Community / More funding for unpaid carers
VOLUNTARY Action Shetland (VAS) has been awarded over £2,500 to support unpaid carers to take a break from their caring role.
The money, from the Scottish Government’s Short Breaks fund, is for distributing grants of up to £150 to unpaid carers who provide a significant amount of caring for another adult or who are classed as a young carer (under 18 years).
VAS carer support worker Kirsten Harcus said: “We are delighted to receive money again from the Short Breaks fund in order to support carers to take a break, or a series of regular breaks, from their caring responsibilities.
“We want to promote good health and wellbeing for all carers, and this funding enables carers to do so – by having a break of their choice.”
The aim of the fund is to increase the range and choice of short breaks opportunities for carers of adults, young carers and the people they care for.
Two examples given include a person who used his grant to buy garden supplies, which allowed him to switch off from his caring role, and a woman who bought baking and cooking ingredients.
VAS executive officer Catherine Hughson said: ‘’This small grant makes a huge difference to unpaid carers, to give them a much needed break from their caring role.
“The need for this support is of crucial importance at any time but particularly so during this current crisis. Care in the community could not continue without the support from the hundreds of unpaid carers giving valued support to individuals.”
As well as issuing short break grants, VAS provide breaks to carers through their Respitality Scheme.
This works by local businesses donating a gift, such as a dining experience or overnight hotel stay, which VAS will then pass onto carers registered with the scheme, to enjoy a short break.
More information is available online.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.