Norfolk Millennium Trust for Carers
The Norfolk Millennium Trust for Carers aims to offer unpaid carers a better quality of life by giving grants towards short breaks, recreational items, hobbies or leisure activities.
The Trust was born out of the We Care Appeal, launched through the Eastern Daily Press, in October 1998 after research identified the huge number of unpaid carers and the need to help them. The appeal’s aim was simple – to establish an enduring charitable trust giving financial and practical help to unpaid carers in their crucial and often undervalued roles. In 2017, Norfolk Community Foundation was appointed to undertake the management and administration of the Norfolk Millennium Trust for Carers.
Who can the Fund help?
- Unpaid carers who live in Norfolk, who are looking after a relative, partner, friend or neighbour in need of help because of sickness, age or disability of any kind.
- The Fund will consider applications from carers aged 8 and upwards, except where a clear case can be made as to the caring responsibilities of carers younger than 8 years.
Who is the Fund unable to help?
- Carers who are not normally resident in Norfolk.
- Children living in care and whose care is legally the responsibility of the local authority.
- Carers who have received a grant within the last 3 years.
What can the Fund help with?
Grants of up to £250 can be awarded towards:
- A holiday, short break or outing to help relieve the pressures of caring.
- Leisure activities for wellbeing, such as an activity class or a gym membership.
- Recreational home improvements such as redecorating a room, or gardening equipment.
- Items/equipment to support a personal hobby or pastime.
- Wheelchair power packs. Please note power packs are subject to the availability of funding.
Please note: the Fund is no longer able to award grants for white goods, computers/laptops, or other household items such as mattresses or carpets.
We encourage carers looking for financial assistance towards these items to apply to the Norfolk Assistance Scheme. Applications can be made online via Norfolk County Council’s website or by phone on 0344 800 8020.
Individuals who are 16 years old or over may apply. Applications can be made for items to be used by individuals under the age of 16, provided the application is made by an individual in the household who is 16 or over.
Items the Fund cannot help with:
- Items solely for the use of the cared-for.
- Items or services that are paid for before receiving a grant.
- Essential household equipment or improvements such as white goods, mattresses or carpets.
- Computers, laptops or tablets.
- General subsistence costs including utility bills, council tax or rent.
- Loans, debts or bankruptcy fees.
- Medical services and equipment.
- Small items of equipment for daily living e.g. bath aids and ramps.
- Help with moving house.
- Mobile phones.
- Driving lessons and car maintenance.
- Repeat items over an extended period.
Thing to consider:
- In most cases, the fund can only assist with one item per application.
- In most cases, one application can be considered per household.
- Grants are to be spent within 6 months of being awarded.
- Please allow at least 6 weeks after submitting your application before enquiring about its progress. This means you need to allow a minimum of 10 weeks from the date you apply for a grant and the date you want the activities to take place.
How do I apply?
To apply, download the application form linked below. This can be completed electronically or by hand, and then posted or emailed back to us. Alternatively, please contact our team if you would like a hard copy to be sent out to you.
Applications must be supported by a professional referee who knows about your caring situation, and has the knowledge and skill to give a meaningful opinion on your request. There is a section in the application form for your referee to complete.
Decisions are made on a monthly cycle and completed applications will be taken forward for a decision at the next scheduled meeting.
Where else can you get information and advice about carers?
There are many organisations that support carers in Norfolk but a good starting point is Carers Matter Norfolk, the county support service which is completely free.
Call the Carers Matter Norfolk Advice Line on 0800 083 1148 for information, advice, guidance and listening support. Alternatively email at info@carersmatternorfolk.org.uk or visit carersmatternorfolk.org.uk
Fundraising
The Norfolk Millennium Trust for Carers main purpose is to distribute grants to support unpaid carers in the county.
If you would like to make a donation or leave a legacy to support this work, please contact Norfolk Community Foundation 01603 623958. Cheques should be made payable to Norfolk Community Foundation, St. James Mill, Whitefriars, Norwich NR3 1TN – please make clear the donation is intended for the We Care Appeal, Norfolk Millennium Trust for Carers.
Call for Applications
Open
Maximum Grant
£250
Who can apply?
Unpaid/ family carers in Norfolk
Eligible Area
Breckland, Broadland, Great Yarmouth, King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, North Norfolk, Norwich, and South Norfolk
Find Out More & Apply
Interested? Talk to Catrin
