Kernow Carers Service awarded grant by The Duke of Cornwall’s Benevolent Fund
Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic 4.5 million additional people are caring for older, disabled or seriously ill relatives or friends. Combined with the 9.1 million unpaid carers who were already caring before the outbreak, this makes a staggering total of 13.6 million carers. Kernow Carers Service (KCS), a partnership between Action for Children, Cornwall Rural Community Charity (CRCC) and Cornwall Council's Family Information Service, provides information, guidance and support to help carers in their caring role throughout Cornwall. During the pandemic, KCS are supporting carers with the additional challenges associated with isolation. KCS have been awarded £3,000 by The Duke of Cornwall’s Benevolent Fund to allocate small grants to carers to be able to have breaks from their caring role in their own home. For example, art supplies, books, hobby-based items, hire of exercise equipment for the home or online course/learning opportunities. Sarah Holdaway, CCF Grants Officer, says, “KCS provides a suite of services and support for carers of which these small grants are a valued component. Being able to step aside from caring for a short period makes such a difference for carers in these these difficult times. We were delighted the Fund agreed to this support for KCS." The Duke of Cornwall’s Benevolent Fund who funded this award from the Young Carers programme, also supports the Crisis Fund and has donated £100,000 to the Cornwall Emergency Appeal to help people struggling from the effects of the Coronavirus crisis.
