The Funding For Carers is part of the government's strategy for carers, set out initially in Caring About Carers (published in February 1999). It's money managed by local councils, which can be used to provide breaks or services to help carers in their caring role.
There are different ways that adult carers can apply for funding from the grant.
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 payment from the Time for Carers Funding, 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
- appliances to help in your caring role (not equipment).
There are two ways to access Time for Carers Funding.
(Please note: we are only inviting applications from carers who have not had a payment from the Funding For Carers in the last or current financial year (April to March), 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 Funding For Carers, then they will apply for the grant on your behalf.
- Apply direct. A panel of professionals and carers meets several times a year to consider applications for the funding. To find out the timetable for applications, or to obtain a copy of the application form, contact the Carers Support Team. Alternatively, you can click on the link below and download a copy of the application form. This is then sent to the address as directed on the form.
Time for Carers Funding - Fast Track for Palliative Care
- If you are a carer aged 18 years or over and are looking after someone aged 18 years or over who accesses the Cancer Care Suite Services, you may be able to access a fast-tracked one-off payment from the Time for Carers Funding, which can be used towards something that would help you to take a break from your caring role. You can access the Fast Track funding by speaking to a member of the Cancer Care Suite Team.
Carers Self Assessment and Grant Form (.pdf, 74.2KB)
Please note:
For enquiries about carers services and grants for parent carers and young carers, phone 01942 776925.
