Back in the saddle
Outcome: Carers will have more opportunities to enjoy a life outside of caring.
*Alex a young carer who helps look after their mum who has a mental illness which can mean frequent episodes of extreme mood swings which last for a while. Alex supports their mum a lot: helping with personal care as well as household tasks and cooking.
But this means Alex can have little time for relaxing or socialising with friends their own age. Other family members step in to look after Alex’s mum so that Alex can get a break.
Alex used a Time to Live grant to buy a saddle, and book horse riding lessons. This gave them the freedom to visit horses whenever there was time.
“I have been spending more time riding horses and its now my hobby. I feel more independent and happier within myself.”
Alex recognises that being able to enjoy this hobby at times that suit helps them cope with caring better and not only do they have more patience, they feel happier all round.