The ART of Caring for Self and Others (2000-2021 Karrie Marshall) is a 12-week programme for men and women in unpaid caring roles. The sessions explore a range of care-related topics through a creative process.
Topics include dealing with changes due to illness or conditions, self-care, common dilemmas, understanding pain, the biology of stress and ways to increase resilience. The programme is steered by what carers consider important, which means it is different every time.
Carers report that The ART of Caring for Self and Others prevented crisis, increased carer confidence, and led to significant improvement in emotional and mental wellbeing. Several carers have also rediscovered old interests or learned new skills and gone on to support others.
The next programme is due to start mid-March. Highland places are funded by NHS Highland.