Carers Essentials Fund
Funding is available to assist with the cost of providing new essential items for carers, to help ease the stresses, workload, and isolation often caused by their caring
role. Second-hand items may not be purchased.
Funds can be awarded for up to £250 towards one item or service which must not exceed £400 in total. Priority will be given to carers who have not accessed the fund in the last 12 months.
The request must be of direct practical benefit to the carer. This can include essential white goods, decorating, gardening, etc and you must be able to say how this
has benefitted you and helped you continue as a carer.
All applications must be from carers aged 18 years of age and over.
Carers can apply for anything which helps them in their caring role except:
Everyday regular items – for example – shopping, bills, on-going costs [insurance, car tax], car/house maintenance, equipment for hobbies, replacement care/respite or equipment for the person you care for, goods or services that have already been bought.
Applicants must ask for one specific item or service, with actual costs, not general support, and enclose a tradesman’s estimate where appropriate for
decorating, etc. If you are in any doubt about what can be requested or how to complete the form, please telephone our Helpline 0300 102 0008. The Panel, which meets monthly, only has your application form on which to base its decisions.
For auditing purposes, a receipt for the item or service purchased must be provided within 3 months. Grants are restricted to one per household within any financial year and for data protection purposes, the forms must be signed by you, the carer.
Successful applicants will be contacted and asked how the award has helped them as
a carer – this will help with further funding in the future.
Wellbeing Fund
Wellbeing Fund
The Carers Wellbeing Fund could help you to access a break of your choice. Funds can be awarded up to £200 (with the average award being £125).
Carers can use the fund for: A UK short break (costing no more that £400), Days Out (theatre, cinema, meals, etc), towards a gym membership, complementary therapies or supporting a hobby/leisure activity. Awards are not guaranteed and priority will be given to carers where the caring role is having a significant impact on their daily life, health and wellbeing. If you are applying as a joint applicant, please state both of your names on the application form.
What is excluded from the personal budget?
Everyday items e.g. shopping, bills, transport
Replacement care or respite for the person you
care for
Goods or services that have already been
purchased
Items that bring Carers Trust into disrepute e.g.
alcohol, drugs
This fund can be accessed by referral only.
Household Support Fund
The Household Support Fund has now been allocated and no new applications are being taken.
We hope to have further funds available later in the year.