£100 grant only

[Huegatort]

We have a couple of carer groups in our area but like other charities, all they offer is work training, some advice and counselling; very little otherwise! I feel some are in it to secure their own jobs only and very little is offered to Carers and I've heard other Carers say the same thing!
Five years ago the NHS gave a £300 per year grant for short breaks through one charity and I only had the benefit of three! This grant has now closed unfortunately.
Now we have a £100 grant for Carers from the local authority through the same charity. I phoned to enquire and explained my circumstances and it was explained that the charity was looking for Carers who were not on the system, I was infuriated as I've cared for our Son for 27 years before he had a stroke last year and for the last 2 years I've cared for my Husband too with no help from anyone! I am sick of having to fight for everything!
I recently phoned back and I spoke to a woman who understood the difficulties I face and she sent me the form to complete and I was awarded the grant.
I am now able to pay for 3 reflexology sessions that will help my pain and mobility and that helps me in my caring roll. I am looking forward to having an hour to myself once a month for the next 3 months.

[Elaine]

Hiya
You are coping with an awful lot on your own. Sorry if you have answered this before, but you have had Needs assessments and a Carer's assessment done by the local authority haven't you? No joy there?
Elaine

[Pet66]

Hello.
I don't know an awful lot about grants . I do know though that an hour a month for yourself is just not enough! You deserve and need more. Im sorry I can't offer any practical advice but am sending you my thoughts and a (((hug))).
I do hope something works out so you get more time for yourself xx

[bowlingbun]

In the last 37 years I have had TEN carees. As yet, I've never ever had one penny!

[charles47]

Grants like this don't exist in every local authority. For example, Leicestershire does - provided you have a Carers Assessment - while Leicester City doesn't.

What every local authority in England does have is the ability to offer carers a Carers Personal Budget for services for themselves. However, you have to meet certain eligibility criteria (they're the same across England).

Click on "Help and Advice" above, then "Practical Help" and after that "Carers Assessments" for more information.

Or try this: http://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice ... assessment

[Huegatort]

Hello Elaine
Thank you for taking the time to respond. I have not had an assessment but have been advised to do so. I hope to get around to it soon.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Regards

[Huegatort]

Hello Pet66
Thank you also for taking the time to reply, your kind words and a hug mean a lot.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Regards

[Huegatort]

Hi bowlingbun
Thank you for taking the time to reply. Over the time you have answered a few of my messages and have given some good advice and I appreciate that. With all of your experience as a Carer, you obviously have a wealth of knowledge to offer other Carers like myself.
I know other Carers like yourself who have not had any support at all and it is unacceptable.
I hope that you enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Regards

[Huegatort]

Hello Charles
Thank you also for taking the time to respond and for the link for advice, I shall read through it before I apply.
I do hope that the rest of your weekend is a good one.
Regards

[Penny]

OMG I wish there was a grant I could apply for. I care for my special needs daughter and also my 92 year old Mum who has been with us all weekend and has needed a lot of help.

In order to keep going I have recently paid out £140 to chiropractor and accupuncturist as I have a big painful Bakers cyst behind my knee and a twisted fibula. All I want to do right now is lie down somewhere, rest the leg and pray that after a month of pain, it goes away.

All the GP suggested was ibuprofen gel which has no effect whatsoever. I can't take anti inflammatories as I have a hiatus hernia.

I can't really afford any more chiro sessions.