voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
voluntary organisations, social enterprises and volunteering
Cash available for Fife’s unpaid Carers
Created: 3/10/2015Unpaid carers in Fife can get up to £500 to help them get a break from their caring commitments.
The Creative Breaks Fund is aimed at carers who would benefit from a break from their caring responsibilities, either with or without the person they care for.
Carers can decide themselves what would provide that ‘break’- be it a straightforward holiday somewhere special; driving lessons to support them getting out and about or even the technology to help them keep in touch with relatives and friends. The unique aspect of the project is that the breaks can be tailored to suit the carer and their lifestyle.
For Les Campbell from Rosyth, the Fund helped him to stay fit and healthy – both physically and mentally - whilst still being at home with his beloved wife. They bought a treadmill so he could take regular exercise without leaving Lilian in the house by herself.
He said: “I’m now fighting fit with my treadmill; I work out for 30 minutes a day and I’m feeling great. I’ve lost two stone and my doctor says my depression has disappeared. “My wife didn’t like me leaving the house to go out walking, especially in bad weather. Now I can jog away while she reads and does her crosswords. It’s been a real gift.”
Fife Voluntary Action, in partnership with Fife Carers Centre, Crossroads and Fife Young Carers, receives Scottish Government money to provide funding to carers who look after people aged 20 and over. The purpose of the fund is to value carers in their vital role, and promote their wellbeing by letting them choose the perfect respite to suit them.
Last year the Creative Breaks fund supported 87 carers from Fife in taking a break of their design and choice, ranging from overnight spa breaks and caravan holidays to computer equipment and driving lessons. All these breaks combined amount to approximately 9,477 hours of respite for carers and more than 6,144 hours of breaks away from their normal routine for carers with their cared-for person.
Fife Voluntary Action is seeking individual applications of up to £500, and can support applicants with completing the process too. Click here to find out more or give us a call on 08456 006 046.