Carers Cookery and Wellbeing Breaks Programme
On this page
- Lead Organisation
Portsmouth City Council
- Project contact
Ben Muller
benjamin.muller@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
02392 851 864
Portsmouth Carers Service Carers Cookery and Wellbeing Breaks programme gives adult unpaid carers the opportunity to participate in activities which offer a break from caring. The activities offered also support carer health and wellbeing by promoting healthy eating, emotional, and physical and wellbeing activities, opportunities to develop new skills and interests, social engagement, and the chance to get outdoors to enjoy the natural world.
The amount of free time available to carers is dependent on their caring responsibilities and work life and every situation is different. The programme accommodates differing caring roles and tastes by offering a wide range of activities across a range of days and times, including weekends and evenings. Some of the activities can be booked in advance, which encourages carers to plan to set aside some time for themselves, other activities are available on a drop-in basis providing flexibility to participate as and when they can.
The sessions are developed and planned by Portsmouth Carers Service and Independence and Wellbeing Team from Portsmouth City Council. Sessions are hosted by staff and a dedicated group of volunteers.
Carers, volunteers, and staff are part of the ongoing evaluation and development of the programme. This is done on a formal basis through surveys and an informal basis gathering qualitative evidence through conversations during and after the sessions.
All the resources for the activities are provided and there is no cost to carers to participate.
- Partners
Portsmouth Carers Service, Independence, and Wellbeing Team from Portsmouth City Council, Volunteers helpers, Carers
- Project duration
The programme commenced in 2013 and runs 51 weeks of the year, the exception being Christmas week.
- Key beneficiaries
Any adult carer (over 18), who is caring for a resident of Portsmouth postcodes PO1 to PO6. A carer is a person who is caring for a family member, friend or neighbour who has support needs and could not manage without that support.
This could include caring for someone with a long-term health condition, a physical or learning disability, a mental health condition, addiction, frailty, or a family caring for a child with additional needs.
Carers Cookery and Wellbeing Breaks Programme
Why we started this initiative
Activities which encourage carers to take a break from caring will support their physical and mental wellbeing and prevent carer stress and burnout.
We needed activities which carers could fit into their day, were no cost to carers, offered choice and variety and supported carer wellbeing.
Activities where people can talk and get to know each other are hosted in our own facility to keep overhead costs to a minimum. Involving volunteers, some of whom were previously carers, ensures that it’s a friendly, understanding and welcoming environment for the carers.
Our goals
The carers cookery and wellbeing programme aims to offer affordable, accessible activities which promote peer support, social engagement and importantly enable carers to relax and have fun.
Participation can prevent and reduce carer stress and reduce social isolation by encouraging carers to do something outside of the home. The activity sessions provide a relaxed and welcoming environment in which carers can talk openly to each other about their situations, providing an emotional release for carers and opportunities to share helpful information.
The sessions enable carers to build friendships and support each other strengthening their own personal support networks.
How we’re implementing it
The importance of taking a break from caring is something which is discussed in the carers assessment and publicised through our communication channels.
Carers who would like to participate in the programme can opt to receive the forthcoming monthly programme via email, paper copy by post or with a phone according to their carer’s preference. They submit their choice for the bookable activities, one cookery and one wellbeing activity and places are allocated by the carers service, giving priority to any new carers. When places have been allocated carers receive a confirmation with full joining details.
Varied venues
These help to provide choice and interest. Use the resources available to you either in your organisation or the local community. During the COVID restrictions, the programme moved outside, using the Portsmouth County Council allotments as a venue to stay and enjoy being in the natural environment. This proved to be a popular option with our carers, and this has continued.
Choice of days and times
Ensure that there are options for all types of carers. Many services are provided during office hours which can exclude working carers from participating. Acting on carer feedback, we now offer a monthly evening and weekend session which has proved to be very popular.
Seize opportunities for informal engagement and involvement.
Carers are a great source of information and ideas, we are curious and alert to conversations around the table and within the group and we act on those ideas. We have recently expanded our programme to offer craft, wellbeing, singing and creative writing.
Open the door to new possibilities.
Engaging people in activities can be the first step to finding out more about other support available. As the break sessions are hosted at the carers centre, this gives people the opportunity to find out more about other services and talk to our team.