For many carers, everyday life leaves little room to pause. Responsibilities are constant, needs are complex, and even planning a short outing can feel overwhelming. Credu’s Short Breaks programme is about changing that, creating moments where carers and families can step away from daily pressures and feel supported.
With support from the Short Breaks Scheme, Credu delivered activities across North Wales, Ceredigion and Powys between April 2025 and March 2026. During that time, over 1,100 carers - including more than 760 young carers - benefited from a break shaped around their lives.
Family days out to places like Greenwood Family Park, Park Hall Farm and Folly Farm gave families the chance to spend time together away from home, often something they could not afford or manage alone.
What made the difference was the support around the activity: help with booking, funded transport, familiar staff and reassurance on the day. For families living with anxiety, additional needs or complex caring situations, this turned a potentially stressful experience into something genuinely positive.
One parent says:
This was one of the least stressful days we’ve ever had out.
For young carers, short breaks offered time that was just for them. Credu delivered activity days, trips and residential breaks - from ice skating and inflatable play to escape rooms and a residential stay in Cardiff.
These breaks helped young carers relax, meet others with similar experiences and build confidence. Staff saw new friendships form and quieter young people start to come out of their shells.
One mum shared about her child: “She has friends now. She doesn’t feel like the only one anymore.”
Credu tells us, “ We have also seen that a well-matched break can act as a gateway into ongoing support, strengthening longer-term resilience for both the young carer and the wider family.”
Not all carers wanted busy days out. Many told Credu they needed something calmer and easier to manage.
In response, Credu delivered wellbeing days - including spa and lunch sessions and creative activities - designed to offer rest, connection and a gentle pace. Carers described these days as welcoming, pressure‑free and focused on their own wellbeing.
One carer said simply:
It was something for me, without feeling guilty.
Credu explains: “These wellbeing days supported adult carers, many of whom were older carers, to take meaningful time away from their caring roles. Feedback shows a strong positive impact on carers’ emotional wellbeing, confidence, and sense of connection. Carers reported feeling relaxed, energised and valued, highlighting how rare it is for them to prioritise their own needs.
“The group setting helped reduce isolation, with several carers describing how much they benefited from spending time with others who “understood” their situation. One carer shared that they felt “seen, heard and welcomed,” while another reflected that the day had made a noticeable difference to their mood, health and confidence. We also heard that these wellbeing days encourage carers to actively think about how they can continue to look after themselves.”
Carers spoke about feeling calmer, supported and more confident - better able to continue caring because someone had taken time to care for them too.
Credu saw that the impact of short breaks often continued long after the activity ended. Carers stayed in touch, friendships grew, confidence increased and many took their first steps into wider support.
One carer summed it up:
I felt welcome, seen and heard.
Credu’s work shows how short breaks can be truly preventative when they are shaped by what carers say they need. By reducing barriers and offering different types of breaks for different lives, Credu helped carers rest, reconnect and feel less alone - strengthening their ability to continue caring.