Summary
Quarriers facilitated fortnightly peer group sessions for parent carers to help sustain them in their caring role. We held arts and craft activity sessions during holidays and supported children with an outing. This activity supported children to develop skills and make new friends whilst offering parent /carers a break.
What Caring Together did
The parent carer group was highly successful, the group we initially met on a monthly basis, however, as the group developed the group moved to a fortnightly basis. When the group started we had 3 parent / carers we now have 20 parent /carers attending regularly. This was due to their being a localised need for a parent / carer group in the local community. In total we have supported 30 parent / carers and 20 children.
The group was co-produced meaning that parent /carers were empowered to suggest community speakers to attend. Speakers included: advocacy organisations, a schools quality improvement officer, and a representative from Aberdeen Disabled Persons Housing. We were also visited by the ‘Fit Like Hub’, where parents / carers found out about supportive services in their community.
Parent / carers commented on the social connection gained within the group. Many parent / carers commented on how structured their lives need to be and how limiting this can be for them, therefore, the group provides a platform to share relatable experiences.
The group received 6 new referrals. The group is located in a regenerative area; therefore, parent / carers tend to have a range of needs and we offer first point of contact. The group is inclusive, and we support parent /carers of mixed ethnic backgrounds and people who have English as a second language.
Parent / carers identified they needed support during the holidays, therefore, we organised an outing to a trampoline park, for 12 children (aged 4-14) This provided play time for children and a break for parent / carers.
What Quarriers has learned
Project planning and budgeting: In terms of project planning and budgeting we were able to be responsive and flexible to the needs of the group, for example, increasing the frequency of the group from once per month to fortnightly. We found that 1 year to set up a parent carer group plus playscheme was challenging as we were unable to source a qualified play therapist for the hours of the project that the group demanded.
Targeting families most in need: The group was run in a regeneration area this meant that we were able to support families most in need. We had families who came forward requesting support for multiple needs, not those just associated with being a parent/ carer for a child with ASN needs, therefore, we fell that we targeted the right families and community. For many families were the first point of contact and where our advice and expertise ended we then signposted and supported parent / carers onto supportive services in the community, such as food banks, citizens advice, legal aid and housing associations etc.
Reaching out and engaging with new families: The group received 6 new referrals and these referrals were received largely through word of mouth. When parent / carers came we would register them, and this helped to open them up to wider supports in the community, such as other services offered by Quarriers or other 3rd sector organisations.
Developing new short break activities: We found that 1 year to set up a parent carer group plus playscheme was challenging as we were unable to source a qualified play therapist for the hours of the project that the group demanded. Going forward we plan to establish a playscheme during school holidays, as this is when parent / carers felt that most support was needed.
Partnership working: Throughout the project we worked collaboratively with a number of organisations such as advocacy organisations, a schools quality improvement officer, and a representative from Aberdeen Disabled Persons Housing. We have been asked to partner up with the ‘Fit Like Hub’ to deliver a kinship carer group for carers who have kinship of a child with ASN needs.
Dealing with unexpected challenges or opportunities: We were unable to secure a play therapist for fortnightly delivery, however, we were able to source a play therapist and 3 childcare practitioners to deliver 3 sessions (of 3 hours each time) of play therapy information and advice, as well as how to support routine at home. Parent / carers identified they needed support during the holidays, therefore, we organised an outing to a trampoline park, for 12 children (aged 4-14) This provided play time for children and a break for parent / carers.
Finding other sources of Funding: Due to community need we plan to continue to deliver the parent / carer group and we are looking towards funding the group through HSCP funds via the carers strategy implementation group.
How Quarriers has benefitted from the funding
Pilot a new service: Better Breaks funding has been essential in terms of enabling Quarriers to start a new parent / carer group in Aberdeen. This project was a new project and piloted this year and was highly successful.
Develop new partnerships or links? We have been asked to partner up with the ‘Fit Like Hub’ to deliver a kinship carer group for carers who have kinship of a child with ASN needs. This will be a new service for people in the local community. Without this new pilot service and funding from Better Breaks, these opportunities would not have opened up to us.
Strengthened your organisations representation? Within the local area parent / carers have identified Quarriers as the ‘go to’ organisation for information, advice and support. This has come about due to the group being a regular presence in the community. We have registered 6 new parent / carers who have gone on to receive further support from Quarriers wider services.
Expand your services to a new location? This project enabled Quarriers to work within a new community and helped us to reach particularly vulnerable parent / carers due to the group being located in a regenerative community. Due to the success of the parent / carers group we which to continue the group in the same area of Tillydrone.
Secure other funding? Through the success of the programme we are able to continue our work and have sought HSCP funding to secure element of the group into the future.
Build on your skills, knowledge and capacity? Better Breaks has helped us to open up new and varied clubs (such as groups for kinship carers) and activities so that we can deliver targeted and bespoke groups for a community of diverse parent / carers. We will use the skill, knowledge and community networks gained and apply these within our new groups.
Project Outcomes
Outcome
12 children under the age of 20 who have ASN needs have come together and enjoyed using the outdoor space that the community facility offers. Children enjoyed the trampoline park and meeting up with their friends. We have found that children have mainly attended during holiday time and during this period we were able to offer arts and craft activities. This is an aspect of the programme we are looking to develop into the future.
Results
Yes this outcome was achieved. 12 children under the age of 20 who have ASN needs have come together and enjoyed using the outdoor space that the community facility offers. Children enjoyed the trampoline park and meeting up with their friends. We have found that children have mainly attended during holiday time and during this period we were able to offer arts and craft activities. This is an aspect of the programme we are looking to develop into the future.
Case study
John is 10 and Mark is 11. John and Mark both had difficult education journeys. John had not been in a classroom environment for 2 years and Mark is on a part-time timetable and is in a classroom on his own with a teacher. Both boys come from vulnerable families, so have other vulnerabilities and needs in addition to their ASN needs. They were both socially isolated both within education and within their communities.
Our group opened the door to the two children to express themselves in a safe and secure environment. Activities provided were tailored to them and their cognitive needs. The group provided a non-demanding environment, as both boys have autism diagnosis with a pathological avoidance profile. Having no demands placed on them, helped them to open up and practice their social skills. Each boy recognised the same difficulties in one another, as they could see that they both struggle with the same issues. Both boys have now developed a strong friendship and meet up outwith the group.
It is evident for both young boys, that their confidence and self-esteem has increased. As a direct result of the group both boys are managing their education better, their school timetables have been increased, and both boys are enjoying school more. The boy’s parents have also struck up a friendship, and find support in one another as their journeys are very similar.
Outcome
Parent carers will have a network of friendships and be connected to their local community, knowing where to go to for support, information and advice. Parent/carers will also continue to receive a break via the parent / carers group in addition to accessing other supportive services in the community such as short breaks for carers. Parent will also be connected to services for their cared for child, meaning when their child is away enjoying fun and educational activities or overnight support, they will also receive a break.
Results
We had 30 parent carers come along. This group provided the opportunity for parent / carers to have a break and build new friendships. The parent carers have built strong relationships and now meet outside of the group, being a source and network of support for one another.
Case study
Anna was isolated in her caring role and had very little peer support and no wider family network. When Anna came along to the group, she recognised another parent / carer who had a child at the same school her son attended. The parents developed a close friendship that has developed to where they look after each other’s children, which gives each parent / carer a break from time to time. This is really valued by each parent / carer and is also a unique situation as it allowed each parent to leave their child (who has ASN) with a trusted and experienced carer.
Outcome
Carers will be connected to their local community and know of a range of supportive services where they can seek information and advice. Carers will also have a network of friends whom they seek advice and support from.
Results
The group has been beneficial to parent / carers, as they have been able to meet up with other parent/ carers and develop friendships. Many parent / carers meet up out with the group and they find this to be a great source of support. The group has also been run in a co-produced way where we listened to the needs of parent / carers and organised community speakers based on their preferences and regular feedback.
Carers have expressed that education is an important area for them as they often feel that their children’s needs are not being fully met in mainstream education, which led to the parent / carer group hosting an information and question session with Aberdeen Council’s Quality Improvement Officer. This provided parents an insight in terms of the standards to expect and contact referral information.
We also had a range of other 3rd sector organisations come along to the group g one including the ‘Fit like Hub’ who offered information and advice that covered a range of issues such as education, parent support, training, and information on services that work directly with children.
We also held a session with a Financial Inclusion Officer from Aberdeen City Council and parents / carers found this especially useful as they were able to receive advice on maximising entitled benefits as well as general advice on benefits for those parent/carers that are currently working. This supported parent / carers to feel less anxious about their finances, (especially in the current cost of living crisis) all of which really helped them to focus on their caring roles and other life and family commitments they have.
Case study
Case study: Vicki cares for her 18 year old daughter who has a diagnosis of autism and a learning disability. The 18 year old daughter fell pregnant and the pre-birth social work team became involved. Vicki had nowhere to turn, she’s didn’t no where to go for support. Vicki then came along to the group and openly shared what was going on within her family.
Elaine (Quarriers parent carer advisor) then arranged a 1:1 support with Vicki after the meeting and we then worked with Vicki to refer her to advocacy service, kinship team and children’s right services. Vicki is now applying for kinship care of her granddaughter and is looking forward to taking up this caring role in the future. Vicki said “It's groups like yours that save parents I believe wholeheartedly that if support groups cafes etc didn't exist then parents’ carers and kids would be failed so much more.” Below is a more detailed quote from Vicki and other parent/carers.
Vicki said: “I only speak the truth without groups like yours us carers and parents would be lost. You see in them (carers) when they (carers) settle into the group being more confident open. [For example] asking more once they realise, they have help and support. It's like the weight of the world has been lifted off. I’m sure you can relate there's nothing worse than feeling like you’re alone and failed and don't know where to turn. It's groups like yours that save parents I believe wholeheartedly that if support groups cafes etc didn't exist then parents’ carers and kids would be failed so much more. Meeting Elaine (Quarriers parent carer advisor) was an eye opener for me. If ever we need a feel-good day, it's when we see you at every meeting. There's been a few laughs and I for sure enjoy coming along.”
Gita said: “I am going there because of other parents that are there that are in the same situation as myself. I get a chance to learn more English and practice my English knowledge as no one is judging me. I like that I can speak my mind and people listen and give me good advice. I love it that (Elaine- Quarriers parent carer advisor) is leading it and I trust her as she has helped me so much and I don’t know where I would be without her amazing help and support.”
Shahnaz said: “Thanks very much for supporting parents / carers and inviting them to the Carers cafe. Every time I attended the Carers cafe, I went home with lots of beneficial information. This is a safe place for Carers and they can discuss their problems and can take advice from parents cares advisor.”
Tina said: “The knowledge Ealine (Quarriers parent carer) has in her role is spectacular she never fails to amaze us with the right advice and is always welcoming, funny and just the best.”
Laura said: “Long may it continue.”
Outcome
Disabled children and young people will have a network for friends and be connected to a variety of clubs, and fun activities where they can practice their skills and build their confidence and self-esteem. Through knowing that their loved ones are taking part in fun activities, parent / carers will be able to take a break from their caring role and focus on their own wellbeing for example meeting up with friends, or attending supportive groups and cafes, similar to those our group offers.
Results
The group offered mental health and wellbeing support to the parents and carers of the group. Parents and Carers found the peer support element especially helpful in terms of supporting their mental health and wellbeing. The group also offered a safe place for carers to discuss issues that are going on in their lives, that they wouldn’t feel comfortable in sharing anywhere else. Lots of carers have commented that they feel they have been able to share intimate issues or feelings without feeling judged. Some carers said that they live very rigged lifestyles which are set to a routine, which many of their friends don’t understand so coming to the group helps them to meet with other carers whom they can relate with because they are going through the same experiences. The group is also led by someone with lived experience of caring for a child with Additional Support Needs (ASN), and participants appreciate this person’s 1st hand knowledge and experience.
Case study
Katie aged 8 is a young carer who at home felt that her brother's needs were always getting met before her own. Before attending the group Katie had few friends and was low in confidence. When Katie came to the group she was able to meet Toni another young carer and she identified immediately “You’re just like me. You also have a brother like mine [meaning with ASN]". The two carers bonded and have created a special friendship. Katie and Toni’s parents recognise the importance of the relationship and now support the children to maintain friendships outwith the group by arranging playdates. Both young people are really happy and have grown in confidence. This was also important learning for the parents, as they hadn’t realised this is what their children were missing.
Sally is 19 and is a young mum to her daughter, Emma who is 2 and has a rare genetic condition. When Sally first came to the group Sally was very quiet and had a low mood but over a period of 3 months, Sally began to open up. When Sally chose to open up, she disclosed what her childhood had been like, for example, that she had experienced childhood abuse and that when she was 13 she was removed from her family home and went to live with foster parents. Due to all the abuse Sally suffered she was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. Elaine (Quarriers parent/carer advisor) then supported Sally on a 1:1 basis to access medical support and advice. Sally was referred to a CPN and once she started seeing the CPN her confidence grew and she began to share more in the group with things that she was struggling with, for example, parenting skills. Sally took on board everything suggested to her by the group, such as using visual aids and timetables, which then improved her confidence in parenting. Sally has increased her confidence and everyone can see at the group that she is happy and smiling. Sally has also made friends at the group and enjoys meeting up with them outside of the group.