Supporting Change for Unpaid Carers Programme (United Kingdom)

The Supporting Change for Unpaid Carers Programme funds long-term, system-level projects in Scotland to improve the health and wellbeing of unpaid carers.

With grants between £500,000 and £2 million, the programme focuses on tackling root causes, reducing inequalities, and transforming how carers are identified, supported, and valued.

Overview of the Programme

This programme supports transformational, long-term projects that aim to improve outcomes for unpaid carers by addressing systemic inequalities and structural barriers.

Unlike traditional grants, it focuses on systems change, not short-term service delivery.

The goal is to create sustainable improvements in policies, systems, and collaboration that impact carers across society.

Funding Details

• Main Grants: £500,000 to £2 million
• Project Duration: 5 to 10 years
• Decision Timeline: Up to 24 weeks
• Development Funding: Up to £50,000 (for early-stage work)

Core Objectives

• Reduce health inequalities among unpaid carers
• Drive long-term systems change
• Improve identification and recognition of carers
• Strengthen coordination across services and sectors
• Promote societal understanding and value of care

Key Focus Areas

1. Supporting Carers Through Transitions

• Address changes in caregiving roles
• Provide adaptable and responsive support systems

2. Identifying and Reaching Hidden Carers

• Support individuals who do not identify as carers
• Improve early identification mechanisms

3. Tackling Barriers and Inequalities

• Focus on carers facing additional challenges
• Improve access to inclusive and equitable support

4. Changing Systems and Perceptions

• Influence policies and institutional practices
• Shift how unpaid care is understood and valued

What is Systems Change?

Systems change refers to transforming the underlying structures, policies, and relationships that shape how support is delivered.

Examples

• Improving coordination between health, social care, and employers
• Reforming policies that affect carers’ access to services
• Creating integrated support systems across sectors

What Types of Projects Are Funded?

Eligible projects should:

• Address root causes of challenges faced by carers
• Promote collaboration across organisations and sectors
• Influence policy and systemic practices
• Create scalable and sustainable solutions

What is Not Funded?

The programme does not support:

• Direct service delivery (e.g., advocacy, peer support)
• Short-term or isolated interventions
• Projects without system-level impact

Who is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants

• Organizations capable of delivering system-level change

Key Requirements

• Strong understanding of carers’ needs
• Ability to influence systems and policies
• Experience in collaboration and partnership building

How the Programme Works

Step-by-Step Process

1. Apply for development funding (optional)
2. Conduct research, consultations, and partnership building
3. Design a systems-change project
4. Submit a full funding proposal
5. Undergo evaluation (up to 24 weeks)
6. Implement long-term project (5–10 years)

What Makes a Strong Proposal

• Clear focus on systems change
• Strong evidence of need and root causes
• Inclusive approach targeting hidden carers
• Collaboration across sectors (public, private, community)
• Long-term sustainability and scalability

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Proposing direct service delivery instead of systems change
• Lack of long-term vision
• Weak collaboration or partnerships
• Not addressing root causes
• Ignoring hidden or underserved carers

Why This Programme Matters

This initiative is important because it:

• Addresses deep-rooted inequalities affecting carers
• Improves long-term health and wellbeing outcomes
• Encourages innovation in policy and systems
• Promotes recognition and value of unpaid care
• Builds more inclusive and coordinated support systems

It aims to create lasting societal change for unpaid carers.

FAQs

1. What is the funding range?

£500,000 to £2 million.

2. How long can projects run?

Between 5 and 10 years.

3. What is development funding?

Up to £50,000 for early-stage research and planning.

4. Are direct services funded?

No, the focus is on systems change.

5. Who are unpaid carers?

Individuals providing care without financial compensation.

6. What are hidden carers?

People who provide care but do not identify themselves as carers.

7. What is the main goal?

To improve carers’ wellbeing through systemic change.

Conclusion

The Supporting Change for Unpaid Carers Programme 2026 offers a unique opportunity to drive long-term transformation in how unpaid carers are supported in Scotland.

By focusing on systems change, collaboration, and equity, the programme aims to create sustainable improvements that benefit carers now and in the future.