£4,646, secured through the Time to Live fund, will enable Shetland Carers to distribute grants of up to £150 to unpaid carers who provide a significant amount of caring for another adult or who are classed as a young carer (under 18 years). £8,252 made available through the Creative Breaks fund, will enable Shetland Carers to provide counselling sessions, massage sessions and an afternoon teas style event in June 2022 during Carers Week.

Shared Care Scotland has operated the Short Breaks fund on behalf of the National Carers Organisations and the Scottish Government since 2011. The aim of the fund is to increase the range and choice of short breaks opportunities for carers of adults, young carers and the people they care for. The fund pays for the development of new services that create opportunities for carers and their families to meet friends and enjoy leisure activities together or possibly for families to enjoy a much needed family break away together.

Evidence shows that taking regular breaks is imperative for carers to sustain their caring role. Shetland Carers also offer short break grants to carers under 21 years through their Time for Me Grant Scheme which is funded by Shetland Charitable Trust. They also offer short breaks through their Respitality Scheme where local businesses donate a gift, such as a dining experience or overnight hotel stay, which Shetland Carers pass onto carers in need of a break. For more information about support for unpaid carers you can visit our Facebook or Twitter feeds as Shetland Carers.