Deadline: 15-Jul-26
The LETS Live Well: Strengthening Support for Unpaid Carers Grants 2026 provides grants of up to £2,500 to voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations delivering projects that improve the wellbeing of unpaid carers in Bury, UK. The programme supports early identification of carers, improved access to services, stronger peer networks, and initiatives that reduce isolation while promoting carers’ rights.
About the LETS Live Well: Strengthening Support for Unpaid Carers Grants
The LETS Live Well: Strengthening Support for Unpaid Carers Grants programme has been launched to strengthen support for unpaid carers living in Bury through community-led initiatives.
The programme provides small grants to voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations that deliver practical, inclusive, and flexible activities designed to improve the health, wellbeing, and quality of life of unpaid carers.
Funding aims to ensure carers are identified earlier, connected to appropriate services, and supported through accessible community-based programmes.
Focus Areas
Projects should contribute to one or more of the following priorities:
- Early identification of unpaid carers
- Support for young carers
- Support for working carers
- Support for carers from under-represented communities
- Addressing racial inequalities affecting carers
- Improving access to information and support services
- Physical wellbeing
- Mental health and emotional wellbeing
- Peer support networks
- Community engagement
- Reducing loneliness and social isolation
- Raising awareness of carers’ rights
- Celebrating unpaid carers and their contributions
Programme Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Identify unpaid carers as early as possible.
- Improve access to advice, information, and support.
- Enhance carers’ physical and mental wellbeing.
- Build stronger peer support networks.
- Reduce social isolation through inclusive community activities.
- Promote carers’ rights and increase public awareness.
- Improve support for carers from under-represented groups.
Funding Information
The programme offers:
- Maximum grant: Up to £2,500 per project
- Total funding available: Approximately £25,000
- Expected number of grants: Around 10–12 projects
Funding is intended for flexible community programmes that directly benefit unpaid carers in Bury.
Eligible Activities
Funding may support activities such as:
- Wellbeing programmes
- Mental health support sessions
- Physical activity initiatives
- Peer support groups
- Community events for carers
- Information and advice services
- Awareness campaigns
- Social inclusion activities
- Workshops and learning sessions
- Community spaces that reduce isolation
- Activities celebrating unpaid carers
- Programmes connecting carers with local services and resources
Ineligible Activities
Funding cannot be used for:
- Direct payments to individuals
- Activities that have already taken place
- Capital projects
- Statutory services
- Political activities
- Religious activities
- Purchase of alcohol
- Respite care
- Fundraising events
- Projects that are not primarily focused on unpaid carers
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Constituted voluntary organisations
- Community organisations
- Social enterprise organisations (VCSEs)
Applicants must either:
- Be based in Bury, or
- Have a proven track record of delivering services within Bury.
Additional Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must also:
- Have an organisational bank account with two unrelated signatories, or access to a holding account through a supporting organisation.
- Be up to date with grant reporting requirements for Bury VCFA.
- Have appropriate safeguarding policies in place.
- Submit a completed application by 15 July 2026.
Why This Grant Matters
Unpaid carers provide essential support to family members, friends, and loved ones, often balancing caring responsibilities with work, education, and personal wellbeing.
This programme helps by:
- Improving carers’ wellbeing.
- Increasing access to practical support.
- Strengthening local community networks.
- Reducing loneliness and isolation.
- Promoting equality and inclusion.
- Raising awareness of carers’ contributions.
- Supporting carers from communities that may face additional barriers to accessing services.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply:
- Confirm that your organisation meets the eligibility requirements.
- Develop a project focused on supporting unpaid carers in Bury.
- Ensure your safeguarding policies are current.
- Prepare all required organisational information.
- Complete the grant application form.
- Submit your application by 15 July 2026.
Tips for a Strong Application
To improve your chances of success:
- Clearly explain how your project benefits unpaid carers.
- Demonstrate local knowledge and community connections.
- Show how activities will improve carers’ wellbeing.
- Include realistic outcomes and achievable timelines.
- Explain how your project reaches under-represented carers.
- Present a clear and reasonable budget.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common issues:
- Applying for activities outside the programme priorities.
- Requesting funding for capital projects or statutory services.
- Submitting incomplete applications.
- Missing the application deadline.
- Failing to demonstrate experience working in Bury.
- Omitting safeguarding information.
- Including activities that do not primarily support unpaid carers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much funding is available?
Organisations can apply for grants of up to £2,500.
Who can apply?
Constituted VCSE organisations based in Bury or those with a proven record of delivering services in Bury are eligible.
What is the total programme budget?
Approximately £25,000 is available, with around 10 to 12 projects expected to receive funding.
What types of projects are supported?
Projects that improve unpaid carers’ wellbeing, strengthen peer support, reduce isolation, improve access to information, and raise awareness of carers’ rights are eligible.
What activities cannot be funded?
The programme does not support direct payments to individuals, capital projects, statutory services, political or religious activities, respite care, fundraising events, alcohol purchases, or projects unrelated to unpaid carers.
When is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 15 July 2026.
What organisational requirements must applicants meet?
Applicants must have an organisational bank account with two unrelated signatories (or access to a holding account), comply with Bury VCFA reporting requirements, and have appropriate safeguarding policies in place.
Conclusion
The LETS Live Well: Strengthening Support for Unpaid Carers Grants 2026 offers valuable funding for VCSE organisations working to improve the lives of unpaid carers across Bury. By supporting community-based wellbeing initiatives, peer support, awareness raising, and improved access to information and services, the programme aims to create stronger, more inclusive support systems that recognise and value the essential role unpaid carers play within their communities.
For more information, visit Bury VCFA.