If you are a family member or friend providing a ‘substantial and regular’ amount of care and support to someone aged 18 years or over, who has a disability, long-term illness or mental health problem, and who lives in Birmingham, you may be entitled to a Holiday Grant of £250 and an Equipment/Support Grant of up to £300.

The Holiday Grant is provided to help carers take a holiday themselves (with or without the person they care for), or to help the person they care for have a holiday.

The Equipment/Support Grant can be used to help the carer take a ‘break’ from the stresses of caring in many different ways (in fact as many different ways as there are carers!).

Some of the things that carers have used it for include:

Washing Machines, Microwave Ovens, Driving lessons, Computers, Aromatherapy, Massage, Reclining Chairs, Garden alterations (to make the garden more accessible or more manageable), Light-weight Wheelchairs, Bathroom or toilet alterations, Leisure activities (including transport and sitting services to enable to carer to take the time out).

If you want more information about the Grants and how to apply for them, please contact Birmingham Carers’ Centre on 303 4044