Welsh Government launches Carers Support Fund to provide grants of up to £300 to help unpaid carers cope with extra costs of COVID-19

Open until 31 March 2021, the £1m funding also marks the launch of a public consultation on a new Carers' National Plan for Wales

The Welsh Government has launched a Carers Support Fund to provide grants of up to £300 to help unpaid carers cope with the extra costs of caring during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Announcing the new funding support - that will be provided through Carers Trust Wales and made available for essentials including food, household items or electronics such as laptops to enable access to support and services - Deputy Health Minister for Health and Social Services Julie Morgan said -

‘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.’

In addition, Ms Morgan also announced the launch of a public consultation on a Carers' National Plan for Wales - that seeks views on the Welsh Government’s national proposals including its priorities for unpaid carers, a new carers' charter, and how it can support carers of all ages.

NB - the consultation runs until 20 January 2021.

For more information, see £1 million fund for carers to mark launch of public consultation from gov.wales