Creative Breaks Grants Programme now available to carers in Scotland

From this week, until September 2013, the Scottish Government is aiming to fund a target of more than 2,600 respite breaks for carers, via its Creative Breaks programme, which has received a £1m funding initiative.

Michael Matheson, the minister for public health, commented: “There are considerable pressures on adult and young carers and it is vital that we support them.

“The Short Breaks Fund, now in its third year, plays a large part in giving our carers a well deserved short break. Importantly, these breaks allow young carers the chance to socialise and meet other young people in a similar position. I’m pleased that this latest round has now been awarded, which will support a variety of organisations across Scotland.”

Voluntary Action Shetland (VAS), one of the organisations responsible for implementing the funding initiative, were among those to welcome the announcement, with support worker Jo Jack saying: “VAS and the Carers Link Group are delighted that Shetland has again been awarded some funding. This funding will enable us to continue to offer carers `away day` style short breaks accessing alternative therapies, trips to the cinema as well as short overnight breaks for carers and the cared for at an adapted holiday chalet.”

The respite fund has been made available in the same week that Holyrood has hosted its first Carers Parliament, attended by 180 carers from all over Scotland, together with Michael Matheson and representatives from the Association of Directors of Social Work, the Association of Community Health Partnerships, and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities.

There are estimated to be 650,000 unpaid carers in Scotland, which accounts for 1 in 8 of the population, including 100,000 young carers.

Image © Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body – 2012. Licensed under the Open Scottish Parliament Licence v1.0.