An unpaid carer is anyone looking after a family member, friend or neighbour who needs help. They might have an illness, disability, physical or mental health problem, or an addiction.
A carer does not need to be living with the person they care for. Anybody can become a carer at any time in their life. Someone can be a carer for more than one person at a time. Carers can be any age, from young children to older people.
1 in 7 people in paid employment will juggle paid and unpaid caring roles.
Some carers’ organisations have received Scottish Government funding and local HSCP funding to support carers.
Grants are not means tested but are paid to those in greatest need. Local carers organisations provide information on income maximisation as well as provision for short breaks (respite care) which may make a break more affordable.
East Lothian Help with benefits and welfare rights.
Edinburgh The Carer Assistance Fund for carers in Edinburgh. Funds are targeted at those in greatest need and carers will be asked to describe what difference the funding would make to their life. Each carer household can apply for a one-off £250-£500 grant. One successful application can be made for a grant from each carer household and does not need to be repaid. It is possible to make two applications to the fund but there must be at least six months between applications.
This fund can be used to apply for one of the following, or a combination of all three.
- Fuel support – If the application is successful, payment will be made directly to the carer’s energy provider.
- Food support carers can apply for food vouchers. These will be for use in Tesco or Scotmid stores.
- General Carer Assistance Fund which can be used for a variety of purposes
Midlothian The fund is currently closed but VOCAL Midlothian provide a range of services, including short breaks.
West Lothian Carers of West Lothian and West Lothian Advice Shop are offering benefit advice sessions every second Wednesday. Virtual benefits advice sessions with Carers of West Lothian and West Lothian Advice Shop are every second Monday. These sessions can be used for benefit checks, form filling, appeal options and general money advice and are by appointment only. For more information or to book an appointment: 01506 448000
Borders General support for carers and information on short breaks
Fife General support for carers and information on short breaks
Lanarkshire The Carers Flexible Support Fund can support carers going through financial hardship or distress. It will improve financial security through creating a safety net that can be used to meet unanticipated expenses as well as short break opportunities. Lanarkshire Carers Flexible Support Fund is funded by Health and Social Care North Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnerships, to support the most vulnerable and financially affected carers in Lanarkshire.
Lanarkshire Carers Flexible Support Fund can support carers going through financial hardship or distress. It will improve financial security through creating a safety net that can be used to meet unanticipated expenses as well as short break opportunities in the broadest sense.
