Up to £300 for carers to arrange their own break from caring
Carers need the chance to have a break from their caring role. Short breaks can help relieve stress and isolation and can lead to short and long-term health benefits.
Camden Carers Centre administers a fund for carers from the National Carers Grant on behalf of Camden Social Services.
The aim of the grant is to ensure that carers are able to have breaks away from caring. It is also intended that it can be used in a flexible way to meet the differing needs of carers.
Who can apply?
For you to be eligible for the grant, the person you care for must be resident in the borough of Camden.
How much can I apply for?
The maximum amount that you can apply for is £300.
What can I spend my grant on?
You can spend the grant on anything that will give you a break from your caring role. This includes going on holiday, taking up a hobby or training course, going on a day trip, joining a gym or visiting friends.
You cannot get a grant for a break that you have already taken or paid for.
How do I apply for a grant?
Contact Camden Carers Centre for an application form and guidelines.
The applications are considered once a month by a panel which includes carers and representatives from Camden Carers Centre and Camden Social Services.
How long will it take for a decision to be made?
Your application can take up to four weeks to process from the time it is received by Camden Carers Centre. Please bear this in mind when planning your break — and that not all applications will be successful.
Where can I get more information?
To find out more about the Flexible Breaks Scheme please contact Camden Carers Centre.
Flexible Breaks Scheme grants can go towards:
- Holidays
- Activities
- Day trips
- Taking up a course or hobby
- Joining a gym
- Visiting friends
- Arranging for someone to sit with the person you care for
- or anything that you feel will give you a break.
Contact
Camden Carers Centre
5 Crowndale Road
London
NW1 1TU
Telephone: 020 7388 5422
Fax: 020 7388 5503
Asian Carers' line 020 7388 5520
African & Caribbean Carers' line 020 7383 7156
Primary Care Development Worker 020 7383 3469
Carers Support Worker — Person Centred Planning 020 7387 4979
Other useful organisations
Rethink Camden Carers Project
Telephone: 020 7833 2864
Support for carers of people with mental health problems
Kids
Telephone: 020 7520 0405
Information and homebased breaks for families of disabled children
For a full list of contacts please see our useful contacts page.