VOCAL Edinburgh administer funds from several funding bodies for carers to obtain a break from caring. For instance, VOCAL Edinburgh is the local delivery partner for Shared Care Scotland’s Time to Live initiative.

Carers in Edinburgh can apply to VOCAL for a grant to fund activities, devices and support, which gives carers a break from caring.  If you are a carer and have an interest you find difficult to afford, but it would make a real difference to your care-life balance, please consider applying!

The Time to Live fund is usually only open to carers of those aged 21 years or over. However, currently it is also open to carers of those aged up to 21 years if they have not been awarded a grant from the ‘Take a Break Scotland’ grant scheme in the past 12 months or have an application being processed.

While traditional breaks may not be achievable at this time, carers can apply for grants to be used flexibly to support activities that can be undertaken in the home, garden or close to where you live – for some ideas and inspiration download the Wee Breaks flyer.

VOCAL Edinburgh are particularly keen to hear from those who have not applied for short breaks funding before.

If you are interested in applying to the fund, we recommend you contact VOCAL by calling 0131 622 6666 or email and ask to speak to a carer support practitioner. You will require the support of a VOCAL practitioner to progress your application. Funding will only be allocated for a break if it is agreed that a break would meet your personal outcomes.

The Short Breaks Funds are operated by Shared Care Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government and the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership.

There are also a number of other trusts and grants you can explore to fund you break via the Grant section.