£5m innovation fund to support carers launched

A £5 million Carers Innovation Fund has launched that will invest in innovative ways of supporting unpaid carers. Applicants will need to demonstrate that their idea is a fresh approach that is better than existing provision, will benefit the local community and can be expanded and replicated. The voluntary sector, charities, SMEs and commercial organisations can all bid for funding to prove their concept – up to £500,000, with the aim of securing longer term funding from other sources. Projects the fund would invest in include technology platforms that help carers to take a break from their caring responsibilities, and support groups such as carers’ cafes and Men’s Sheds. Projects will be expected to show a positive effect on: carers’ health and wellbeing carers’ ability to manage work alongside caring responsibilities carers’ ability to take a break from their caring role reducing loneliness and social isolation The fund was first announced last year as part of the Carers Action Plan, a cross-government programme of targeted work to support unpaid carers over the next 2 years. Initially the fund was worth half a million pounds. However, funding was later increased to £5 million. Full information on the fund and how to apply is available on .gov.uk. Minister for Care, Caroline Dinenage, said: “Informal care is a fundamental part of our health and care system, which would not be sustainable without the incredible contribution of carers across the country. But we cannot take them for granted and must do more to protect their wellbeing and ensure they can enjoy full lives. “This £5 million investment will help build our understanding of the kinds of support that work for carers, outside of traditional healthcare services. From cafes that bring carers together, to innovative forms of technology that help carers enjoy time off, I want to see a range of exciting projects boosted and their benefits unlocked.” Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said: “There’s never been a more important time to develop and accelerate new ways to support unpaid carers. Many more of us are taking on unpaid caring responsibilities for family and friends, often alongside paid work or raising children. We are also seeing the amount and complexity of care increasing. "As we live and work longer, with technology transforming so many aspects of our lives, it’s time to innovate to support the way families are living today.”

from UK Fundraising http://bit.ly/2R9XdEE