Applications for Take a Break Scotland are open

The Take a Break Scotland grant programme supports parent carers, and eligible kinship carers, of disabled or seriously ill children and young people aged 0 to 17. The programme provides cash grants that recipients can use flexibly towards a holiday or break from caring.

Take a Break Scotland is funded by the Scottish Government and delivered by us here at Family Fund. Grants can cover things like day trips, sports clubs or activities, or even gardening and home entertainment equipment to ‘take a break’ in the comfort of your own home.

The grant programme aims to improve parent carers’ quality of life, health and wellbeing, giving a crucial break from the day-to-day routine of caring, in a way that works best for anyone applying.

Family Fund Chief Executive, Cheryl Ward CBE, says:

“The cost-of-living crisis continues to affect disabled households even more than others. These grants may represent one of the only opportunities for some respite from that 24-hour caring role.”

“We know that even a short break from caring can be hugely beneficial for the mental and emotional health of both individuals and the whole family and urge those in need to apply today.”

Are you eligible for a Take a Break Scotland grant?

Take a Break Scotland grant applications are open now until Monday 30 June 2025.

To be eligible, families need to:

• have lived in Scotland for six months or longer
• be a UK resident
• care for a disabled or seriously ill child or young person, aged 0 to 17 years, who lives at home.

Support for carers of young adults aged 18 to 20

Carers of young adults aged 18 to 20, including young carers, seeking a short break can apply for a Time to Live microgrant. Shared Care Scotland delivers Time to Live on behalf of the Scottish Government.

For more information on funding and planning short breaks, see www.sharedcarescotland.org.uk or call: 01383 622462