Wales announces £1m fund to help unpaid carers cope with financial pressures of pandemic

Wales has announced a new £1m fund to help unpaid carers cope with the financial pressures of COVID-19.

The Carers Support Fund which is open to carers across Wales will see grants of up to £300 made available for a range of essentials, including food, household items such as furniture or white goods, or electronics such as a laptop for access to support and services.

There are around 55,300 people in Wales who receive a carer’s allowance and recent research found almost 40 per cent of carers are worried about their financial situation.

Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services, Julie Morgan, said: “We are immensely grateful to Wales’ huge army of dedicated unpaid carers who have done so much to look after others during the pandemic.

“We have seen unpaid carers working longer hours and the pandemic has made it more difficult for carers to cope with their caring role and live the life they choose. Some are struggling to cope with the extra costs caused by COVID-19 and the aim of the Carers Support Fund is to help alleviate some of this additional, unnecessary pressure.”

As well as announcing the fund, the Welsh government has launched a public consultation on a new national plan for carers, setting out how it proposes to work with ‘a range of partners to strengthen its priorities to better reflect every aspect of a carer's life’.

Ms Morgan added: “I look forward to talking to carers and their representatives as part of our consultation on a new national plan. I urge anyone connected to caring to submit their thoughts.”

Carers Trust Wales which has been working throughout the pandemic to support unpaid carers will distribute the funding.

Simon Hatch, director of Carers Trust Wales, said: “Today’s funding announcement is an important step towards recognising and addressing the very real and growing pressures facing thousands of unpaid carers across Wales.

“For many carers, the pandemic has had a significant and negative impact on their health, wellbeing and financial security. As we approach what is likely to be a very challenging winter for health and social services, our communities and people across Wales, we are delighted that Carers Trust Wales and our Network Partners are able to act swiftly to get these essential grants to those most in need.”

He added: “We welcome Welsh Government’s investment to support carers experiencing financial hardship and look forward to working with them to ensure all carers get the recognition they deserve and the support they need.”

The Carers Support Fund will be available up to 31 March 2021 and more information will soon be available about how to apply on carers.org/wales