To ask the Minister of Health to detail the mechanisms in place to ensure (i) the organisation in charge of distributing money from the Carers Support Fund correctly determines which applicants should receive funding; (ii) that those carers not affiliated with a community and voluntary group will receive funds; (iii) the personal data of applicants for the fund is protected; and (iv) that those who need the money from the fund receive it.

The Support for Carers’ Fund has been established with the aim of providing funds to charitable organisations who can deliver the following outcomes in support of carers:

a) Enhanced provision of and access to practical supports and help for carers.

b) Improved access to and availability of advice services for carers, including support available through new technologies.

c) Enhanced skills of carers to advocate for the needs of both themselves and the person they care for.

d) Support improved physical and mental health and wellbeing of carers.

e) Enhanced ability for carers to lead their own lives and enjoy a work/life balance.

f) Increased capacity to advocate for and advance carers’ issues with Government and statutory bodies.

g) Raised awareness of the contribution of carers.

h) Improved evidence base on carers to support and inform service provision, and Government strategy.

The Fund will be open to community and voluntary sector organisations with charitable purposes offering support to carers and operating within Northern Ireland. The Fund will not provide for cash sums to be paid to individuals.

The Community Foundation NI (CFNI), who will manage the Fund on the Department’s behalf, have begun work to develop the Fund and ensure that when it opens for applications it will be effective in reaching eligible organisations and encouraging applications which can deliver on the above outcomes. The organisation is compliant with all the necessary data protection legislation.

Community Foundation NI will engage with carers and those working at the community level to ensure funding reaches the areas of need and to encourage projects.