The Welsh Government has confirmed a significant investment of
£15.75m over the next three-years to continue two vital schemes
supporting unpaid carers.
The Short Breaks Scheme and Carers Support Fund provide a vital
lifeline for thousands of carers across Wales. Today's
announcement will see both schemes continued through to 2029.
The Short Breaks Scheme enables unpaid carers of all ages to take
personalised breaks from their caring responsibilities, including
social outings, leisure memberships and hobby equipment.
In its first three years, the scheme delivered over 50,000 short
breaks, significantly exceeding its initial target of 30,000 and
reaching carers who were previously unknown to support services.
The Carers Support Fund provides emergency financial assistance
to unpaid carers on low incomes, helping them purchase essential
items such as food, household goods or pay utility bills.
The fund supported 29,500 unpaid carers between April 2022 and
April 2025, almost double its original target of 15,000.
Crucially, it also provides advice on welfare benefits and
financial planning for sustained positive impact.
Minister for Children and Social Care, said,
This announcement demonstrates our commitment to unpaid carers
who play a vital role in communities throughout Wales.
The Short Breaks Scheme and Carers Support Fund have proven their
worth time and again including reaching carers who need support
but were previously not known to services.
These schemes are not just about providing respite and financial
support – they're about recognising the invaluable contribution
carers make to our society and ensuring they have the support to
look after their own wellbeing whilst caring for others.
Director of Carers Trust Wales, Kate Cubbage said,
Unpaid carers are vital to sustaining our health and social care
system providing much needed and valued support within families
and communities across Wales.
We know that good care is supported care. Too often carers tell
us that they are left to care alone without the right support to
look after themselves or to do other things that matter to them.
Many reaching out for support when they hit crisis point.
Confirmation of multi-year funding for the Carers Support Fund
and National Short Breaks Scheme provides much needed investment
in the services that are best placed to be there for carers when
they need it most. Together, they will give a lifeline to tens of
thousands of carers giving them much-needed opportunities to rest
and recharge and offering urgent financial help to those making
the difficult choice between heating and eating.
Welsh Government's long-term investment provides much-needed
stability and certainty, not only for carers, but also for the
local organisations working tirelessly to support them. This
funding announcement is an important recognition of the valuable
role carers play and the importance of prioritising support for
them.
