Breaks from Caring
Family Fund is a grant that you can apply for every 18 months. You can apply if:
- you’re the main carer for a disabled or seriously ill child, aged 17 or younger
- you have been resident in Scotland for at least six months
- you have a low income from working, or benefits.
Items you can apply for includes, but is not limited to, family breaks, days out, outdoor play items, sensory toys, games consoles, computing equipment, and kitchen appliances.
Take A Break Grants
Take a Break is Scotland’s short break grant scheme for parent carers of a disabled or seriously ill child or young person, aged 0 to 17 years, who lives at home.
You can apply for a Take a Break grant if you:
- have lived in Scotland for six months
- are a UK resident
- care for a disabled or seriously ill child or young person, aged 0 to 17 years, who lives at home
The closing date is 5:00pm on Monday 30 June 2025
The average grant award to be around £300. Grants may be used flexibly and can contribute towards things like short breaks away, day trips, sport, play or leisure equipment, Travel costs, digital devices and subscriptions
Time to Live: Small Grants, Big Difference
Are you an unpaid carer living in Inverclyde?
If so, you may be eligible for a Time to Live microgrant — a small fund that can help you take a meaningful break and do more of the things you love.
What is Time to Live?
Time to Live is a funding programme from Shared Care Scotland delivered by Carers Gateway Inverclyde. It’s designed to give unpaid carers the chance to rest, recharge, and enjoy regular short breaks away from their caring role.
These grants aren’t just about taking a break — they’re about boosting your wellbeing in ways that matter to you.
Who can apply?
You can apply if you are:
- An unpaid carer living in Inverclyde
- An adult caring for another adult
- A young carer (under 18 or still in school)
When can I apply?
- First-time applying? You can apply at any time — we’re here when you’re ready.
- Applied before? You’ll be able to apply again 18 months after the date of your last successful application.
This updated timescale helps us make Time to Live funding available to more carers across Inverclyde — especially those who haven’t had the chance to benefit from it before.
What can the grant be used for?
You can use your grant for anything that gives you a bit of breathing space and taps into your hobbies, passions, or interests. Here are just a few ideas:
- Unlimited cinema pass
- Gym or fitness membership
- Massage or holistic therapies
- Theatre or concert tickets
- Meals out or special treats
- Tech items like a tablet or smartphone
- Creative or wellbeing classes (e.g. yoga, pottery, photography)
- Subscription services (Audible, Netflix, Disney+, magazines)
Whether it’s something relaxing, fun, or enriching — this is your time.
A few things to keep in mind:
Grants can’t be used for household bills, appliances, or debt repayments
- Please don’t purchase or book anything before you apply — we can only fund future breaks or items
- Grants are contributions and might not cover the full cost, so please consider how you’ll cover any extra if needed
We aim to process and pay out successful applications within 2 weeks, though delays can occasionally happen. We’ll keep you updated if so!
If you’re always putting others first, this is your chance to put you first — even just for a little while.
Ready to apply or want to find out more?
Complete the application form below or contact inverclyde@unity-enterprise.com for more information