Carers' grants
Available to carers registered at Warrington Carers Centre

As part of The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, Warrington Carers Centre is able to offer five grants to carers (and in some cases former carers) who are registered with Warrington Carers Centre. These funds have been set up, with the support of donations from companies and individuals, to help carers in practical ways and are designed to help improve the quality of life for carers, either physically or emotionally.

The grants are not intended to replace statutory funding — that is, funding that can be obtained via local authority, Social Services — and the carer's financial situation should be such that they cannot pay for the required item.

The grants available are:

• The Carers Break Fund
• The Carers Relief Fund
• Transport for Carers Fund
• The Return to Work Educational Bursary Fund

The Carers Break Fund
This fund is to assists with the costs of providing a range of breaks for carers, to combat the stress and isolation often caused by caring. The fund may be used to cover the costs of such activities such as:

• holidays
• short breaks
• pampering days
• social outings
• carers meetings
• social and educational events

Available to current carers or those whose caring responsibilities have ceased due to bereavement in the last three months. Maximum grant: £200.

The Carers Relief Fund
This fund is available for equipment that will improve the carer's quality of life and is for the purchase of basics — such as bedding, a fridge or cooker. The grant needs to be of real benefit to the carers (e.g. a new washing machine would save several trips a week to a launderette) and will normally be for one piece of equipment only.

Available to current carers or those whose caring responsibilities have ceased within the last six months. Maximum grant £400.

Transport for Carers Fund
This fund is to assist carers with the costs of transport arising as a direct result of their caring situation. These may be regular or special one-off transport needs e.g. hospital visits.

Grants are also available for driving lessons where this will benefit the carer in their caring role.  

Grants will not be made for vehicle repairs or maintenance, or for cars.

The applicant must be a current carer. Maximum grant £400 (£300 for driving lessons).

Return to Work Educational Bursary Fund
This scheme is designed for carers who wish to participate in training to enhance their future employment prospects and who intend to return to work following completion of the course. It is to cover the cost of tuition or training and occasionally for equipment or travelling costs. Available to current carers or those whose caring responsibilities have ceased within the last two years. Maximum grant £500 p.a.

How to apply
If you are interested in applying for any of the grants outlined in this leaflet, application forms are available from Warrington Carers Centre. You can get one by contacting us at on 01925 644212 or in writing to Warrington Carers Centre or calling in any Monday, Wednesday or Friday between 10am and 2pm.

You can either fill in the form yourself and return it to us, or you can make an appointment with us and we will help you to complete your application. In either case the completed form must be returned to Warrington Carers Centre.

If you decide to make an application please note:

• We cannot accept applications for items already purchased.
• All applications need to include a carer's financial information sheet if possible.
• Receipts will be required as evidence of expenditure.
• We may ask you for information on how the fund has helped you, as this is useful for reporting back to potential sponsors.
• Any information will always be treated confidentially.

If you would like any more information about Carers Grants or about any of our other services, please contact the Carers Centre.

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