Carers of West Lothian, have launched three new grants for carers in the local area this year.
Three grants have been made available to both paid and unpaid carers, and includes a hardship fund for unpaid carers, a fund for breaks from caring, and a grant for a paid holiday for unpaid carers.
The ‘Just a Little Extra’ fund is a type of hardship fund to support carers encountering particular or immediate financial pressure.
The fund is given in the form of an ASDA gift card, which can be used for multiple shopping trips.
By paying for groceries, it is hoped that more money will be free to go towards other household costs, such as gas or electricity.
A maximum of £400 can be granted to a household, with each application to be considered on an individual basis.
As part of the application process, carers will discuss other financial support and with consent, make appropriate referrals to other services.
The ‘ScotSpirit’ scheme is also open for applications until the end of March, allowing unpaid carers to take a well-deserved short break, thanks to funding from the Scottish Government.
The breaks are available for a two to three-night stay within Scotland, covering the cost of a hotel, campsite, or bed and breakfast.
Day passes and tickets to Scottish tourist attractions are also available.
The ScotSpirit scheme aims to allow carers a break from long periods of isolation without their usual support services.
The ‘Short Breaks’ grant is similar, but instead gives funds from the Scottish Government to improve the range, choice, and availability of short breaks for carers.
The funds can be used for anything that could be used for a short break, which could take the form of equipment for a new hobby, access to counselling, equipment to aid health, and wellbeing or one to one support.
Ione Gilles, communications and social media co-ordinator at Carers of West Lothian, said she hoped the new scheme would be very helpful to carers.
She said: “We’re really happy to be able to offer these three new grants for carers in West Lothian - which will go a long way towards supporting carers in our community.
“So far the grants have proved really popular, especially the Just a Little Extra fund which has had unprecedented engagement.”
She added that the pandemic had seen more people had become carers for friends or family members.
Ione said:“Since the pandemic started there’s a lot more carers, not only in West Lothian, but across Scotland.
“Now with the cost of living increasing things, supporting yourself can be difficult, let alone when you support someone else as well.
“This just shows how much more support we need for carers in West Lothian, and we’re happy to provide as much support as we can.”
To access the funds, it is asked that you are registered with the Carers of West Lothian, which can be done online and for free.
Carers of West Lothian aim to upkeep a two-day turnaround on all grant applications.
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