Carers Trust

Carers Trust, established in 2012 from the merger of The Princess Royal Trust for Carers and Crossroads Care, is a leading UK charity dedicated to enhancing support, services, and recognition for unpaid carers who look after family or friends due to illness, disability, mental health problems, or addiction. Its vision ensures carers of all ages and backgrounds are heard, valued, and empowered to live fulfilled lives, rooted in values of trust, inclusivity, courage, anti-racism, and genuine partnership. Distinctively, it blends national advocacy, policy influence, and awareness-raising with grassroots delivery through a UK-wide network of independent local carer organisations, prioritising evidence-based innovation, carer voices, and systemic change.

The Trust funds practical, tailored support for unpaid carers facing financial hardship, social isolation, interrupted education or employment, and health challenges. Grants cover respite breaks, essential household items, energy costs, home adaptations, training, well-being activities, peer support, crisis/emergency relief, and pilots like young carer projects or health schemes, often amplifying access to benefits and resilience-building.

Eligible applicants are strictly UK-registered charities that are existing Network Partners (local carer services across England, Scotland, and Wales); unsolicited applications from non-partners are not accepted. Network staff submit online forms on behalf of individual carers, including evidence of caring role and needs, with monthly decision meetings and 4-8 week timelines on a rolling basis—no fixed deadlines.

Typical individual grants range £200-£300, with larger sums for partner-led projects; core funding for external charities is unavailable. Carers Trust stands out for its carer-centred, anti-racist ethos, local adaptability, and commitment to reaching underserved groups in diverse UK settings, fostering impactful partnerships over direct national grants.