There are different ways that adult carers can apply for funding from the Carers Grant.
If you are a member of a support group for carers looking after someone aged 18 or over, you can apply to the Department of Adult Services for funding towards breaks and activities for carers. This includes groups who support people with disabilities or illnesses, as carers and people who are cared for can be supported together. Contact the Carers Grant Monitoring and Development Officer for an application form, or to discuss it further.
If you are a carer aged 18 or over and looking after someone 18 or over, you may be able to access a one-off Time for Carers Grant, which can be used towards something that would help you to take a break from your caring role. For example:
- a short break (including day trips, holidays, weekends away, sports and other events)
- driving lessons
- training, college courses, study aids
- a mobile phone or answering machine
- leisure activities or gym membership
- holistic or stress relief treatments
- equipment to help in your caring role.
There are two ways to access a Time for Carers Grant.
(Please note: we are only inviting applications from carers who have not had a payment from the Carers Grant in the last twelve months, and who look after someone who is aged 18 or over):
- Through a carer's assessment. If you don't have a social worker or support worker but would like to know more about having an assessment of your needs as a carer, contact the council's Central Duty Team. If you are eligible for a carers assessment and your support worker or social worker finds that you would benefit from a ‘one off’ payment from the Carers Grant, then they will apply for the grant on your behalf.
- Apply direct. A panel of professionals meets several times a year to consider applications for the grant. To find out the timetable for applications, or to obtain a copy of the application form, contact the Carers Support Team.
Please note:
For enquiries about carers services and grants for parent carers and young carers, phone 01942 776925.
