More Support for Carers Offered

24 families caring for adults in Shetland are set to benefit from an award of £3,500 made to Voluntary Action Shetland.

The money, from the Creative Breaks Fund and provided by the Scottish Government, is for providing Short Break Grants of up to £150 to unpaid Carers who provide a significant amount of caring for another adult.

Karen Hannay, VAS Carer Support Worker said : ‘’We are delighted to once again receive funding from Creative Breaks so that we can offer Short Break Grants to carers. We see first hand the impact that caring can have and how important it is for carers to receive support and valuable time out for themselves. This could be a trip to see family and friends on the mainland or time to take part in a hobby or relaxation session –anything that awards the carer a break from their caring responsibilities. We hope this break makes Carers feel better supported to sustain their caring role.’’

In total, the programme has awarded just under £1 million to 68 projects from Shetland to the Scottish Borders, which will collectively benefit more than 4000 carers and their families.

May MacDonald said : “As a carer, I benefitted from a grant through the Short Breaks scheme this year. It gave me the opportunity to relax and have time to myself, whilst enjoying a spa break away from home, (in Bressay!) For anyone in a caring role, this support is so important as it allows you to re-charge your batteries and continue to look after your loved ones”.

This is the fifth year of the Creative Breaks programme which was established in 2011 by the Scottish Government and is administered by carers’ charity Shared Care Scotland. 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.