Funding boost for training course that helps unpaid dementia carers build practical skills

The funding, awarded by Cllr Stewart Dove, county councillor for the Churchdown division, will help Gloucestershire Older Persons Association deliver training for unpaid dementia carers. 

The Grassroots Neighbourhood Fund gives each of the county’s 55 councillors up to £20,000 to invest in local projects that improve health, wellbeing and community resilience. Grants of between £250 and £5,000 are available for initiatives that address local needs, tackle inequalities and help communities thrive. 

The Carers Course provides basic first aid and manual handling training to help unpaid dementia carers look after themselves and their loved ones safely and confidently. 

The course is delivered by three care professionals: an emergency responder, an occupational therapist and a dementia trainer. The practical skills taught are designed to help carers in their day-to-day lives and support people to remain safe and healthy at home. 

The grant will help cover trainers’ fees, and will be used to support carers who would otherwise struggle with course fees or transport costs, helping to make the training more inclusive and accessible. 

Cllr Stewart Dove said: “I’m delighted to support The Carers Course with this funding. Unpaid carers play an incredibly important role in our communities, and it is vital that they have the knowledge and practical skills they need to care for their loved ones confidently and safely. 

“This grant will help cover the cost of specialist trainers and make the course more accessible to carers who may face financial or transport barriers. I’m proud that the Grassroots Neighbourhood Fund is supporting a project that will make such a positive difference to carers and families.” 

Cllr Paul Hodgkinson, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Communities and Fire at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “It’s great to see funding from the Grassroots Neighbourhood Fund supporting projects that make such a real and positive difference to people’s lives. These local initiatives are all about promoting health and wellbeing for local communities across Gloucestershire.”  

For more information, visit: https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/grassroots-neighbourhood-fund. 

Watch the video here: Grassroots Neighbourhood Fund: The carers course 💓