect, due to constantly having to prioritise the needs of others."
~ Carer who was awarded a Time to Live Short Break grant
