East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership has awarded £42,000 to support local projects benefiting unpaid carers across the region.
The East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership has confirmed funding grants to support four organisations through the Carers Act, including a range of projects that will benefit unpaid carers across East Lothian.
The £42,000 funding will enable these organisations to deliver valuable services, including outdoor adventure programmes, family fun days, mental health support for parent carers, and practical assistance for those balancing the demands of caring for a loved one.
Among the funded initiatives is Venturing Out, which provides outdoor adventure activities for unpaid carers, helping to improve mental and physical well-being while fostering peer support. A participant in the Venturing Out programme shared their experience:
“I have loved all of the activities. They have taken me to a different space and mindset than I have been in my caring role. I have felt more like my real self and the best part is that the feeling has lasted, even despite the normal grind.”
Support organisation Can Do intends to use its grant funding to organise two family fun days, giving families caring for young people with additional support needs the chance to relax and connect in a supportive environment. One parent described the impact of previous events:
“It was the first event that we have been able to enjoy as a family without any stress – this in itself was very beneficial for my mental health.”
Also receiving support is STAND, a grassroots organisation run by parents and carers of neurodivergent children. Their project will provide cleaning support for families struggling to keep up with household tasks due to the demands of full-time caring responsibilities.
Finally, the four charitable organisation receiving Carers grant funding is the Tailor Ed Foundation, which offer one-to-one support for parents caring for autistic children, addressing the significant mental health challenges they face and providing guidance to help them navigate available services.
Fiona Wilson, Chief Officer of East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership comments:
“These projects will make a real difference in the lives of unpaid carers, offering them much-needed support, breaks from caring, and opportunities to connect with others who understand their challenges. We are delighted to be able to provide funding to such impactful initiatives."
“Each of these organisations plays a vital role in supporting carers across East Lothian, and this funding will help continue their invaluable work.”
To find out more about local support for carers please visit our webpages or if you want to provide feedback on your experience as a carer or get involved in shaping carer support please do so through our feedback function here: www.eastlothian.gov.uk/support-for-carers or email us at carers@eastlothian.gov.uk