East Sussex County Council with their strategic partner, Care for the Carers, is offering grants of up to £15,000 per annum to organisations, groups or individuals who can deliver services to support carers across the social care and health system. There are over 68,000 people in East Sussex looking after someone who couldn’t manage without their help, due to ill health, frailty, mental ill health, substance misuse or addiction.
The grant funding is targeted at services which aim to help carers to maintain their health and wellbeing, as well as supporting them to manage their caring role alongside other responsibilities.
The funding is initially for twelve months to deliver services to carers during 2021/22, with the intention to commit to year-on-year funding of projects up to 31st March 2025, subject to ongoing available funding.
Eligible services will support adult carers of adults with care and support needs living in East Sussex, including parent carers of young disabled people in transition 16 years of age and over, as well as young carers 16 years of age and over who are transitioning from children services to adult social care.
The stresses of caring can take a toll
They are particularly interested to hear from organisations that represent black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities in East Sussex and/or organisations who could support carers caring for a person with a mental health condition.
Jennifer Twist, CEO, Care for the Carers says; “The stresses of caring can really take their toll on people’s lives, affecting their own health and wellbeing. With more people than ever in caring roles locally as a result of the pandemic, we are looking for innovative and grass-roots ideas that can make a big difference. We’re also keen to hear from partner organisations who can work with us to reach more hidden carers, especially during these difficult times.”
For further information, please contact Jo Egan, director of services, Care for the Carers, on joe@cftc.org.uk. If you would like to apply for a Carers Services Small Grant, you can download the guidance notes, application form and financial template. The closing date for grant applications is 5pm, Friday, November 27.
Source: Care for the Carers
Image Credits: Association of carers .