Reminder - Funding for Carers
At the start of the year VSA the organisation commissioned to provide carers support in Aberdeenshire received funding of £50,000 through the Change Fund to help support older carers and carers of older people in Aberdeenshire.
To date over £17,000 of this fund has been used (approx £5,500 by carers aged 18 – 64 yrs old, and £12,000 by carers aged over 65 yrs old). This still leaves £32,000 available.
Now that Spring has well and truly arrived, it is time to plan for the much needed break that makes it possible for us to continue with our normal responsibilities. Please remember that it is the same for unpaid carers of the people who receive our services. It helps support the carer so they can rest and recharge their batteries as well as trying a new skill or picking up an old hobby if they wish.
The fund is flexible to help carers create the break that is best for them and the person they care for. It can help support in many different ways; here are some examples of how carers have benefited from the £17,000 already released this year:
•Visiting family, family holiday, holiday abroad, weekend break, coach trip, and fuel & refreshments for days out.
•Purchase of an iPad, Kindle, PC.
•Theatre trips and driving lessons.
•Hair & Beauty Appointments, Massage, Reflexology, Osteopathy and Acupuncture.
These activities and breaks can mean the carer and cared for spending some quality time together or apart, and it promotes good health and well being helping to support the carer to continue in their caring role.
Applications forms for the funding along with guidance notes on eligibility can be found at Creative Breaks Funding on Arcadia
Carers can access further information on Creative Breaks funding by either;
•Visiting the VSA website www.vsa.org.uk
•Phoning Aberdeenshire Carers Services on 01779 490894 or 01261 818143
•Contacting your local VSA Carers Support and Development Worker, or
•Emailing Sandra.Andrew@vsa.org.uk