Citizens Advice RCT story

A brighter future

Citizens Advice Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) successfully delivered a holistic, carer-focused support project through the Carers Support Fund, aimed at reducing financial hardship and improving wellbeing for unpaid carers across Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Immediate relief, long-term tools

Citizens Advice RCT provided a blend of:

• 1-to-1 financial advice (benefits, debt, budgeting)
• Highly adaptable direct grants, meeting individual needs - from paying for driving lessons to buying freezers
• Financial capability sessions
• Ongoing support and referrals

This approach ensured real impact on carers’ lives, who not only received immediate financial relief but also gained long-term tools and connections to improve their financial wellbeing.

Sophie Raybould, Team Leader at Citizens Advice RCT, comments, “Through working with other organisations and signposting to relevant support, we helped to create a network of support bespoke to each carer we supported.“

Reaching new carers

Citizens Advice RCT’s presence at local events and targeted digital marketing helped engage over 300 carers who had not previously accessed support from them. This included 29 young carers, many of whom were reached through proactive outreach in schools and community groups.

Positive outcomes

Some of the positive aspects of the project:

• Tailored, client-led support: ‘What matters’ conversations enabled truly personalised support
• Flexible grant use: from white goods to driving lessons, grants met real, individual carer needs
• Strong partnerships: collaboration with GPs, schools and community groups ensured timely referrals and wraparound support is being provided
• Empowerment through advice: carers gained confidence, financial literacy and awareness of their rights and entitlements
• Beyond the grant: being seen and heard

The scheme’s impact extended far beyond financial aid. Advisers conducted regular check-ins to monitor progress, ensuring carers’ goals were met and long-term stability was supported. Carers reported feeling seen, heard, and valued - often for the first time. Many were connected to additional services, received help with benefit applications, and built lasting relationships with support networks.

Carer feedback

From a recent survey of their Carers Support Fund project, Citizens Advice RCT found that:

• 70% of their participants stated that since accessing support they have noticed an improvement in their mental wellbeing
• 90% of carers felt more confident in their role as a carer following advice
• 80% of clients felt less isolated as a carer

Citizens Advice RCT shares two carers’ story

Miss Davies*, a single mother caring for her autistic son, was referred via the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Advocacy service, Travelling Ahead. Unable to read or write, she faced multiple barriers to accessing support. Citizens Advice RCT provided home visits, helped her secure an additional £700/month in benefits, and issued a grant for a fridge-freezer, transforming her ability to care for her family. She said:

Thank you so much, it’s really made the world of difference.

Victoria*, caring for her father while navigating divorce and job loss, was overwhelmed by financial and emotional strain. Citizens Advice RCT helped her create a budget, access debt support and provided an ASDA voucher. This allowed her to buy essentials and an electric blanket to keep her father warm. She shared:

I’m not so worried about how I’m going to get through this month now.

The long-term

Sophie from Citizens Advice RCT sums up, “ We were able to make a big difference to the lives of the carers. Not only were we able to provide immediate support to carers accessing our service to alleviate financial strain, but we were also able to build a plan of continued support with clients to improve their long-term situation.”

^{*Names are changed to protect privacy}