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 and are receiving support from a Voluntary, Community or Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisation that meets Norfolk Community Foundation’s eligibility criteria.
Unpaid carers who are supporting a relative, partner, friend or neighbour in need of help because of sickness, age or disability of any kind.
Carers do not have to be in receipt of Carer’s Allowance in order to be considered for a grant.
There is no set definition of being an unpaid carer to make you eligible to be considered for a grant, recognising that caring responsibilities look different for different people dependent on factors such as age and level of care provided. The referral organisation is responsible for determining whether someone is considered an unpaid carer and therefore eligible to be referred.

Who is the Fund unable to help?

Carers who do not reside in Norfolk.
Carers who have a legal responsibility to care under the local authority, e.g. for children living in care homes.
Paid carers (not including Carer’s Allowance).
Carers who are not currently receiving support from a VCSE organisation who can make a referral on their behalf.
The Fund will usually only support one application per household over a 3 year period, however applications for multiple individuals within a household with distinct requests can sometimes be considered. Please contact us to discuss.

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.

Things to consider:

The fund can only assist with one item per application.
Typically, one application can be considered per household.
Grants are to be spent within 6 months of being awarded.

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, beds, or carpets.
Kitchen equipment such as air fryers, microwaves or kettles.
Computers, laptops or tablets.
General subsistence costs including utility bills, council tax or rent.
Loans, debts or bankruptcy fees.
Medical services and equipment, including counselling or therapy.
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.

We encourage carers looking for financial assistance towards these items to apply to the Crisis and Resilience Service. Applications can be made online via Norfolk County Council’s website or by phone on 0344 800 8020.

How do I apply?

Applications must be completed by a VCSE organisation that meets Norfolk Community Foundation’s eligibility criteria. Generally, applications are received from one of the carers organisations listed here, but we recognise in some instances it may be more appropriate for another VCSE organisation to make the referral if they are already supporting the carer and can verify the need for support. Applications from schools can be considered for young carers.

If you feel you could benefit from a grant as an unpaid carer, please reach out to one of these organisations to enquire about the support they can offer you. This may include making a referral for funding, if appropriate, once they have developed an understanding of your caring role.

The application form can be downloaded below, which can be completed electronically or by hand, and then posted or emailed back to us. Decisions are made on a rolling basis. Please allow up to 4 weeks before enquiring about the status of your application.

Examples of carers organisations in Norfolk:

Carers Matter Norfolk: 0800 083 1148 / info@carersmatternorfolk.org.uk
Caring Together: 01553 750014 / hello@caringtogethernorfolk.org.uk
MTM Youth Services: 07715 336885 / info@mtmyouthservices.org.uk
Sunbeams Play: 01493 442181 / info@sunbeamsplay.org.uk
The Benjamin Foundation: 01603 615670 or 07880 242374 / boom@benjaminfoundation.co.uk

If you are a VCSE organisation supporting unpaid carers in Norfolk and not on this list but would like to be added, please contact us.

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 on 01603 623958. Cheques should be made payable to Norfolk Community Foundation, First Floor, Carmelite House, 2 St James Court, Norwich, NR3 1SL – 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?

VCSE carers organisations on behalf of unpaid carers in Norfolk. Schools can apply on behalf of young carers.

Eligible Area

Breckland, Broadland, Great Yarmouth, King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, North Norfolk, Norwich, and South Norfolk

Find Out More & Apply

Apply online