A funding pot of over £500,000 from the Scottish Government and the City of the Edinburgh Council will be allocated to support carers in the most need.
VOCAL, a carer charity which operates throughout Edinburgh Midlothian, this week announced a Carer Recovery Fund in partnership with twelve other Edinburgh charities, which will aid in the delivery of grants of up to £500 per carer household.
Through the fund, carers can apply for support with food vouchers, fuel payments, or general costs of living to improve their overall financial situation. General grants available from the fund will cover necessities that come with the role of a carer, such as training, transport, equipment, the purchase of furniture, support while seeking employment, and general stress reduction.
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Carers going through the fund’s application process can count on further support from agencies including the Action Group, Edinburgh Community Food, the Lothian Autistic Society, Milan and several younger carer organisations.
A recent survey conducted by VOCAL found that nearly 1,300 carers are experiencing financial pressures. Over half of respondents to the survey felt that being a carer had negatively impacted their finances, while 33 per cent had cease working because of their caring roles. Meanwhile, 17 per cent of respondents said they have had to borrow money because of their work as carers, while 8 per cent have had to use food banks.
One carer said: “I am now in my late 50s and I really never expected to be in this awful financial situation. It is embarrassing to have to regularly use food banks so we can eat.”
Edinburgh Depute Provost and chair of the Action Group Cllr Joan Griffiths commented: “Being a carer is extremely rewarding but it can also be stressful and for many add pressure to finances. It can be a massive juggle simply to meet the everyday demands of work, study or home and make time for yourself when also caring for someone close to you.
“This fund is fantastic news and I hope will provide crucial help to those who need it most. It is so important that carers are cared for too and are able to seek the help and support that they need.”
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VOCAL chief executive Sebastian Fischer added: “Often as a result of the pandemic, some carers have had to reduce their hours at work, or even stop working altogether. With the recent cut to Universal Credit, increased inflation and rising fuel prices, carers are being sucked further to the edge of poverty with their financial and emotional resilience pushed to the limit.”
VOCAL and the City of Edinburgh Council have urged all those within the capital who are supporting a family member, partner or friend to manage a long-term condition, disability, physical or mental health problem or addiction to investigate the fund and find out if there are eligible for a grant. They have also appealed for Edinburgh citizens to spread the word, so that as many carers as possible can benefit.
Carers can apply directly for the Carer Recovery Fund through VOCAL’s website.
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