We can make a contribution towards a social or leisure activity which provides relief from caring.

The quality of the benefit to the carer is of primary concern.

We are always willing to consider helping in other ways and welcome suggestions. The Trust must be sure that the help requested will be of real benefit to the carer and that the benefit will be worth the cost involved.

We anticipate that the majority of requests will be in the order of £100 to £200 but no more than £300. (As we are a new Trust, funds are limited until we can build up more income from the capital invested).

For carers' groups and organisations, we will help with revenue, capital or expenses for new and innovative projects which benefit carers in Norfolk. We would prefer to help projects which make a practical impact on a particular problem or need. Small community organisations and carers support groups are particularly encouraged to apply. Please contact the Trust for an appropriate application form.

Are there things the trust cannot help with?

Yes there are certain things we cannot help with.

This is because standard items are the responsibility of the local authority or health services.

For example:

-Arrears of rent or fuel bills (Social Services Department or the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) may be able to advise)

-Medical Services, equipment and continence supplies (Health Services)

-Small items of equipment for daily living such as fire guards, bath aids, ramps (Social Services Department).

-Bills for goods or services already received.

-Mobile phones

-Driving lessons

-Repeat items over an extended period

How do I apply ?

If you think we could help you click on the Application Form link and print a copy of the form. Further instructions can be found on the application form page. Alternatively visit the Contact Details Page and arrange for a form to be sent to you.

We ask you to get a second person to sign the form. This person must know you and understand your caring role. It could be a health or social worker, a teacher, minister of religion, solicitor or your doctor. This will need to be someone with the knowledge and skill to give a meaningful opinion on your request.

If you are not yet 18 years of age, you could get some help from an older person to fill in the form, but please remember to give us his/her name and address and a contact number.

It will help in our decision if you could describe the condition of the person for whom you care.
Please remember that in order for us to make a decision we need to understand what it is you need, how it will benefit you, and the cost. We do not want to undertake a financial assessment, but we do need some indication of your financial situation. It would also help us if you told us who you have already approached for help.

If you need more information please contact us.

What happens next?

Before we give a grant we have to be sure:

-Of your role as a carer
-Of your financial need
-That the help you are requesting comes within our guidelines

If it seems likely you are eligible for a grant we may:

-Speak to the person who supported your application

-Ask you for more information

We will treat any information you give us in strict confidence and not pass it on to anyone else without your permission.

As soon as we have all the information we need we will be able to decide whether to give you a grant. The Trustees have complete discretion in making a decision about a grant in any particular case. In most cases you should hear from us within six weeks (the maximum time we will take is eight weeks).

How often can I apply to the trust?

You are welcome to apply again as long as you are still a carer and still meet the guidelines. But we can usually only help once in 3 years.

Where else can I get information about carers?

Don’t forget to ask your GP for help for yourself.

Organisations which help carers of all kinds are numerous, but a call to the Norfolk Carers’ Helpline may be able to point you in the right direction to get the sort of help you need.

The Crossroads Norfolk Carers’ Helpline is a free call on 0808 808 9876 and they are open Monday - Friday 8am to 8pm.