Bursaries from The Princess Royal Trust for Carers
The Princess Royal Trust for Carers have a number of bursaries which offer financial support to Carers.

The Carers Relief Fund
The aim of this fund is to provide relief to Carers from the burden of caring. The enhancement to the Carer can be achieved through provision for the cared-for, but there must be clear benefit to the Carer. The benefit to the Carer may be material or less tangible. For instance, awards have been made for beds, fridges, cookers etc. The Carer’s financial situation should be such that they cannot pay for the required item. It should be noted, however, that the Fund does not make awards for holidays and like the Educational Bursary the scheme does not normally fund applications that exceed £400.

The Educational Bursary Fund
This fund is available to Carers and former Carers who wish to develop new skills. Awards are made mainly for course fees with provision for equipment and books. The course can be for education, personal development, for return-to-work skills or simply for pleasure - to pursue interests outside the caring situation. In the past awards have been made for piano lessons, computer skills, forklift truck operation, driving lessons, degree modules and sign language courses. Awards cannot be made for computers, due to the high cost and does not make grants for respite care. Travel costs will only be awarded in exceptional circumstances.

The Carers Break Fund
To assist with the cost of providing a wide range of breaks for carers, to combat the stress and isolation often caused by their caring role. Those eligible to apply for grants are carers nominated by the Belfast Centre.

Criteria
These funds will be given in a lump sum grant and may be used to cover the costs of such activities as:

• Pampering days/recreational or social outings with or without the cared-for person)

• short breaks

• holidays.

• cases of genuine need e.g. trips to visit terminally ill relatives

• Events that combine educational and social activities e.g. dance classes.

Each individual Carer can receive a maximum of £200 pa.

Contact the Centre for more details.