£600,000 funding for short breaks projects for carers and the people they care for

Posted on 1 April 2021 by Christie McAlpine

The Creative Breaks programme provides 12 month grants to third sector organisations to develop and deliver short breaks projects and services for carers of adults (aged 21 years and over), and young carers (caring for children or adults), and the people that they care for. 

Short breaks activities can take many different forms – including breaks away (i.e. overnight stays, residential breaks), days out, and/or shorter sessions (i.e. regular activities). Activities must be designed to enable carers to have a life outside or alongside their caring role, and to support their health and wellbeing. Short breaks should also benefit the cared-for person and others (e.g. family members) and help sustain the caring relationship. 

What can be funded?

Short break activities can be for the carers, for the people they care for, or for both the carers and the cared-for people to enjoy together. To be eligible for Creative Breaks funding, projects must be able to evidence how their activities will benefit both the carers and the people they care for, by providing a break from their normal routine. 

A total of £600,000 is available. Grants are for one year (October 2021 – September 2022). 

Who can apply?

This funding is for third sector operating in Scotland. Organisations do not have to be a registered charity to apply but must have a constitution that states the organisation’s purposes are solely charitable and that it delivers public benefit in achieving its purpose(s).  

When to Apply

Applications must be submitted by 5pm on Thursday 20 May 2021 (late or incomplete applications will not be accepted) 

Find out more

The Short Breaks Fund team is available to help applicants develop the strongest possible application, through workshops and phone-in sessions. Experience has shown that applicants who participate in a workshop and/or contact the team for support are more likely to produce applications that score better at assessment. This support applies to both new applicants to the fund, and current/previous grantholders. 

Full details on the fund including how to apply and how to access the workshops are available on the Shared Care website.