Posted on: Tuesday 22 November 2022
Unpaid carers struggling with the cost of living can apply for a new grant of up to £500 to help with essential items.
The Carer Support Fund, run by Torfaen Council, is being launched this week to mark Carers Rights Day on Thursday.
It is aimed at helping unpaid carers buy items that support them in their caring role, such as white goods, food vouchers, clothing, IT equipment, transport costs, driving lessons and tutoring costs.
Applications are limited to one item up to the maximum value of £500 per household and cannot be used to purchase items for the person in receipt of care.
An unpaid carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to a relative, friend or neighbour who is disabled, physically or mentally ill, or affected by substance misuse.
Those in receipt of carers allowance are not excluded from this grant and each application will be assessed on an individual basis.
If you have any questions about the new grant or other financial or wellbeing advice, Torfaen Council’s social care teams will be holding a series of roadshows to mark Carers Rights’ Day:
The roadshows will be held between 11am and 3pm on:
- Wednesday 23 November at Pontypool Indoor Market
- Thursday 24 November at Cwmbran Library and Blaenavon Medical Practice, Middle Coed Cae Road
Torfaen Executive Member for Adult Services and Housing, Councillor David Daniels, said “Society simply would not function the way it does without unpaid carers, such is the absolutely vital role they play in facilitating the dignity, happiness, and wellbeing of the loved ones they care for. Which is why it is equally vital that we do what we can to support them as they fulfil this incredible role day-in-day-out.
“Right now, people are struggling with the rising cost of living; with bills, household essentials and fuel going up. It's absolutely essential that we do our utmost to protect unpaid carers in any way we can, which is why I'm very pleased that we're able to offer this additional funding to try and ease the difficulty many might be facing at the moment.
“So, if you are classed as an unpaid carer or require an assessment to check that you qualify, then please get in touch with our support team and we will do our very best to help you apply for the grant.”
The new grant and roadshows events have been funded thanks to an award of £51,447 from Carers Trust Wales. It will also support information and advice for young carers.
For more information about the support and additional grants unpaid carers may be entitled to, please call 01495 762200, email CarerSupport@torfaen.gov.uk or visit the carers pages on the Torfaen Council website.