£1.5m from Comic Relief to help vulnerable young carers

The Princess Royal Trust for Carers has been re-appointed by Comic Relief to manage a third grants programme of £1.5m for the development of services for the most vulnerable and hidden young carers.

The grants programme will prioritise support to the most vulnerable young carers, including those who are hidden because of the stigma attached to the person they care for and those from under represented or excluded communities.

The scheme will be open to third sector organisations across the UK who want to develop services for young carers most in need of support.

Applications for grants up to £75,000 will be considered by a selection panel from the Trust, Comic Relief, partners from the National Young Carers Coalition and young people.

Alex Fox, Director of Policy and Communications at The Princess Royal Trust for Carers said: "We believe that, in an ideal world, no child would have to take on caring roles that are more appropriate for adults. Neither the child nor the person they care for would choose this situation.

"Sadly, due to low levels of awareness of the issues and patchy support services, this situation is a reality for many children. We hope that this continued partnership with Comic Relief will improve the chances for many young carers and help them to be children as well as carers.

He continued, "We hope that the publicity surrounding the third Grants Programme will also raise awareness of the issues amongst the public and prompt professionals such as teachers and doctors to identify and support the young carers with whom they come into contact.”

Gilly Green, Head of UK Grants, Comic Relief said: "The Princess Royal Trust for Carers managed the previous two grants programmes which are already demonstrating huge benefits to young carers. With its network of 85 young carers’ services and YCNet, its dedicated young carers web site, The Trust continues to be the ideal partner to ensure that this third grants programme will make a significant difference to even more young carers throughout the UK."

Get full details of the programme and apply for funds

Visit our website for young carers YCNet

Published 25 January 2010