Carers Trust Wales helps over 50,000 unpaid carers through two transformative schemes
Carers Trust Wales reveals that over the last two years (2023-2025) it has helped over 50,000 unpaid carers in Wales to access a break from caring through the Short Breaks Scheme and receive vital financial support through the Carers Support Fund.
Thanks to funding from Welsh Government, it has awarded nearly £8 million to over 40 charities, Third Sector organisations and local authorities across Wales. These organisations have delivered a range of breaks through the Short Breaks Scheme to provide some much-needed respite, allowing carers and those they care for, time to relax and recharge.
The direct grants and support received through the Carers Support Fund have helped to relieve financial pressures, empower carers with life-skills, offer emotional support and improve their quality of life. Both schemes have enhanced unpaid carers ability to continue their caregiving roles.
Simmi Woodwal, CEO of The Honeypot Children’s Charity, one of the organisations awarded funding for the Short Breaks Scheme, says:
“There are over 8,000 young carers in Wales who desperately need support. They often experience high levels of anxiety, severe social isolation and many fall behind in school due to the pressure of their caring responsibilities at home. In addition, the families that we support are very often financially disadvantaged. The funding we receive from Short Breaks Scheme is incredibly important, it helps us to offer young carers a much-needed break to ensure they are making happy memories and building brighter futures.”
Kate Cubbage, Director Carers Trust Wales, says:
"We are proud that, together with our network of local carer organisations, Carers Trust Wales has enabled over 21,000 unpaid carers to benefit from the Short Breaks Scheme and helped almost 30,000 unpaid carers through some of the toughest times thanks to the Carers Support Fund.
“As we mark Carers Week, we should celebrate the success of these two schemes, and recognise that, thanks to Welsh Government funding, Wales is leading the way.
"These vital schemes are truly preventative in approach and complement the support delivered by our statutory partners, enabling tens of thousands of carers to access their rights and entitlements and improve their wellbeing.
"If we are serious in our commitment to valuing, sustaining and recognising unpaid carers in Wales, we need to see ongoing commitment to these transformative programmes."
