Update from Carers of West Lothian
February 2022
We are getting in touch to make you aware of three grants we currently have available to support unpaid carers. These grants have a focus on providing respite opportunities and financial support to carers who need additional help at this time.
Please make carers you are working with aware of this support. We are happy to take referrals, or the carer can contact us directly. These grants are available to carers known to us and to new carers.
ScotSpirit Holiday Voucher Scheme
The scheme is funded by Scottish Government and forms part of the Scottish tourism pandemic recovery programme. It is being delivered by Charity Partner, Family Holiday Association, Shared Care Scotland, and the Carer Centre Network.
The scheme enables unpaid carers to enjoy a 2-3-night subsidised overnight break or day out in Scotland. It offers a contribution towards an overnight stay in a bed and breakfast, camping /holiday park, guest house, hotel or hostel or day visit activities in Scotland. The scheme is now open, and breaks can be taken up to 31 December 2022. Worth noting, the fund must be allocated by end March 2022.
Open to all adult unpaid carers and young carers registered with a local support organisation, such as us, or who are referred by a professional.
More information here: ScotSpirit Holiday Voucher Scheme (opens new window)
Short Breaks Time to Live
Short Breaks, Time to Live is funded by the Scottish Government through Shared Care Scotland to improve the range, choice and availability of short breaks for unpaid carers.
Carers of West Lothian's Time Out Project is now open and enables carers to access funds and support to help them take short breaks that meet their needs.
The short break doesn't necessarily have to be a holiday but instead could be about taking part in something the carer really wants to do. The grant can be used to buy gym equipment, a tablet, guitar lessons, crafting items or a pamper day (these are just a few ideas).
Applications are open to all our unpaid carers, including parent carers and young carers. Please note, if the grant does not cover the full cost of the activity, it can be used as a contribution towards it.
More information here: Carers of West Lothian - Short Breaks (opens new window)
Just a Little Extra Fund
We have been awarded funds from the Scottish Government to support carers who are encountering particular and/or immediate financial difficulties at times when they are: most in need and/or are unable to access funding from alternative sources.
This fund will be distributed in the form of an ASDA gift card. These will be in digital and physical formats and can be used in one go or over multiple shopping trips in ASDA.
It is hoped that by using this gift card to buy shopping, it will free up some money to pay other rising household costs such as gas and electricity.
The fund is open to unpaid carers living in West Lothian who are identified to our service as an unpaid carer. Carers of all ages and categories can apply (e.g. Young Adult Carers, Young Carers, Parent Carers etc)
The fund can be used for:
Food, toiletries, and cleaning supplies
Warm winter clothing
Warm bedding
Small kitchen appliances
Please get in touch for more information on any of the above or to make a referral:
01506 448 000
office@carers-westlothian.com (opens new window)
Carers of West Lothian Website (opens new window)
Best wishes
Carers Of West Lothian
