Local carers were welcomed to our Kilwinning Campus recently for a specially designed respite day called ‘Time for Me’.
The event was created by Leeann Lavery from Irvine, who is studying Wellness and Complementary Therapies (Level 7), to offer a warm and welcoming environment and provide much-needed respite for local carers. This included time for relaxation treatments, tea, cake and companionship.
As a carer for her father and a former social worker, Leeann knows firsthand the challenges carers face. She said: "Being a carer is demanding, both physically and emotionally, and can feel isolating at times. I wanted to create a space where carers could focus on themselves for once, even if just for a couple of hours. The feedback we received from attendees shows how much this kind of event is needed."
One attendee explained: “After years of looking for help, it was by chance that Carers Gateway told me about this event. Hopefully I will find myself more ‘me time’ and this event has shown me that I also matter too”.
The event went hand-in-hand with Leeann's participation in the Scotcol Accelerator programme. This is a seven-week-long course is aimed at students in Scottish colleges to help them think about the early stages of commercialisation for fledgling business ideas. Students from Ayrshire College, Borders College and Edinburgh College participated in the course which was hosted by Boutique Innovation in collaboration with Interface. Students learned the fundamentals of customer discovery and product design as well as value proposition design and an introduction to business modelling.
Leeann chose a red colour theme for the event in honour of her late mother’s favourite colour; it added vibrancy to the day. From flowers to clothing, the colour symbolised the visibility and recognition Leeann believes carers deserve. The relaxation treatments were delivered by Leeann and Wellness and Complementary Therapies students, supported by cake donations from Tesco Irvine Community Fund and GG’s Coffee Shop & Sports Lounge at The Gailes Hotel in Irvine.
Ann Stevenson from Carers Gateway, who attended the event, was full of praise: "It was fantastic to see such a thoughtful initiative come to life. The carers truly appreciated the treatments and the chance to connect with others who share similar experiences. Leeann’s passion and effort shone through every detail."
Peggy Morgan, Curriculum Quality Manager for Creative, Hair, Beauty, Complementary Therapies & Make-Up Artistry at Ayrshire College, added: "Leeann exemplifies the heart and determination we aim to nurture at Ayrshire College. The event was a testament to her dedication and the skills she’s honed during her studies. We’re incredibly proud of what she’s accomplished."
As Leeann prepares to further her studies in Integrative Healthcare at the University of the Highlands and Islands in September, she hopes to build on the success of this pilot event and is already exploring opportunities to run similar events in the future.
Leeann added: “My lecturers encouraged me every step of the way and gave me the freedom to plan this event. The College has helped me gain the confidence and skills I need to make a difference for carers in our community."
More information:
Feedback from other participants
“Was so glad to meet other carers that I have enjoyed my time with at this event”
“Thanks so much or a lovely day yesterday, it was everything I needed. From the lovely massage, tea and cake and friendly people, I enjoyed it so much”
Carers Gateway North Ayrshire is operated by Unity Enterprise and provides support and services to unpaid carers in Inverclyde, North Ayrshire and South Ayrshire. Unity also provides support services for adults with learning disabilities across Inverclyde, East Dunbartonshire, Glasgow, and West Dunbartonshire. For more information visit www.unity-enterprise.com.