Deadline: 24 June 2024
The Family Fund is currently accepting applications for the Take a Break grant scheme for parent carers (unpaid carers and eligible kinship carers) of disabled children and young people, aged 0-20 who have complex additional support needs.
The aim of the scheme is to improve unpaid carer’s quality of life, health and wellbeing by providing cash grants to help them access a short break from the day-to-day routine of caring. Take a Break grants can be used flexibly, this is to help meet the interests and circumstances of the carer.
All grants are discretionary and subject to available funding at any time. Take a Break is administered by Family Fund, on behalf of the Scottish Government.
What can you apply for?
- What you need may depend on your interests and personal circumstances. They expect their average grant award to be around £300. Grants may be used flexibly and can contribute towards things like:
- a holiday or short break away – for the carer, whole family or disabled young person
- day trips – entrance fees to theme parks or zoos, meals out or a spa day
- an additional carer – to enable you to relax and fully participate during a break away
- travel costs – ferry, bus or train tickets, travel passes, flights, fuel or taxi fares
- sport, play or leisure equipment – including camping equipment, a paddleboard or a trampoline
- clubs and activities – membership fees, sports training, season tickets or hobby materials
- digital devices and subscriptions – for entertainment, learning and socialising.
What you can not apply for?
- Take a Break cannot, unfortunately, be used for:
- capital items such as vehicles
- replacement of statutory funding
- a break that has already been arranged or something that has already been purchased
- items that do not meet the principles of the fund, which is to support carers to have a break
Who can apply?
- To be eligible for a Take a Break Scotland grant you must:
- have lived in Scotland continuously for six months or longer
- be a UK resident
- be caring for a disabled or seriously ill child or young person aged 0 to 20 years who lives at home with you
- have a child or or young person that is not looked after by the local authority (e.g. in foster care).
For more information, visit Family Fund.
