Shetland Carers recently presented a certificate to Cheryl Jamieson of Glansin Glass in recognition of her support of unpaid carers in Shetland through the Respitality Scheme. Shetland Carers, a project delivered under Voluntary Action Shetland, co-ordinate the Scheme locally with support from Shared Care Scotland, who now support carer centres in 22 local authority areas to run Respitality Schemes.

Respitality (respite + hospitality) is a way the hospitality and leisure sector can help their local communities by recognising and appreciating the contribution of unpaid carers, by donating short breaks to carers. This enables a carer, plus a companion where possible, to have a break away from their caring responsibilities to recharge their batteries and have a little time for themselves.

An adult carer recently benefitted from a two hour glassmaking session, courtesy of Glansin Glass, gifted through the Respitality Scheme. The session took place in Cheryl's visitor centre in Unst. The carer said "Thank you so much for our glass experience. Two hours of focused activity and not a care about what was going on in the outside world was pure bliss!! Thoroughly enjoyed it and thank you again for the opportunity to experience glassmaking."

Cheryl said "When I heard about the Scheme I wanted to get involved as I think carers do an amazing job and deserve a treat to say thank you. I’ve seen the positive difference that taking time for yourself doing a creative activity has on folk, and feel privileged that I can offer that to the most deserving."

Thank you so much Cheryl!

For more information about the Scheme, please click HERE.

To sign up to the Scheme, either as a carer or a Gift Provider, please contact carers@shetland.org or tel: 01595 743980.

www.shetlandcarers.org