Unpaid carers in Wales are set to receive continued support, enabling them to take well-deserved breaks from their demanding roles.
This comes with confirmation that the Welsh Government will allocate substantial funding to sustain these essential services.
The Welsh Government has pledged £3.5 million for the Short Breaks Scheme and £1.75 million for the Carers Support Fund for the fiscal year 2025-2026. This financial commitment underscores the government's dedication to supporting unpaid carers, particularly those on low incomes, by providing them with the means to purchase essential items.
The Short Breaks Scheme, which aims to deliver 30,000 additional short break opportunities by March 2025, is on track to meet or exceed its target. This scheme is crucial in helping unpaid carers in Wales take breaks from their responsibilities, thereby supporting their overall wellbeing. The funding can be utilised for various activities, including short holidays, activity days, and cinema trips, as well as supporting carers in pursuing hobbies or sports.
Welsh Minister for Children and Social Care, Dawn Bowden, commented:
“Unpaid carers play a crucial role in providing care for their family members and friends.
“I am delighted we are providing funding for the coming year to help more unpaid carers take short breaks as there is good evidence they can have a big impact on wellbeing.
“We also know many unpaid carers experience financial pressures because of their caring role and the Carers Support Fund will continue to provide crucial additional assistance for carers on low incomes.”
Recent findings highlight the scheme's significant impact, with only 14% of adult carers who benefited from the scheme having accessed a break from elsewhere in the last 12 months. This statistic underscores the scheme's vital role in providing much-needed respite. Additionally, 80% of those benefiting from the scheme are providing more than 50 hours of care per week, further emphasising the importance of this support.
The Carers Support Fund offers emergency financial support to unpaid carers of all ages on low incomes, helping them pay for essential items such as food, household goods, or utility bills. Beyond financial aid, the fund also provides valuable information to help carers manage their finances and ensure they are claiming all benefits and entitlements.
Notably, almost half of the unpaid carers accessing these schemes in the past three years were not previously known to services. This demonstrates the schemes' significant added value as a gateway to other forms of support, ensuring that more carers receive the help they need.
The Welsh Government's continued investment in these schemes highlights its dedication to improving the lives of unpaid carers. By providing essential support and respite, these initiatives play a crucial role in enhancing the wellbeing of carers across Wales.
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