We can help provide grants for:

1. The individual carers, caring for loved ones
2. The couples caring for one another
3. and carers within the family can take a group holiday

1. Do benefit checks
2. Help filling in forms and applications
3. Grants are available for cares experiencing financial difficulties

Has an outreach service at the Children’s Hospital, Heartlands Hospital, Selly Oak Hospital and at Small Heath Library and can interpret in Urdu, Punjabi and Hindi.
She has:         

1. A database of specialised holidays and care providers
2. Information on breaks away for carers
3. Information on Insurance policies to cover both the carer and cared for person
4. Information and help with Fairer Charging and Direct Payments
5. Service to arrange Care Assessments

Grants include:

1. Carer’s Break’s Grant and the Disabled Children’s Carer’s Grant
2. and help with applying for alternative funding for holiday breaks

We have a Buddying Scheme which is a befriending service for young carers caring for an adult person:

1. We will match volunteers with service users (clients) so their carer can enjoy some social time and leisure activities.
2. A volunteer will buddy up with a service user and do a planned activity, while you the carer get the chance to have a break.
3. We will be able to offer a short break, up to 2 hours a week.
4. The volunteer will be CRB checked and a risk assessment will also be completed. The service will be free for carers.
5. The buddy cannot help with any personal care or administer medication.

If you would like to express an interest in the Buddying Scheme and Short Breaks Service please contact Karuna Bholla (Short Breaks Officer) on: 0121 675 8163 or email: kbholla@ageconcernbirmingham.org.uk