Carers Trust

Carers 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 and emergency relief, and pilot projects such as young carer initiatives or health schemes. The Trust works across England, Scotland, and Wales, with a focus on reaching underserved groups and diverse communities. Its carer-centred and anti-racist approach ensures that funded activities are responsive to the specific needs of carers in different settings.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities that are existing Network Partners of Carers Trust, operating local carer services across England, Scotland, and Wales. The Trust does not accept unsolicited applications from organisations outside this network. Beneficiaries are unpaid carers of all ages, including those caring for individuals with disability, mental health problems, health conditions, or addiction. There is no religious restriction on applicants or beneficiaries.

Carers Trust does not provide core funding to external charities or organisations outside its Network Partner programme. It does not accept unsolicited applications from non-partner organisations. Funding is directed through its network of local carer services rather than directly to individuals or groups without an existing partnership.

Carers Trust works through a UK-wide network of independent local carer organisations, providing grants for targeted support that reaches unpaid carers. Funding is channelled to existing Network Partners, who then deliver practical assistance such as respite breaks, essential items, and well-being activities. The Trust emphasises a carer-centred, partnership-based approach, prioritising evidence-informed innovation and reaching underserved groups.