As we come to the end of Carers Week, we want to pay tribute to all the carers out there – young and old – who provide support for their loved ones.
This year’s theme is ‘recognising and supporting carers in the community’. Its aim is to recognise the huge contribution unpaid carers make to society, raise awareness of caring and make sure that carers are able to access the information and support that they need.
Fraser, one of our 2015 Fund recipients, uses his funding to employ full-time personal assistants, allowing his family to remain in their careers and giving everyone the independence they need.
Watch Fraser’s story here:
Social Security Scotland recognises the challenges that unpaid carers face and the difference that they make to families and communities across Scotland.
That’s why, during Carers Week, they’re urging unpaid carers to check if they’re eligible for help.
Unpaid carers provide care and support to a family member, friend or neighbour who has a disability, illness, mental health condition, addiction or who needs extra help as they grow older. This could include helping them with their medication, cooking meals or translating into another language for them. It could even be simply keeping them company or checking on them throughout the day.
Many people don’t see themselves as carers and could be missing out on financial support they are entitled to, so it’s important they check to see if they are eligible.
They’re also encouraging people who get disability benefits, and have a carer who supports them, to encourage their carer to apply.
The Young Carer Grant is a yearly payment of £359.65 for young carers in Scotland. It is available to young people aged 16-18 who are caring for one, two or three people for an average of 16 hours a week. How people spend the Young Carer Grant is up to them. They could use it for things like new clothes, driving lessons or a holiday.
Carer’s Allowance is a benefit paid by the Department for Work and Pensions to some carers who provide over 35 hours a week of care to a disabled person who is receiving certain benefits. Eligible carers can receive £76.75. More information is available on the Department for Work and Pensions website.
Carer’s Allowance Supplement is an extra payment for people in Scotland who currently get Carer's Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions on a particular date. It is paid automatically twice a year and the next payment of £270.50 will be made on 9 June. People will automatically get the payment if they were already getting Carer’s Allowance on 10 April 2023.
Carers Scotland is there for unpaid carers providing expert information, advice and support while also campaigning to make life better for carers.
You can also find help and support at the Carers Trust. Their vision is that unpaid carers are heard, valued and have access to the support, advice and resources they need to live a fulfilling life alongside caring.
An unpaid carer is someone who regularly provides care to a family member, friend or neighbour who is ill, disabled, has a mental health condition or is an older person, by doing tasks such as giving them medication, cooking meals or even keeping them company or checking on them throughout the day.
In the 2011 census, 210,000 people in Northern Ireland identified as carers.
The 2017 'Power to People' Report said that carers are “the bedrock of care as their contribution is the primary way that most people experience care and support”.
Carer’s Allowance is a benefit paid by the Department for Work and Pensions to some carers who provide over 35 hours a week of care to a disabled person who is receiving certain benefits. Eligible carers can receive £76.75. More information is available on the Department for Work and Pensions website.
Carers NI is there for unpaid carers providing expert information, advice and support while also campaigning to make life better for carers.
Crossroads is a not for profit organisation dedicated to supporting, serving and strengthening carers and those with care needs.
The NIDirect Support services for carers page details various organisations that carers may find useful as well as links to other resources.
You can also find help and support at the Carers Trust. Their vision is that unpaid carers are heard, valued and have access to the support, advice and resources they need to live a fulfilling life alongside caring.
Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK
