Interlink RCT, in collaboration with Voluntary Action Merthyr Tydfil, is running a project to ensure carers in some of the most deprived areas of Wales can access the Short Breaks Scheme.
Through this project, ten community organisations across Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil have been funded to deliver a powerful programme of short breaks that offer carers a much‑needed moment to breathe. During the first four months, 436 carers and 228 cared‑for individuals have taken part in activities designed to give them rest, connection and moments of joy.
The breaks ranged from creative workshops and wellbeing sessions to overnight stays and festive events, all crafted to support the emotional, social and physical wellbeing of carers.
Many projects centred their short breaks around art, gentle creativity, relaxation therapies and opportunities to unwind.
Stephens and George Charitable Trust delivered mosaic‑making, printmaking, reflexology and aromatherapy, as well as a Halloween afternoon tea. Carers spoke of feeling the weight lift during sessions designed purely for them:
One male carer shared:
It was great to meet other male carers. I realised I’m not the only one feeling like this.
For some carers, the first meaningful break in years came through Gelli Life for Living’s supported three‑day stay at Butlins. Carers described the weekend as life‑changing:
“For a few days, I could be just me – not a carer. I didn’t realise how burnt out I was until I had the space to breathe.”
For others, simply being away from home with peers who understood their situation brought relief, solidarity, and renewed energy to return to their caring roles.
Growing Spaces created gentle, grounding activities - nature crafts, recycled‑materials art sessions, and creative workshops that helped carers reset and build confidence.
One carer shared:
The activity was a wonderful experience to distract my mind from sad events… I had fun and really enjoyed it.
For young carers, creative transition workshops provided a rare space to express themselves, develop skills, and connect with others facing similar challenges.
Age Connects Morgannwg offered a dual approach: shared meals for carers and their loved ones, and one‑to‑one wellbeing treatments just for the carers.
One carer, aged in his 80s, described the impact of attending lunch with his wife and familiar peers: “It makes such a difference when we all meet up together… We seize any opportunity like this because we can support each other.”
The simple pleasure of food, company and understanding made a meaningful difference.
The ARC Project provided 22 sessions of “The Thursday Afternoon Club,” giving male carers a safe, social, structured environment with activities ranging from cooking to music.
Participants described it as essential:
This is a lifeline for both of us.
Yesterday I felt so alone—thank you for being there with the tea and for listening.
Carers were also supported through personalised care planning, connection to services, and emotional guidance, demonstrating how short breaks can extend far beyond the session itself.
Through low‑pressure art and craft workshops, Neurobusiness supported neurodiverse carers and those caring for neurodiverse people. The sessions were small, calm and flexible, designed to meet people where they were.
“It helped me feel recharged and gave me something to look forward to.”
Some carers even became volunteers, gaining renewed purpose and contribution.
The Gellideg Foundation Group offered afternoon teas, pamper sessions, cinema nights and socials, with powerful emotional benefits for carers and cared‑for individuals.
One carer supporting her adult daughter after a stroke shared:
“I hadn’t seen my daughter look so happy in a long time… It made me so happy to see her smiling.”
Behaviour Support Hub offered overnight respite, chocolate‑making workshops, a murder mystery night and festive crafts to parents caring for children with ALN, ASD and ADHD.
The impact was profound:
I was burnt out, anxious and terrified… This break reminded me I matter.
One parent described feeling “renewed” and able to continue being the advocate their children need.
Finally, Cwm Taf People First delivered evening outings, a mini‑festival and Christmas party, giving carers time off when they needed it most.
As one carer put it:
“Without this service, we wouldn’t have the opportunity to have a short break from the caring role, especially when working full time.”
For many, evenings were the only time a break was possible.
Across Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Tydfil, small but powerful spaces were created, where carers could breathe, laugh, connect and simply be themselves. Whether through a creative workshop, a shared meal, a weekend away or a quiet moment with others who understand, these Short Breaks provided something carers rarely receive: time for themselves.