Carers enjoy visit to beautiful Garregllwyd

Many carers are spending well over 50 hours a week caring for a family member or friend who is sick or disabled. Far too often they’re doing this alone and without support, juggling countless unseen tasks very day – from personal care to cooking, planning medication and attending appointments. Getting a bit of time to themselves – even if it’s for just a few short hours – can feel like a pipe dream.

This is why Carers Trust work so hard to help give carers a break and some much-needed time away from their caring role. For many years they have worked with us to arrange planned visits for carers to some of the most beautiful gardens across the UK.

And as part of this year’s events marking the 30^th anniversary of our partnership with the Carers Trust, they organised an extra special garden visit.

Around twenty five carers from Credu Carers Centre in Powys, central Wales, visited Garregllwyd, a lovely garden nestled into the rolling countryside of Powys in mid Wales. Commenting on the day National Garden Scheme CEO Dr Richard Claxton said: “I was privileged to be part of the visit to Garreglwyd and to hear directly from carers about the challenges they face , as well as the difference that a day like this can make. What struck me most was the sense of relief, friendship and joy that the garden created. Gardens have a remarkable ability to help us slow down, reconnect and restore our wellbeing.

As we celebrate 30 years of partnership with Carers Trust, this visit was a powerful reminder that the funds raised through National Garden Scheme gardens do far more than support charities financially. They also help create opportunities for experiences that can genuinely lift people’s spirits and improve quality of life. And they help to build communities. There is so much power and potential for good in our gardens.”

The garden was established by a carer, Stephanie Morgan. Her family moved into the house and garden so they could carry on caring for her father who has Parkinsons. The visit was particularly special for Stephanie who has received support over the years from Credu Carers Centre. Reflecting on the garden’s importance to her life as a carer, Stephanie said:

“This garden has been so important for our wellbeing over the years, knowing what it is like being a full-time carer”.

For a few precious hours, carers were able to get away from the here and now as they walked around the lakes and among bluebells and rhododendrons. They were also able to sit down and talk to fellow carers over tea and cake.

Stephen, one of the carers enjoying the visit, said:

“It’s a really good opportunity to be here this afternoon because it’s relaxing and I find it really therapeutic being outside in nature.”

Julia Gorman, Powys Team Lead at Credu Carers said: “We were delighted to be invited to Garregllwyd by the National Garden Scheme and Carers Trust, with support from Susan Payton, Regional Chair for Wales and the Marches. During the visit, Dr Richard Claxton, CEO of National Garden Scheme spoke about the many benefits of gardening and spending time in nature, including reducing stress, improving wellbeing and helping people feel more connected. It was a powerful reminder of how important green spaces can be for unpaid carers. A special thank you to Stephanie for inviting us and making us feel so welcome and to all the wonderful National Garden Scheme volunteers who looked after us so well throughout the afternoon”.