Carers Trust welcomes Welsh Government £9m short breaks fund for unpaid carers

Welsh Government has today announced a short breaks fund worth £9m over three years to support unpaid carers to take much needed breaks. This follows the recent announcement that unpaid carers in Wales who are in receipt of Carers Allowance are eligible for a one-off £500 payment in recognition of their pivotal role during the pandemic.

Responding to the announcement, Simon Hatch, Director of Carers Trust Wales:

“Additional funding from Welsh Government to support a respite scheme for unpaid carers is welcome acknowledgement that carers across Wales are in desperate need of a break. We look forward to seeing the details of the fund to understand how the maximum number of carers will benefit.

“Having choice, control and flexibility to take a short break when you need it is crucial for carers to maintain their own life alongside caring; to pick up their shopping, to get to their own medical appointments or to meet up with friends.

“This three-year funding is an important first step to providing the breaks that unpaid carers need to sustain them in their caring role, which is a central and often un-recognised role our health and care system relies on so heavily.”

Notes:

Further details of how to access the respite fund will be announced by Welsh Government in the coming months.

For inquiries, please contact Dr Catrin Edwards, Head of External Affairs Wales, cedwards@carers.org

Related content: Carers Trust Wales ‘What a difference a break makes; a vision for the future of short breaks in Wales’ (2021)