Blaenau Gwent Council has welcomed funding of £40,000 to help it continue its vital work supporting unpaid carers of all ages.
The money has again been secured through the Welsh Government’s Carers Support Fund, which the Council has used to support almost 400 carers over the past two years. This has included awarding direct grants, holding support sessions on a range of different topics and organising activities for young carers.
Unpaid carers have received support with household budgeting, their emotional and physical wellbeing, employment support, benefits advice and access to new technologies to help with their caring role. These unsung heroes have benefited from grants to spend on essential items including food, clothing and electrical items, which has been welcomed at a time when the cost of living has dramatically increased.
Young carers have taken part in a number of activity days and in the first year four young people completed their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award thanks to the fund, which saw them learn new skills, make new friendships and build confidence, self-esteem and emotional resilience.
Since 2022, the Carers Support Fund has provided grant funding to local organisations and aided almost 30,000 unpaid carers across Wales. The scheme is managed by Carers Trust Wales and, thanks to the renewed Welsh Government funding, will run for another year until March 2026, supporting an extra 8,000 carers.
Councillor Helen Cunningham, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Adults and Communities at Blaenau Gwent Council says:
“Unpaid carers of all ages are a vital part of our communities - quietly and selflessly supporting loved ones every day. Their resilience and dedication deserve recognition. I am so pleased that we can continue to offer carers this support through the Carers Support Fund for another year. It allows us to provide some assistance to help ease some of the pressures that come with being an carer.”
Kate Cubbage, Director Carers Trust Wales, says:
“Unpaid carers across Wales provide invaluable care for family members, friends and loved ones, often at great personal sacrifice. We’ve heard from unpaid carers that the Carers Support Fund has been essential in keeping food on the table and heat in their homes. This programme is helping to sustain carers through some of the toughest times.
"The continued funding of £1.5 million distributed across Wales via Carers Trust Wales will enable local carer organisations and delivery partners to reach thousands more unpaid carers to offer some protection from the sharpest end of poverty into 2026.
“We are thrilled that Blaenau Gwent Council successfully applied for funding for another year to help the carers it supports. Together, we are offering a lifeline to unpaid carers and the chance for them to gain some much-needed support.”
About Carers Trust Wales:
Carers Trust Wales, part of Carers Trust, aims to shape a better future with and for carers in Wales by raising awareness, empowering carers and influencing change. It is committed to making sure that all carers receive the recognition and support they deserve. It works closely and collaboratively with Network Partners - local and regional independent charities which deliver information, advice and practical support for unpaid carers in Wales.
There are over 310,000 unpaid carers in Wales - 3 in 5 of us will become a carer at some point in our lives. Our Network Partners support more than 36,000 carers in Wales.
About the Carers Support Fund:
The Carers Support Fund, funded by the Welsh Government, aims to provide essential services and grant funding to support unpaid carers who are facing financial hardship, particularly due to the rising cost of living.
Since its inception in 2022, the fund has provided grant funding to local organisations and aided almost 30,000 unpaid carers across Wales. These grants offer crucial relief to individuals who are caring for loved ones in need, helping to alleviate financial pressures. Thanks to continued funding from Welsh Government, it now runs until 2026 and will support an extra 8,000 carers.