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

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

Established in 2011, da Short Braks Fund aaready caters tae da needs o ower 25,000 carers, includin young individuals facin da pressures o caregivin. Dis fundin enables various respite options—from short retreats tae pursuin enjoyable hobbies—allowin caregivers some weel-deserved time awa, or shared experiences wi dose dey support.

Minister for Social Care, Maree Todd, emphasised da importance o dis initiative, statin, “Dis additional fundin recognises da invaluable contribution o unpaid carers. We aim tae support dem in managin der health an weelbein, as da essential care dey provide cannae be unnerstated.” Todd heilichted da oweraa budget commitment o £21 billion tae health an social care, whit includes ower £2 billion specifically allocated for social care.

Da annooncement has garnered praise frae sector leaders, sic as Don Williamson, Chief Executive o Shared Care Scotland. He commented on da decision, expressin delicht ower da fundin increase, statin, “Dis demonstrates ongaan commitment tae da richt tae a brak. It recognises da crucial impact dat respite time can hae on da health an weelbein o unpaid carers.” Williamson caad da investment a vital step tae creatin a sustainable support system for dose wha selflessly care for ither folk.

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