£5 Million Boost for Unpaid Carers: A Lifeline for Short Braks

In a significant move tae support unpaid carers, the Scottish government has annoonced an additional £5 million allocation tae the Voluntary Sector Short Braks Fund, bringin the total investment for the 2025-26 period tae £13 million. This fundin surge aims tae provide relief tae an estimated 15,000 mair carers, enhancin their ability tae tak vital braks fae caregien duties.

Established in 2011, the Short Braks Fund awready caters tae the needs o ower 25,000 carers, includin young individuals facin the pressures o caregien. This fundin enables various respite options—from short retreats tae pursuin enjoyable hobbies—allouin caregiers some weel-deserved time awa, or shared experiences wi those they support.

Minister for Social Care, Maree Todd, emphasised the importance o this initiative, statin, “This additional fundin recognises the invaluable contribution o unpaid carers. We aim tae support them in managin their health an weelbein, as the essential care they provide cannae be unnerstated.” Todd heilichted the oweraw budget commitment o £21 billion tae health an social care, whit includes ower £2 billion specifically allocated for social care.

The annooncement has garnered praise fae sector leaders, sic as Don Williamson, Chief Executive o Shared Care Scotland. He commented on the decision, expressin delicht ower the fundin increase, statin, “This demonstrates ongaun commitment tae the richt tae a brak. It recognises the crucial impact that respite time can hae on the health an weelbein o unpaid carers.” Williamson cried the investment a vital step tae creatin a sustainable support system for thae that selflessly care for ither fowk.

These developments come at a pivotal time, reflectin a growin recognition o the importance o caregier support, an unnerlinin the community’s commitment tae improvin the quality o life for unpaid carers ower Scotland.