Support Groups & Training, Benefits & Grants, Carers Week and more...

Thanks to everyone who came to our events during Carers Week. We hope you enjoyed them and managed to take some well-deserved time out for yourselves. Check out all our pics from the week here. 

We are delighted to announce a new partnership with a charity called Carefree.

Carefree offer free 1-2 night breaks, usually with breakfast included, that are donated from 100’s of hotels from across the UK.

Breaks are offered to full-time (30+ hours weekly) unpaid Carers aged over 18, plus a companion (not available to those they care for). There is an admin fee of £25 that helps the charity operate, any of our carers booking a break via Carefree will have this refunded by us. You must be able to cover your own travel and food costs. You may take one break every 12 months and you may apply regardless of any other short breaks or funding for a break awarded by us. *Only one Carer per household can be registered with Carefree.

Carers we refer are sent a link to the booking portal online where they can view all available breaks and find one that suits them. Available breaks are updated daily, and availability is 2-3 months in advance.

You can take your time and find the break that is perfect for you and book it directly on the Carefree website.

If you are eligible and interested in a Carefree Break send an email to grants@renfrewshirecarers.org.uk giving us your name and the name of your chosen companion and we will get that referral submitted for you so you can register and get planning your Carefree Break.

This is a wonderful opportunity for many of our Carers who deserve that extra break for themselves.

Time to Live Grant 2023

Renfrewshire Carers Centre’s Time to Live Grant programme is funded through The Scottish Government’s Short Breaks Fund and facilitated by Shared Care Scotland. This funding is part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to the development of short breaks to support all unpaid Carers, and if they wish, those they care for. The grant will help Carers to take a break from their caring responsibilities and to help maintain their own well-being. The average grant awarded in 22/23 was £240.00.

Please read the terms & conditions BEFORE completing the form to ensure you are eligible before applying.

You are NOT eligible if:

You have received a grant or Scot’s Spirit break within the last 12 months.

Examples of items that CANNOT be funded include: household bills, food, energy costs, debt, repairs, carpets, furniture, white goods, driving lessons, pre-paid or pre-booked holidays or gifts.

Breaks might include, for example: short holidays, swimming lessons, cinema passes, pampering sessions, gym membership, streaming service membership, garden tools/equipment. Grants can also be used to fund joint breaks and activities for the Carer and the person they care for.

In the image above, you can see Kathleen enjoying her break with a Links Golf Day and dinner. Be sure to apply if you haven't already to get some well-deserved time out for yourself too. 

We’re gutted to see Tracey, our Autism Carers Development Officer leave us, but it’s for the best as she’s taking the time out to spend with her family. In the short time she’s been with us, Tracey set up 3 separate Autism groups that ran really well as well as brightened our office with her smile and sense of humour. Wishing you all the best Tracey.

Regular Support Groups

Male Carers Support Group

First Tuesday of every month from 12.30 – 2.30pm (Next group: 1st August)

Alzheimer Carers Support Group

First Thursday of every month from 12.30 – 2.30pm (Next group: 3rd August)

Mental Health Carers Support Group

Third Tuesday of every month from 6.00 – 8.00pm (Next group: 18th July)

Caring for Carers Support Group

Second Thursday of every month from 12.30-14.30pm (Next group: 13th July)

Learning Disability Support Group (via Zoom meetings)

Third Tuesday of every month from 10.00am - 12.00am (Next group: 18th July)

Please note: our Caring for Carers and Mental Health Carers Support Groups will not be on during August, and will resume in September. 

Our ASD Parents Support Groups are taking a break during the school holidays and will resume in September. Please remember, if you’re needing support, you can call us on 0141 887 3643 or email enquiries@renfrewshirecarers.org.uk

Carers Training and Workshops

We've decided to separate our training and workshops section into a separate email so you don't miss anything useful information here. This will be coming out later in July, but you can also have a wee check of what's coming up using our website calendar here. 

Come and jam with us!

Following the ongoing success of our weekly music therapy sessions with Nordoff and Robbins, we will be having a Musical Afternoon Tea on Wednesday 19th July, 2-4pm.

This will be an opportunity to enjoy a music session in a social setting, and a chance to meet Reuben, our resident Music Therapist. Spaces will be limited. If you are interested in attending, please contact us on 0141 887 3643 or email enquiries@renfrewshirecarers.org.uk

Finding and applying for a grant can be time-consuming – and we know how precious your time is. Luckily, there are some simple tools to help you find out what’s available. You can find them on our website here: https://renfrewshirecarers.org.uk/grant-toolkits/

Check out RAMH's What's On Newsletter to see whart you can get involved in. They have activities ranging from football and gardening groups to housing and employability support. Have a read of everything they have going on here. 

In 2022, unpaid Carers’ responses to Carers Scotland State of Caring survey helped secure a right to Carer’s leave and campaign for improvements to carers’ benefits. But more needs to be done. Take this year’s survey and tell us what you need below.

Are you able to help these students with feedback on their app for Carers? There's a £20 shopping voucher available for anyone completing the study. Get in touch with them at carefit-project@strath.ac.uk or 0141 548 5979 to get started.