Downpatrick – day trip for carers

During Covid, those associated with the carers support group in Downpatrick have had additional challenges. The loved ones they have cared for have had their routine changed with community centres, day centres being closed. This has put extra pressure on the carers and they have had little time to themselves or no respite. The funding will be used for organising a spa/relaxation day for those carers to make them feel valued and help give them some “me “ time. A morning of relaxation, followed by lunch would allow those carers to get respite from their caring duties and allow them to enjoy some time with others in a relaxed atmosphere.

Pre Covid, our service users would have enjoyed an annual trip to somewhere they wouldn’t have been able to go to on their own with the support from staff. A bus would have been hired and a group of clients would chose where they would like to go – eg the Aviation Centre. We will therefore use the rest of the funding for a trip up the Antrim coast for Downpatrick service users. This money would cover the cost of the bus hire plus lunch will be provided. Many of the clients have been isolating or have had little or no interaction with anyone the past few years, so by providing this day trip we would be helping clients re-engage with others, redevelop the friendships they had with other members and help improve their general wellbeing.