Middlesbrough Council's Community Fund programme has launched a new grant to coincide with Carers Week which begins on Monday, June 8.
The small grants scheme offers funding from as little as £20 up to as much as £5,000 to community based groups who want to support informal carers in their locality.
A carer is defined as anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction cannot cope without their support.
The council is looking for applicants that meet one (or more) of four priorities to help make life better for residents:
- Reduce carers' social isolation and develop social networks
- Help carers, families and communities to achieve and maintain wellbeing
- Reach, connect and support disadvantaged carers.
- Build on available community assets and resources to support carers
Cllr Mieka Smiles, Middlesbrough Council's Executive Member for Culture and Communities, said: "The Coronavirus outbreak has led to people across our communities coming up with creative ways of supporting one another through the crisis and the increased use of technology.
"We want to encourage and support carers in Middlesbrough to continue the important role they carry out and also to encourage groups and organisations in the four key areas."
Grants are not available for duties that are the statutory responsibility of the local authorities and we cannot accept applications direct from carers. The application must be through a group that is providing support and can vouch for the need.
- If you need any help please either ring Sharon Barker on 01642 729309 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
