Details

Better Breaks is a funding programme of the Short Breaks Fund, operated by Shared Care Scotland on behalf of the National Carers Organisations and the Scottish Government. The purpose of the Short Breaks Fund is to increase the range, availability, and choice of short breaks for unpaid carers and those they care for across Scotland.

The Better Breaks programme provides 12-month grants to third sector organisations to develop and deliver short breaks projects and services for disabled children and young people (aged 20 and under), and their carers (adult and/or young carers).

The fund supports a wide range of short breaks projects and activities including holiday activity programmes, after school clubs, sports coaching, and youth groups. The activities can be for children and young people without their carers, with their sibling/young carer, or for whole families to enjoy together.

Projects must be able to evidence how their activities will benefit both children and young people with disabilities and their carers, by providing a break from their normal routine. These breaks should increase opportunities for children and young people to engage in activities they enjoy, give carers a break from their caring role, and improve wellbeing for all involved.

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Geographical areas funded: Scotland

Fund type

Type of funding:

Grant

Type of cost:

Revenue

Applicant success rate:

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Fund award sizes

Maximum:

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Average:

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Annually awarded:

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Notes on award amounts:

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Who can apply

To be eligible to apply for a Better Breaks grant, organisations must:

• operate in Scotland
• be an OSCR registered charity OR a constituted organisation that has only charitable purpose(s) and that delivers public benefit
• hold all relevant registrations, policies and procedures required (e.g. PVG checks, safeguarding, Care Inspectorate registration etc.)
• have appropriate and effective governance and financial management arrangements
• have a bank account in the name of the organisation that requires at least two signatories for withdrawals or transactions
• support unpaid carers and/or the people they care for, or are partnering with an organisation that does
• have consulted with disabled children and young people and their unpaid carers when preparing this application
• pay staff the Real Living Wage £13.45 OR there are no paid staff within the organisation

When to apply

Applications for Better Breaks 2027–2028 are now open and will close 30 September 2026 at 5pm, for projects starting in April 2027.

Next deadline: 30 Sep 2026

How to apply

Apply online via the Shared Care Scotland website.

Support is available to help with your application. Details of the free applicant workshops, toolkits and phone in sessions are available on the website.

Contact information

Exclusions

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Activites funded: Advice and information Befriending and mentoring Health care and wellbeing Respite and holidays

Beneficiaries funded: Carers Children Care experienced people Disabilities Young people

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Last reviewed about 20 hours ago