Emotional Support
What is the Time Out for Carers Fund?
What is the Time Out for Carers Fund?
Carers often have very little time for themselves due to their caring role. It is important for us all to have a break, to relax and spend time doing the things that we enjoy. The fund's purpose is to give carers some 'Time Out'. This could be an evening off, taking up a hobby or going on a holiday with or without the person you look after. The fund is very flexible and can be used for anything as long as it gives you a break from caring or your day-to-day caring situation.
The money is awarded for YOU so that you can spend time away from your normal caring role. It is not intended to be spent on the person you care for unless you will be getting a break also.
The sort of things carers have previously spent their award on are:-
Holidays/short breaks for you or with the person you care for.
Sitting service - so that you can take time out for shopping, day trips, visits to museums/libraries etc.
Training courses.
Pamper yourself with reflexology, massage, make-overs.
Anything else that will give you a break!
If you are not sure what to apply for, you can contact Trafford Carers Centre to give you some ideas! The fund is for an additional break, ideally it should not go towards funding a break you are already planning or have already had.
How much can I apply for?
You can apply for any amount up to a maximum of £200 in any 12 month period. You will need to apply for the money eight weeks before you plan to go on a break. We will need to know the total cost of your activity or break.
Who is the Fund for?
The fund is available to any adult that cares for someone over the age of 18 who lives in Trafford. If you have applied for the Time Out Fund and been successful and the person that you care for passes away, you will be able to keep the money. Unfortunately, if the person you care for passes away before during the application process your application will be withdrawn.
How are grants decided?
Obviously all carers deserve some "time out" but our dilemma is often in the judgement of who needs it most. We give preference to carers who have not had a break in over 12 months and those who would otherwise struggle to meet the costs on their own. We also like to give the money to people where it would be used for something that will benefit them in both the long and short term. We will look at your caring situation and how it impacts on your own health, social life and relationships. This is why it is important to give us as much information as possible; most of the time we like to send a worker out to visit you so that we can give you the best chance possible.
Who decides?
We have a panel of people who meet once a month to look at the application forms. The panel is made up of workers from Trafford Carers Centre and Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council who provide the grant. If you know someone on the panel you can apply anonymously through the Centre Manager.
What if I am successful?
We will telephone or write to all successful applicants as soon as we can. We will not be able to give you the actual money but can directly make a cheque payable to a hotel, gym, travel agent or other organisation. For expenses, we will ask you to keep receipts and we will pay you the money back after your break. In some instances we can also provide carers with cash in advance but this may take us a few weeks to organise. We also understand that carers are very busy people, therefore, we can assist you in finding a suitable break. You must start to use the money within three months of being notified. You must also use all of your money within six months or it will go to another carer who needs it.
What if I am unsuccessful?
Our fund is very popular and each month we receive numerous applications. We hope that everyone will apply as it shows future funders that we need more money for the fund. If you are unsuccessful the panel may decide to hold on to your application and resubmit it in a future month or they may write to you to say that you have been unsuccessful. You have a right to appeal if you are unhappy with the decision by contacting the Centre Manager at our address and s/he will then review the panel's decision.
How do I apply?
Just ring our Carers Helpline on 0161 861 0101 and they will arrange for a worker to come out and see you or, if appropriate, the will complete the application over the telephone.
| Trafford Carers Centre is supported by |  |
and |  |