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Extra funding announced to support unpaid carers

  • Area of Work: The ALLIANCE
  • Type: News Item
  • Published: 20th January 2021

The ALLIANCE and the Carer Voices project welcome the additional investment in unpaid carers from the Scottish Government.

The newly announced investment of £750,000 (this link will take you away from our website) recognises the added pressures and mounting difficulties that have been placed on carers as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding will be distributed directly to local carers centres as an extension of the Time to Live grants scheme, and will be flexible in its use; helping carers to take a break or access other support or services that would enable them to meet their needs during this difficult time.

The ALLIANCE appreciates the ‘heartfelt thanks’ extended by the First Minister to carers across the country, who have supported loved ones despite many regular sources of support being stopped or moved online, and traditional respite breaks being restricted.

The Carer Voices project has engaged with carers throughout the pandemic to provide a platform where they can share their views and experiences of caring. Feelings of social isolation, added emotional and financial stress, and impacts to their own health and wellbeing have been common themes. The ALLIANCE appreciates the additional investment as a means for carer centres to  resource high demand support for unpaid carers, such as befriending and counselling, and grants for leisure activities, aimed to alleviate some of these concerns.

Irene Oldfather, Director of Strategy and Engagement at the ALLIANCE, says of the investment:

“Carers have struggled throughout the pandemic and the restrictions on respite have been particularly difficult . Safety first is always a priority for carers but this a welcome announcement which gives some light at the end of the tunnel.

The proposed flexible approach in allocation of the funds and the use of local carers centres should ensure a quick turnaround in disbursing monies. Carer Voices welcomes this initiative as a step in recognising the difficulties that carers face in these tough times”

For more and forthcoming information on the additional funding please visit the Scottish Government website (this link will take you away from our website)

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