Offering welcome break for county’s carers

Posted: 18th March 2022

We welcomed carers who spend their days tirelessly looking after others and treated them to a day of massage, hairdressing and beauty pampering.

We held our annual Carers’ Day this month which is designed to give people who look after others some respite and a little me-time – with pupils on hand to show them around the services on offer.

A steady stream of visitors enjoyed everything from Indian head massage, reflexology and hair styling to flowering arranging, cake decorating and tile painting. They were also treated to lunch and musical entertainment provided by the pupils.

Representatives from Age UK, Carers’ Support, Mid Sussex Voluntary Action and Apetito Meals on Wheels also manned stands so that carers could easily access any information they needed.

Guests hugely enjoyed the time to themselves, with a chance to chat and socialize too, with one commenting: “I found the day to be incredibly uplifting. When I arrived I was feeling a little distressed but by the time I went home I had a real smile on my face.”

Another added: “I’d really like to thank the young girl in year nine, Sienna, who held my hand throughout the day and made sure I was OK. She was so understanding and attentive and listened as I told her about my life. It was a lovely day.”

A third said: “What an amazing day – I am still talking about it now! There were so many great things to do and some lovely treats thrown in. It was such a great break from the norm.”

Head Liz Laybourn said: “This is one event in the calendar that we all really love – it is great to see so many happy faces. The girls get so much out of it too – it’s so important that the different generations spend time with each other and understand each other.”

A year 9 pupil added: “I feel like I’ve made a difference in a small way to someone’s life. It meant leaving my comfort zone but it was really worth it and I made some really lovely friends.”