CARERS in Bradford are being urged to apply for a £200 grant to help them get some rest and recuperation.

The Carer’s Wellbeing Grant gives carers the chance to have a break from the challenges of looking after a loved one.

The money, which can be up to £200, can be spent on a personal treat such as a short break, enjoying a hobby or leisure activity, or on an educational course.

Co-ordinated by Carers’ Resource, the district’s integrated carers service, the grants are funded by Bradford Council and the three local NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups.

Applications for a grant can be submitted from Thursday, September 1, and can be made by a carer or someone representing them, and are not means-tested.

Chris Whiley, director of Carers’ Resource, said the aim of the scheme was to give carers a positive and enriching experience.

She said: “This is a great opportunity for carers to think of having something just for them to help them feel energised again.”

Councillor Val Slater, deputy leader of Bradford Council, said: “We know that this grant can really benefit carers.

“It often allows them to continue in their caring role but also ensures that they look after their own health and wellbeing.”

Last year 1,414 carers received the grant, totalling £273,221.78.

One of the carers to receive a grant was Audrey Young, of Wilsden, who cared for her aunt, who died aged 92 in June.

“I didn’t think about getting anything to help me or make my life better, I was more concerned about making sure my aunt had everything she needed,” said Mrs Young, 69.

With the grant she bought a Todo crafting machine, which she said had made “such a difference to my life”.

“It’s an amazing machine and I get so much out of it, I can go upstairs into my craft room and just shut myself off.”

Retired soldier Ian Braithwaite, 65, from Keighley, cared for his wife, Kathleen, who has Alzheimer’s, until she moved into a care home, and uses the grant to pay for relaxing massage sessions.

He said: “The therapy sessions are very beneficial because for a short period of time you can slip off into your own world.

“I never thought when I retired I would have been working harder than I’ve ever worked before, and it’s very demanding, physically and mentally.”

The deadline for applications is Friday, December 16. To apply, carers can email cwbgrant@carers resource.org, visit Carers’ Resource’s website, or call 01274 965883 from September 1.

Completed forms should be sent to Carer’s Wellbeing Grant, Carers’ Resource, Unit 15, Park View Court, St Paul’s Road, Shipley, BD18 3DZ.