AN EMERGENCY fund, launched by Solihull Council and Carers Trust Solihull in June, has supported more than 100 unpaid carers and their families.
To date almost £10,000 has been given to the most in need carers who have been struggling in their own homes while caring for a dependent relative or neighbour.
The emergency fund has enabled Carers Trust Solihull to replace appliances such as a broken washing machine or defective freezer through to support with school books and toys for young carers who have been at home shielding with an extremely vulnerable relative. All were facing financial hardship.
Brandon Scott-Omenka, Chief Executive of Carers Trust Solihull, explains: “Our staff undertook 900 Covid-19 assessments, made 5,000 phone calls and assisted over 650 of the most vulnerable unpaid family carers.
“With carers as young as seven years old to those in their 90s we were able to reassure and provide information. Most were grateful for a call and were resilient. Unfortunately other carers were very distressed and in crisis. We were able to address their problems immediately by making a hardship payment or working with Solihull Council, the Renewal Trust and Age UK.
“The emergency fund has been a lifeline for carers when they were suddenly facing a loss of income during the pandemic and we particularly appreciated the support of Solihull Council as the major funder. As carers come out of lockdown they will need other support so we are winding down the adult part of the fund. A separate fund set up to support isolated young carers in Solihull will continue until the schools reopen.
“There is still uncertainty about a second wave of infections and even local lockdowns so Carers Trust Solihull will monitor the situation closely and always seek to adapt to what our carers require. And we will continue to help carers access the specialist community wellbeing services available in the borough.”
Councillor Karen Grinsell, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health says: “I am extremely grateful to the Carers Trust Solihull for making sure that so many unpaid carers and their families have been able to benefit from the emergency fund and from the wider support the Carers Trust provides. I know how hard Brandon and his team have worked over the last few months to make this happen.”
For more information about the support available from Carers Trust Solihull visit www.solihullcarers.org or call 0121 788 1143.
