During 2025–26, C3SC was delighted to run the Unpaid Carers “Short Breaks” Grant Scheme, working with groups and organisations across Cardiff and the Vale who support unpaid carers.
In line with national guidance, a short break is defined as:
“Any break which strengthens and/or sustains informal caring relationships and enhances the wellbeing of carers and the people they support. This may be achieved through a service, an activity, or an item.”
The Impact, in Numbers
Throughout the year, the fund has supported:
- 2,179 carers to benefit from a short break — of whom 941 were new to the organisation or scheme (more than three times the number anticipated)
- 2,553 people in receipt of care who directly benefitted from the short break alongside their carers
What Groups Told Us
The lived-experience model and approach taken ensured activities were relevant and responsive, contributing to strong engagement and repeat participation — including from new members and service users.
The funding made it possible to involve people in everyday activities, such as getting together for lunch, that they would otherwise not have been able to afford:
“These days out are such a treat for us, as it’s something we usually feel guilty about if it required spending money — the cost of items in cafés or lunches out has skyrocketed, so it’s one of the things we rarely do anymore.”
Many of the activities introduced through the scheme will continue beyond the funding period, so carers can keep accessing support, stay connected with peers, and continue enjoying the activities that have meant so much to them. Participants have said they would like to keep taking part even after the funding ends — and the programme has also strengthened regional partnership working.
Summary of Findings
The programmes delivered by participating groups received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with carers reporting reduced stress levels, improved emotional wellbeing, and stronger family relationships. A number of common themes emerged from feedback shared by both providers and participants.
The need for flexible, accessible support
The programme highlighted the breadth and diversity of need among carers, and the importance of flexible, accessible options:
“Long waiting times for diagnosis, limited post-diagnostic support, and systemic barriers leave many families isolated and unsupported. Our lived experience-led model fills these gaps by offering unpaid carers support that meets their needs, especially for those who fall outside traditional service thresholds.”
Small interventions, big impact
Many carers benefited from what might seem like small, low-tier interventions — a day out, or joining a group of fellow carers for lunch — yet described the impact as profound. One parent, who has a disability and supports a child with disabilities, shared:
“Thank you for your time today. I felt that I achieved more in our session than I did during five years of therapy. I feel that a massive weight has been lifted… I now feel that my feelings are valid, and for the first time ever I feel listened to. Thank you x”
Listening and responding to diverse needs
Participants emphasised the importance of understanding diverse needs and shaping provision around them. One provider explained:
“Ongoing consultation played a vital role in shaping our offer. Feedback gathered through our club sessions, regular consultations, and six-month reviews helped us understand what young carers wanted from the project and what support they needed.”
Feedback from young carers and their families reflected this impact. A parent of a young carer said the scheme had:
“Given my child the opportunity to socialise with other young people who are in similar situations.”
Another family shared:
“Thank you for this opportunity, we would not have visited here otherwise.”
And from a young carer themselves:
“I loved the trip… it was amazing.”
Different needs call for different formats
Flexibility in delivery was essential. Some participants — particularly those with young families — preferred activities brought to them and delivered locally in familiar venues. Others, notably younger and older carers, often preferred trips or time away.
One provider supporting older carers reflected:
“The two-night stay felt too short; it seemed like we had just arrived when it was already time to leave. A longer duration would have been more beneficial.”
Meanwhile, a provider supporting parents noted the importance of flexibility around respite itself:
“While we aim to offer respite opportunities, we recognise that respite can also be achieved when carers attend with their cared-for individual. To avoid creating additional barriers, we supported carers in bringing their cared-for individuals where needed.”
Extending reach through funding
Providers consistently reflected on the positive difference the extra funding made — not only to the activities themselves, but to their reach and their ability to attract new carers through an expanded and better-promoted suite of activities.
The value of peer connection
Time and again, carers spoke of the importance of connecting with others who understand the pressures of caring. One provider summed this up:
“Participants valued peer support without judgement and the opportunity to learn new coping strategies.”
As one service user put it simply:
“Connecting with others who understood was really important.”
What’s Next
C3SC is currently bidding to Cardiff and Vale Health Board to continue these fantastic Short Breaks grants. We’ll update our website and bulletins as soon as we have further information.
