We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded £250 from EyUp! the South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust charity via their Family, Friends and Carers Matter Funding Forum.

This generous funding allows us to build on last year’s highly popular ‘Time to Breathe’ project, which gave carers living in Barnsley a chance to take a well-earned break by joining in a range relaxation activities including Yoga, Massage and Tai Chi.  

When applying for this new package of Eyup! Funding, we asked carers what they would like to explore next. Anna Barrett, the Barnsley Carers Service Service Manager, said, “The feedback we received demonstrated that carers really want to get their creative juices flowing and would like to explore using Art Therapy as a means of expressing their thoughts and feeling.”

We know carers can often feel isolated, frustrated and overwhelmed with their caring responsibilities. Gary, a local carer, said, “Sometimes I don’t know how I feel, never mind how to explain it.”   Louise a carer living in Barnsley said, “I’d like something where I can just be creative and not feel like I have to talk if I don’t want to.”

Art Therapy allows people to express their feelings without ever having to say a word. It is proven to reduce stress, improve mental wellbeing and is encourages people to connect with others who understand the pressures which come with caring for a loved one.

This exciting award enables us to contract a qualified Art Therapist who will lead three the 2-hour sessions which will take place at our Barnsley Offices. 

We will be releasing more details soon, so please watch this space for further announcements!