» West Lancashire Carers Time for Me Fund

Who can apply?

• Carers who have been registered with the centre for 6 months or longer (apart from exceptional circumstances)
• Unfortunately former carers are not eligible for this funding as it is provided to give existing carers a break

How much can you apply for?

• Up to £350.00
• You can apply for more than one item but you must provide a breakdown of each item and how much it costs

What can the money be used for?

• Anything that constitutes a 'break' for a carer.  Time for Me is flexible and if you can show that what you want to spend the money on gives you the break you need, it will be considered.

Examples:

• Days out, overnight/weekend breaks or a contribution to the cost of a longer holiday, with or without the cared for person (we cannot fund breaks for the cared for person only)
• Educational or other short courses such as driving lessons (not longer than 12 months as further funding cannot be guaranteed)
• Relaxation/Leisure activities such as gym membership, massage sessions, meals out etc.
• Equipment such as washing machine, mobile phone etc.  Please note that we provide a set amount for some items (see below): Carpet Cleaner £200, Dishwasher £300, Washing machine £250, Washer Dryer £350, Microwave £50, Dryer £200, Vacuum cleaner £200, Fridge Freezer £250, Freezer £200, Fridge £200, Mobile Phone £50

How are decisions made?

• Applications are reviewed by a local panel made up of at least one Carers Development worker and two carers/former carers
• Applications are made anonymous before the panel see them
• Panels take place four times a year, quarterly
• If your application is successful you will not be able to apply again until the same quarter the following year
• Priority is given to applicants who have not previously received a Time for Me grant.  Where funds remain, priority will then be given to applicants who have not received Time for Me funding within the previous year (4 panels)
• Applicants will be informed of a decision in writing within 14 days of the panel.  Unsuccessful applicants may reapply to future panels
• Successful applicants will be asked to sign a form confirming that the grant will only be used to purchase the goods/services detailed on the application form.   

PLEASE NOTE

• Although you will not be asked to provide evidence/quotes at the time of your application, RECEIPTS MUST BE PROVIDED for goods and services purchased, WITHIN 6 MONTHS of the grant being received.  Where funds have been committed but not spent, a booking form or similar documentation is acceptable in place of a receipt. If you fail to provide receipts as agreed, you will not be eligible to apply for a Time for Me grant in the future.
• Grants will not be awarded for holidays that have already been booked or for goods/services which have already been purchased.
• All goods/services purchased must be for the benefit of the carer.
• If you are unhappy with the panel's decision you have a right to complain.  Please contact the relevant Carers centre for details of how to make a complaint.

How to Apply

Please contact susan@prtwlcarers.org.uk or contact the Carers’ Centre 0n 01695 711243.

» Grants from the Princess Royal Trust

The Princess Royal Trust for Carers’ funds are a resource for network Centres to offer to their carers. The overriding principle of all of the funds is to give carers something for themselves. All of the funds are directly for carers and intended to help with their caring role in some way.

Carers Relief Fund

Up to £400 is available for equipment that will improve the carer’s quality of life by providing a long-term solution to needs arising as a direct result of their caring responsibilities. Awards can be made to provide for the cared for person, but the direct benefit to the carer must be made clear, for example, a washing machine for a carer whose partner is incontinent and who is currently washing clothing or bedding by hand. Funds are also available to assist carers with the costs of transport needs arising as a direct result of their caring situation. These may be regular or special, one-off transport needs.

Carers Break Fund

Individual grants are available to assist with the costs of providing a wide range of breaks for carers to combat the stress and isolation often caused by their caring role. A maximum of £200 will be given to cover the costs of such activities as pampering days/recreational or social outings, short breaks, holidays, cases of genuine need and others.

How to Apply

Please contact susan@prtwlcarers.org.uk or contact the Carers’ Centre 0n 01695 711243.

» Other Grants and Organisations who can Help

If you are facing financial difficulty or require funds for something specific to help you or the person you care for, there may be a grant or an organisation out there that can help. A great place to start is www.turn2us.org.uk. From here you can begin by checking out what benefits you may be entitled to then search through a vast database of grant making organisations for grants and trusts which you may be eligible to apply to. If you would like any assistance with making applications to grants and trusts please contact the Carers ’ Centre where one of our support workers will be on hand. For more information regarding grant making organisations click here.