Applications open for Young Carers Grants for Days Out or Short Breaks (UK)

The Young Carers Grants for Days Out or Short Breaks programme provides financial support of up to £500 for children and young people under 18 who have caring responsibilities. The funding helps young carers access activities, family days out, and short breaks that improve wellbeing, reduce isolation, and strengthen relationships.

The grant can support trips, activities, transport, accommodation, food costs, and care-related arrangements that allow young carers to participate independently, with friends, mentors, or family members.

Overview

The Young Carers Grants for Days Out or Short Breaks programme supports young carers who need opportunities to rest, connect, and enjoy positive experiences outside their caring responsibilities.

The programme recognises that young carers often experience additional pressures due to their role in supporting family members with illness, disability, mental health needs, or other challenges.

The funding aims to create opportunities for young carers to:

• Spend quality time with family
• Take part in enjoyable activities
• Build confidence
• Improve emotional wellbeing
• Reduce social isolation

Grant Snapshot

• Programme Name: Young Carers Grants for Days Out or Short Breaks
• Target Group: Young carers under 18
• Grant Amount: Up to £500 per family
• Support Period: 12 months
• Application Type: Rolling applications
• Purpose: Activities, days out, and short breaks
• Geographic Focus: Eligible young carers supported through the programme area

Programme Objectives

The grant focuses on improving the lives of young carers through practical support and positive experiences.

Key objectives include:

• Reducing inequality among young carers
• Addressing social isolation
• Supporting emotional wellbeing
• Helping young carers feel valued and empowered
• Strengthening family relationships
• Creating opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment

Who Is Eligible?

The programme is available to:

• Children under 18
• Young people under 18
• Individuals recognised as having caring responsibilities

A young carer is someone who regularly helps care for a family member or someone close to them due to:

• Illness
• Disability
• Mental health challenges
• Other support needs

The grant is designed specifically for young people whose caring role affects their daily lives.

How the Grant Can Be Used

Funding can support activities that allow young carers to take part in positive experiences.

Days Out and Activities

Eligible costs may include:

• Attraction tickets
• Event tickets
• Leisure activities
• Educational activities
• Recreational experiences

Activities may be attended:

• Independently
• With a friend
• With a mentor
• With family members

Short Breaks

Funding may support:

• Accommodation costs
• Overnight stays
• Family breaks
• Rest opportunities

Short breaks are intended to provide young carers with time away from caring responsibilities.

Transport Costs

The grant may cover:

• Travel expenses
• Transport costs to activities
• Travel arrangements for family participation

Food and Refreshments

Eligible costs may include:

• Food expenses during activities
• Meals during days out
• Refreshments connected to the funded experience

Support for the Person Being Cared For

Funding may help with arrangements that allow the young carer to participate.

Examples include:

• Support costs for the family member being cared for
• Assistance enabling them to join the activity
• Alternative care arrangements while the young carer is away

Grant Amount

Families can receive:

• Up to £500 over a 12-month period

If an activity costs more than £500:

• The grant may contribute toward the total cost
• Applicants must confirm that additional funds are available to cover the remaining amount

Families may submit multiple applications during the 12-month period, but the total awarded amount cannot exceed £500.

Examples of Supported Activities

Possible uses include:

• Family day trips
• Theme park visits
• Museum visits
• Sports activities
• Creative workshops
• Outdoor experiences
• Holiday breaks
• Community activities

The activity should contribute to the young carer’s wellbeing and positive development.

How to Apply

Step 1: Identify the Activity

Young carers or families should decide what support would be most beneficial.

Consider:

• Activity type
• Participants
• Costs
• Expected benefits

Step 2: Prepare Application Details

Applicants should explain:

• Caring responsibilities
• Planned activity or break
• Who will take part
• How the grant will help

Step 3: Submit the Application

Applications can be submitted at any time because the programme accepts requests on a rolling basis.

Step 4: Wait for Assessment

Completed applications are reviewed, and an outcome is expected within approximately six weeks.

Application Tips

• Explain how the activity supports wellbeing
• Describe the young carer’s needs clearly
• Provide realistic cost estimates
• Include details about who will participate
• Show how the opportunity reduces stress or isolation
• Apply early if planning a specific trip

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying for activities unrelated to young carer wellbeing
• Exceeding the £500 maximum support limit
• Not explaining caring responsibilities
• Providing unclear cost information
• Forgetting to include support arrangements for the cared-for person
• Applying without confirming additional funds for activities costing over £500

Why This Grant Matters

Supports Young Carer Wellbeing

Young carers often manage responsibilities beyond their age. Access to positive experiences can help improve confidence and emotional health.

Reduces Isolation

The programme helps young carers participate in activities they may otherwise miss due to financial or caring pressures.

Strengthens Families

Shared activities and short breaks can improve family connections and create positive memories.

Promotes Equal Opportunities

Financial support helps ensure young carers have access to experiences similar to their peers.

Monitoring and Feedback

Grant recipients may be asked to provide feedback after receiving support.

Feedback helps measure:

• The impact of the grant
• Improvements in wellbeing
• Achievement of programme goals
• Benefits for young carers and families

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can apply for the Young Carers Grant?

Children and young people under 18 who are recognised as having caring responsibilities can apply.

How much funding is available?

Families can receive up to £500 during a 12-month period.

Can families apply more than once?

Yes. Families may apply multiple times, but the total amount awarded cannot exceed £500 within the 12-month period.

What can the grant pay for?

The grant can support activities, tickets, transport, food costs, accommodation, and care-related support costs.

Can the grant be used for a family trip?

Yes. The funding can support days out or short breaks involving the young carer and family members.

What happens if the activity costs more than £500?

The grant can contribute toward the cost if the applicant confirms that additional funds are available.

How long does the decision process take?

The programme expects to provide an outcome within around six weeks after receiving a completed application.

Conclusion

The Young Carers Grants for Days Out or Short Breaks programme provides valuable financial support to help young carers access meaningful activities, family experiences, and opportunities to rest.

By reducing barriers, supporting wellbeing, and strengthening relationships, the programme helps young carers enjoy positive experiences while recognising the important role they play in supporting others.