Service User Testimonial

Kelly joined our Butterfly Breaks programme as a single mother caring for two young children with additional needs. Both of her children have autism and due to the level of care required, Kelly had to give up her employment to support them full-time. As a result, her day to day life was centred entirely around her caring responsibilities, leaving little opportunity for respite or time to focus on her own wellbeing. Kelly also shared that she often felt isolated, as she struggled to find others who understood the challenges she faced and had very limited support in her daily life.

Through Butterfly Breaks, Kelly was able to take two hours each week to focus on her own wellbeing. Initially, she did not realise how much she needed this dedicated time for herself. The group provided a supportive environment where she connected with other carers in similar situations, helping her feel less alone. Over the course of the programme, Kelly built meaningful relationships within the group and the holistic therapies and wellbeing activities provided additional support for her mental and emotional wellbeing.

By the end of the programme, Kelly felt motivated to take positive steps forward. She decided to join the Hub as a volunteer, wanting to give back to a service that had supported her so significantly. Kelly began by assisting with administrative tasks at the Hub, drawing on her previous experience working as a receptionist. This helped her regain confidence and reintroduce structure and routine into her life.

With support from our Volunteer Coordinator, Kelly then expressed an interest in training in holistic therapies so she could offer the same support and positive experience to other service users. At the same time, the confidence she gained encouraged her to contact Routes to Work to explore returning to employment on a part-time basis while continuing her caring role. Kelly has since taken part in several training sessions through Routes to Work to support her journey back into employment.

Most recently, Kelly completed Swedish massage training at the Hub and now supports our Friday Community Hub. Her confidence and sense of self have grown significantly and she now feels able to prioritise her own wellbeing alongside her caring responsibilities. The impact of the programme has been transformative for Kelly, helping her move forward not only as a carer but also as an individual with renewed confidence, purpose and connection within her community.