Cash grants prove to be a lifeline for Borders Carers

Lockdown has been tough on most people, but for those caring for loved ones at home, it’s been especially tough.
By Kevin Janiak
Published 29th May 2020, 11:36 BST

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Debbie Rutherford of the Borders Carers Centre.Debbie Rutherford of the Borders Carers Centre.
Debbie Rutherford of the Borders Carers Centre.

However, the Borders Carers Centre has been helping them out, thanks to a total of £13,000 in crisis grants from a wide range of funds.

The centre has been busy relocating funds from the Carers Trust for Carers Emergency Fund, National Lottery - Awards for All, the Bridge, Foundation Scotland - Response, Recovery and Well-being Fund; and the Community Well-being Fund to those who need it most.

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Debbie Rutherford, information and training officer at the Borders Carers Centre, told us: “These grants have been much appreciated and have made a huge difference to the lives of carers during lockdown.

Borders Carers Centre logoBorders Carers Centre logo
Borders Carers Centre logo

“Through the various grant schemes, we have been enabled to support carers financially at this difficult time with grants for food, utilities, essential items, equipment and activities for all ages.”

The money has also helped to give carers some respite during the crisis.

One carer who made good use of the funds said: “We are so very grateful for the help from the Borders Carers Centre, which has really eased the lockdown situation for us.

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“Our children are so much happier now that they are able to work off some energy in the garden, and that gives me some precious time to myself to recharge the batteries.”

Debbie added: “As carers are not able to access respite opportunities away from the home at the moment, these grants have been vital in supporting carers to think about stay-at-home activities both for themselves and the people they care for.

“We have been working together to identify creative solutions and ways of safely occupying loved ones, so that caring can take some time out.

“Activities have included anything from a Disney channel subscription, to a window box garden.

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“Book and magazine subscriptions have also been popular and there has been a huge demand for garden play equipment.”

The Carers Centre continue to support carers in new ways including a weekly virtual support group and the launch of online workshops to help get ‘Back on Track’.

Full details can be seen on the centre’s Facebook page.