Carers in need of access to a hardship fund of £150 are ask to make sure they get their application in by the 31 March. The government has made this fund available for Carers from the Household Support Fund and it can be used towards heating bills, food bills or any other purpose in cases of financial hardship.
A carer is anyone who looks after a family member, partner or friend who needs help because of their illness, frailty, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction and cannot cope without their support. The care they provide is unpaid.
Councillor Keir Pedley, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, Walsall Council said, “I encourage carers that are eligible to make sure they get their application in on time so that they can receive payment of this hardship fund which will help with food and fuels costs and hopefully help improve the health and wellbeing of carers in our borough. It is just one way that we can help to raise awareness and recognise the role of carers in our community.”
Andy Hawes, Walsall Carers Centre said, “We are delighted that Walsall council is supporting unpaid family carers in Walsall by providing funds from the Household Fund for Hardship Payments. We are all aware of the increase in the cost of gas and electricity however this is something that has hit carers hard. Having someone at home all day, every day, who needs to be kept warm and comfortable because of their illness or disability can have a massive financial impact on homes who already have limited income.”
Walsall Carers Centre can be contacted by calling 01922 610810 or email contact@walsallcarers.org or visit the office at St.Paul’s Church, Walsall Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 3.00pm.
Carers will need to provide contact details and the details of the person you care for and must be in receipt of Carer’s Allowance to be eligible for this fund. Proof will be required in the form of a recent letter from the Department of Work and Pensions or bank statement clearly showing the payment is being made. Carers will also need to let the Carers centre know what they intend to spend the fund on to ensure it fits with the requirements of the government funding.
Once processed carers will receive a cheque for the sum of £150 in the post.
