PEOPLE in Keighley district who care for frail or ill loved ones have been urged to apply for cash to help give them some respite.

They are each eligible for a share of up to £200 from a £215,000 Carer's Wellbeing Grant.

Co-ordinated by Carers’ Resource, the money can be spent on a personal treat such as a short break, enjoying a hobby or leisure activity, an educational course or membership.

It is funded by Bradford Council with support from the three local NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups – Bradford District, Bradford City, and Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven.

Among those who have already benefited is 65-year-old Keighley man Ian Braithwaite, who is using the grant he received to fund relaxing massage treatment.

Until recently he was a full-time carer for his wife, Kathleen, 77, who has Alzheimer’s. She has now moved into a care home.

Mr Braithwaite 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 – caring for someone is very demanding physically and mentally.”

Kathleen began experiencing memory loss ten years ago and was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s five years later.

Audrey Young, of Wilsden, said she was encouraged to apply for the same grant by a carer caseworker at Carers’ Resource.

Mrs Young, 69, was a full-time carer for her aunt Mary Dubil, who died aged 92 in June.

“I didn’t think about getting anything to help me or make my life better," she said.

"I was more concerned about making sure aunty was sorted and had everything she needed."

Mrs Young used her grant to buy a Todo crafting machine which combines hot foil, letterpress, die-cutting and embossing, enabling her to create cards, gift boxes and presents.

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

Applications open next Thursday (September 1) and the deadline for submission is December 16.

Chris Whiley, director of Carers' Resource, said: “This is a great opportunity for carers to think of having something just for them – maybe it’s a new gym membership, or having their hair done, or even a weekend away – whatever they need to help them feel energised again.

“Each application will be considered individually and it may be that in some cases we'll be able to support the applicant by finding an alternative pocket of funding, or help them find a specific item at a cheaper price."

The grant is not meant to cover daily expenses, rent, clothing, utility bills, driving lessons, household items, or aids for the person looked after.

Applications can be from anyone who cares, unpaid, for a family member, friend, or neighbour who has a physical or mental health condition, drug or alcohol addiction, or is frail due to old age.

The form will be available on e-mail from cwbgrant@carersresource.org from September 1, or by calling 01274 965883.

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