We are delighted that our funding to Healthy Minds Matter CIC made such a valuable impact in the lives of 9 carers. Our award of £2,990 helped to deliver a six-month wellbeing programme for carers that has created long lasting change for the beneficiaries.
The programme supported a carers through a combination of practical mental health workshops, group coaching and peer support that provided a safe and supportive space to allow participants to focus on their own wellbeing.
Carers carry a significant emotional, physical and financial burden, often providing round-the-clock support to a dependent loved one. The demands of caring often mean that carers put their own needs, wellbeing and social lives aside, often leading to carers experiencing low mood or even depression and anxiety.
This wellbeing group, led by experienced psychologists Andrea and Tracy, introduced carers to practical coping strategies to help manage the pressures of daily life and stop them feeling so overwhelmed. Through breathing exercises, resilience-building activities and strength-based techniques, participants developed skills that will continue to benefit them long after the programme has ended. Reflecting on the impact of the course, one participant said “I have got more skills for managing things now.”
Eight of the nine participants recorded an improved wellbeing score by the end of the programme, finding they had increased their confidence, self-understanding and self-worth. Combined with improved personal boundaries, participants felt better equipped to move forward in their everyday lives. As a result, many felt more confident about making positive changes, including socialising more, setting personal goals such as volunteering and even returning to work.
Andrea said “The combination of practical psychological tools, facilitated coaching and a supportive peer environment appears to have been particularly important in helping participants apply what they learned to their everyday lives.”
The power of the group lay not only in the professional support provided, but also in the connection shared between carers who truly understood each other’s experiences and we are delighted our £2,990 grant enabled this lasting change.
