Family Support - Mothers’ Weekend Away

St Anthony’s recognises the continual and never ending care that mothers of children with disabilities provide to their children.  Every year we offer the mothers in our disability services a chance to take a break from the stress and the chaos of their daily routine at our Mothers’ Weekend Away.

Mothers are pampered with home cooked meals, an evening out, massages and peaceful surrounds. It enables them to spend some time focusing on their own needs which enhances their capacity to care for their family when they return to the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life.
The Mothers’ Weekend Away also provides mothers with an opportunity to chat to each other, share their knowledge and experiences of parenting and strengthen their social support network to break down the isolation that may come with caring for someone with a disability.

One mother said of the Weekend Away: “The chance to leave behind the cares and duties of constant extra responsibility is so precious and this weekend away, with its focus on peace and self-care, is the highlight of my year. It keeps my mood up and never fails to give me something positive to take away with me – be it a new friend, a new way to take care of myself, a conversation, a walk, noticing nature – and the chance to sleep – relax and reflect – I only wish it could be longer. Having the opportunity to spend time with people who have an implicit understanding of what I go through every day is an incredibly comforting and liberating experience.”