The Scottish government is to create a new funding pot for unpaid carers to allow them to get money to pay for respite breaks and support during the pandemic.

The £750,000 fund will be distributed through local carers centres over the ‘coming months’.

There will also be money to also allow the local centres to expand services such as counselling and support groups.

Unveiling the programme, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said, while the amount is relatively small, she hoped it would still give as many people as possible - including young carers - the extra help, such as a break or additional emotional support, that they “need and deserve” during the pandemic:

“Carers do an exceptional job at every time, but the pandemic has increased the pressure that many of them feel.

“Many carers have also faced other difficulties during the pandemic – worries about their jobs and their finances – and of course the pandemic means that traditional respite breaks for carers are either heavily restricted or completely unavailable.

“I would encourage carers, if you have not already done so, to get in touch with your local carer centre to find out how this additional funding might be able to help you.

“Carers have undoubtedly played an essential part in helping us collectively to get through the pandemic so far, so I want to take the opportunity to say a very heartfelt thank you to everybody who has unpaid caring responsibilities.”

Don Williamson, Chief Executive of Shared Care Scotland, says a lot of carers need additional support at the moment:

 "COVID-19 has made life hugely challenging for unpaid carers, many of whom are struggling on with little or no opportunity to have any breaks from their caring.

“We therefore very much welcome this additional funding from Scottish government which will go towards increasing the capacity of local carer services so they can provide support to more carers, including with accessing breaks, to help them over the particularly difficult winter months.”

Carer and campaigner Lynn Williams from Paisley says the new fund is good but much more is needed:

“It was so welcome to hear the role and contribution of unpaid carers during the pandemic being recognised by the First Minister.

“Any additional support to carers right now will always be a positive step, but what was announced doesn’t increase carers’ income, it doesn’t restart still closed day centres and support services. It doesn’t give carers any space to have a proper break from caring.

“The money announced works out at around 75p for every carer in Scotland. What does that say about valuing unpaid care?”

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