News

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Communities across Scotland are set to benefit from funding of around £5 million a year from the good causes money raised by the new Health Lottery.

Launching its inaugural grants programme, Healthy Places Healthy People, the People’s Health Trust will fund activity to reduce isolation amongst older people, provide support for informal carers, particularly young adult carers, and support local projects that help create healthier environments and communities.

And today (Tuesday) projects in Ayrshire became some of the first to be awarded Healthy Lottery funding from the People’s Health Trust, the independent charity responsible for deciding where the money is most needed and spent.

A grant of £46,801 has been awarded to North & South Ayrshire Carers Centre – managed by the social enterprise company Unity Enterprise in partnership with The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, to support their work in providing an environment where carers can drop in and access confidential help, information, advice and support on a wide range of issues affecting them including health and financial worries.
The centre also provides a social hub for older carers who often feel alone and isolated in fulfilling their caring role. 

Karen Queen, the manager of Unity Enterprise Carer’s Services said: “Often media attention focuses on the plight of young carers but it is often older carers who suffer most and receive less support. Older carers feel that it their duty to take care of their partners or relatives and will often risk their own health and well-being to fulfil this responsibility. This benefits no-one and makes our ability to recognise issues and provide support critical. This funding will provide a huge boost to our efforts to help this often neglected group of carers.”