Carers Trust Wales supports Welsh Government to deliver £1m of grants to help unpaid carers experiencing hardship

Today, Welsh Government has announced that it will be providing a £1m investment into a Wales-wide scheme aimed at alleviating the hardship thousands of carers across Wales are currently facing.

The purpose of the new fund is to ensure that unpaid carers in Wales can access additional financial support towards their caring role by accessing local grants of up to £300 per carer.  The fund will work in line with the three Welsh Government Ministerial Priorities for Carers:

• Supporting life alongside caring
• Identifying and recognising carers
• Providing information, advice and assistance

The new grant scheme will be delivered through Network Partners of Carers Trust ensuring that carers in all parts of Wales can access emergency grants and services to ensure they stay safe, warm and connected this winter.

Director of Carers Trust Wales, Simon Hatch, said:

“Today’s funding announcement is an important step towards recognising and addressing the very real and growing pressures facing thousands of unpaid carers across Wales.

“For many carers, the pandemic has had a significant and negative impact on their health, wellbeing and financial security. As we approach what is likely to be a very challenging winter for health and social services, our communities and people across Wales we are delighted that Carers Trust Wales and our Network Partners are able to act swiftly to get these essential grants to those most in need.

“We welcome Welsh Government’s investment to support carers experiencing financial hardship and look forward to working with them to ensure all carers get the recognition they deserve and the support they need.”

Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services, Julie Morgan, said:

“We are immensely grateful to Wales’ huge army of dedicated unpaid carers who have done so much to look after others during the pandemic.

“We have seen unpaid carers working longer hours and the pandemic has made it more difficult for carers to cope with their caring role and live the life they choose. Some are struggling to cope with the extra costs caused by Covid-19 and the aim of the Carers Support Fund is to help alleviate some of this additional, unnecessary pressure.

“I look forward to talking to carers and their representatives as part of our consultation on a new national plan. I urge anyone connected to caring to submit their thoughts.”

More information about how carers can access grants under this scheme will be made available on the Carers Trust website in early November.