Thanks to funding from the Short Breaks Scheme, Interlink RCT has been able to support ten grassroots organisations across Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taf. Among them is The Behaviour Support Hub, a passionate team of parents helping fellow parents and carers of neurodivergent children. Through the scheme, they organised a truly special break, which they share with us here…..
In late September, a group of parent carers enjoyed a peaceful break at Vale Farm Cottages in Brecon.
It was a chance to step away from the everyday pressures of caring, to slow down, relax, and focus entirely on themselves. The Welsh hills, fresh air, and wide-open skies made it the perfect place to rest, laugh, and simply be.
The cottages tucked into the rolling hills were a perfect place to breathe. With birdsong and fresh air, parent carers could slow down, stretch out, and enjoy time that was truly their own. Some went for gentle walks, others soaked in the hot tub, and a few simply curled up with a cup of tea while the world waited patiently outside.
One of the highlights of the weekend was a group aromatherapy session. Parent carers learned how different oils can help with wellbeing, from calming anxiety to lifting energy, and each created their own personal blend to take home. It was a lovely reminder that small acts of self-care can make a real difference.
The group took part in a pizza-making session, helped prepare meals for the group like jacket potatoes, and enjoyed evenings filled with laughter and shared stories. Between the food, the conversations, and relaxing in the hot tub under the wide Welsh skies, there was a wonderful balance of rest, connection, and doing very important research on how long you can stay in the hot tub without turning into a prune.
Here is what some of our parent carers shared about the experience.
What was your favourite moment of the weekend?
‘I can’t pick one, the laughter, the cwtches, the connections, the mist on the mountains, being upside down on the swing. Every moment intertwines to make a breathtakingly beautiful memory.’
How did it feel to have time just for yourself?
‘Calm and relaxing, I had time to think about situations at home, and clear my mind of some worries. The advice from the other parents also made me feel that I wasn’t on my own or going mad.‘
Did you laugh or smile more than usual? What made you laugh?
‘So many things, fresh air, fresh clean air, come to that, green space, blue space. Talking about things in common, shared experiences, and being able to find humour in our hardship.’
What was your favourite way to relax or unwind?
‘Sitting in the quiet. Closing my eyes. Sitting by the fire. Also loved the guided meditation we did.’
What is one thing from this weekend you will take home with you?
‘Friends, new strategies, coping mechanisms, and knowing I need time to myself.’
If you could describe the weekend in one word, what would it be?
‘No I can’t, not in one word. I have a few: connection, cwtch, peace, breathe, laughter, understanding, renewing and stunning. Thank you!’
It was a weekend of simple joys, calm moments, and plenty of laughter. It reminded everyone that taking care of yourself is not selfish; it is essential. Parent carers give so much to their families and communities that they often forget to give to themselves. This retreat was a gentle nudge to pause, unwind, and maybe even spend a few hours doing absolutely nothing without feeling the slightest bit guilty.
We are so grateful to the Short Breaks Scheme for making this possible. It gave parent carers the gift of rest, connection, and a chance to return home feeling lighter, calmer, and re-energised.
About The Behaviour Support Hub
At The Behaviour Support Hub, we know that when parent carers are well, families and communities thrive. That is why we offer support, resources, and wellbeing services specifically for parent carers, helping them feel valued, supported, and able to keep going strong.