Fun and friendships at Respite

Carers told us that it’s important to them that the person they care for gets to spend time doing the things they enjoy, with people they like.

Rob and Rebecca enjoyed socialising with others

One carer told us that the person they care for gains confidence when socialising with people with learning disabilities. They said:

“They often find it difficult to have conversations with others, so being around other people with learning disabilities makes them feel confident.”

Rebecca and Rob, who stay with us at Respite, attended our Cardiff Better Together event together.

At the event, people supported by Mirus in Cardiff celebrated their achievements and talked about what matters to them now and in the future. Members of the Stronger Communities group shared details about past and upcoming social gatherings, and invited people who use Respite to join in.

Rebecca and Rob enjoyed meeting people from other Cardiff services, and making new friends. Lisa, who also uses Respite, spoke on the microphone, and thanked everyone for coming and making the event a great success.

Lisa thanked everyone for coming to the event

Additionally, a lot of people who use Respite enjoy spending their birthdays with us and with the friends they’ve made here.

Lisa enjoys staying at Respite and has been booking to stay with us for her birthday for the past few years. Lisa’s bubbly, outgoing personality makes her very popular at Mirus, and she loves catching up with everyone. Lisa said with a wink:

“I have three Birthdays – one at Respite, one at home, and one with my friends.”

Richard also likes celebrating his birthday at Respite. He has been coming here for many years and was thrilled about staying for his birthday. To mark the occasion, the Respite team organised a special weekend based on Richard’s preferences.

Richard had a great weekend – he played pool at Cardiff Bay, took several walks around Roath, and visited another Respite house to meet the staff and people staying there. He also treated himself to a delicious takeaway.

Richard enjoyed being out and about and catching up with everyone, and said:

“I had a great birthday at Respite.”

Richard was happy to celebrate his birthday with his friends at Respite – Tom and Mark – and was pleased that they also enjoyed the birthday activities.

Families have told us that it’s important for people at Respite to get along well. That’s why we always consider compatibility when arranging bookings. We aim to ensure that people with similar interests and friendship circles can stay together whenever possible.