Short Break grant scheme, 'TIME TO LIVE' 2026-27 - Is NOW OPEN

The Time to Live Fund is part of the Short Breaks Fund, operated by Shared Care Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government. Through this programme, Shetland Care Attendant Scheme can provide local unpaid carers with funding and support to access a short break that meets their individual needs and improves their wellbeing.

Before You Apply

Before completing an application, please read our Eligibility Criteria Leaflet to ensure you meet the requirements of the fund and understand how applications are assessed.

Eligibility Criteria Leaflet

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted using the Time to Live Fund Application Form.

Application Form

Applications can be submitted at any time until 3 March 2027, subject to funding being available.

We will update this page if the fund is fully allocated or temporarily closed to new applications. If you are unsure whether funding is still available, or would like to discuss your application before applying, please contact us scas@shetland.org or call 01595 743923

How Applications Are Assessed

Applications to the Time to Live Fund are reviewed by a funding panel, which meets monthly to consider requests and make decisions on funding awards.

To ensure a fair, consistent and transparent process, all applications are assessed against the criteria outlined in the Eligibility Criteria Leaflet. The panel will use these criteria when making funding decisions.

Please note that applications received less than 7 days before a panel meeting will be carried forward to the next available meeting.

Panel Meeting Dates 2026/27

What Can Time to Live Funding Be Used For?

Carers have used Time to Live funding in many different ways to support their wellbeing, take a break from caring responsibilities, and pursue activities that are important to them. Examples include:

• Gym memberships, exercise classes or swimming passes
• Cinema passes, theatre tickets or other leisure activities
• Overnight hotel stays or short breaks
• Walking boots, gardening equipment, craft supplies, knitting materials or art supplies
• TV or streaming subscriptions that provide relaxation and enjoyment
• Tablets, laptops or other devices to help carers stay connected (where appropriate)
• Massage, complementary therapies or therapeutic treatments
• Clothing, footwear or equipment needed to take part in an activity
• Courses, classes or activities that support learning and personal interests
• A one-off item or experience that would make a meaningful difference to wellbeing

These examples are intended as a guide only. We encourage carers to think about what would have the greatest positive impact on their own wellbeing and quality of life.

All TTL schemes funded by the Short Breaks Fund must adhere to the following definitions of a ‘carer’:
• Carer: A person who provides (or intends to provide) care for another person – but not: (i) if this is only because of that person’s age (where they are under 18); or (ii) if you are caring because you have a contract or as voluntary work. A carer can be caring for someone for any number of hours and does not need to be providing a substantial amount of care for someone on a regular basis. [source: Carers (Scotland) Act 2016]
• Young carer: A carer (as defined above) who is: (i) under the age of 18; or (ii) 18 or over but still attending school. [source: Carers (Scotland) Act 2016]
• Young/Adult carer: Someone who meets the criteria for a carer above and is aged 18 or over and not attending school. [source: Carers (Scotland) Act 2016]