Carer Support Network (CSN)
NLCT leads the Carer Support Network (CSN), a coalition of organisations across North Lanarkshire. Meeting quarterly, this network unites diverse sectors, including University Health and Social Care North Lanarkshire (UHSCNL), carer organisations, advocacy providers, and the vibrant 3rd Sector. These groups share a common purpose: regular interaction with and support for carers.
The CSN Commitment to Carers
The CSN is dedicated to building community capacity that promotes preventative and anticipatory support, reduces isolation and loneliness, and enhances access to information, guidance, and education.
By prioritising independence, wellbeing, and connection, we aim to ensure carers feel included, supported, and valued. The CSN strives to increase access to short breaks, improve carers’ ability to manage their caring roles, optimise their health and wellbeing, and create effective pathways to direct support services. Where short break opportunities are facilitated through the CSN, a collaborative approach to allocation, review, and monitoring ensures co-production and targeted support are maximised.
“We have found that the Carer Support Network has provided a forum for the exchange of ideas, mutual support, and meaningful networking opportunities.”
CSN MEMBER
CSN Short Break Initiatives
CARER BREATHER
“Not just to survive but to thrive.”
Carer Breather is a pioneering initiative designed from carer feedback, addressing the need for accessible, preventative, short breaks. Funded by UHSCNL and facilitated by NLCT, this program offers carers innovative time-out opportunities including art, health, and wellbeing activities that are delivered by 3rd Sector organisations across North Lanarkshire.
KEY BENEFITS
- Early-intervention breaks to promote wellbeing.
- Free, accessible activities tailored to carers’ needs.
- Sustainable and impactful support for carers.
- Helps identify carers previously unknown to services.
Since its launch, Carer Breather has provided opportunities that have…
- Boosted carers’ wellbeing.
- Improved health outcomes.
- Reduced stress and isolation.
- Built strong support networks.
“The activity started my recovery, mentally. I will be forever grateful.”
CARER
“Thanks everyone; it was so lovely to have time out to de-stress with like-minded people.”
CARER
“I loved every minute of working with the artists. It was sheer joy.”
CARER
Carer Breather Organisations
In recognition of the Carer Breather programme’s success, further carer engagement helped assess impact, identified the barriers experienced by carers and informed the current Phase 3 of this impactful area of work. The organisations delivering Carer Breather are listed below. You can make direct contact with them by clicking on the relevant organisation.
Bazooka Arts
Central Scotland Adventures
Cumbernauld Action for Care of the Elderly
Glenboig Development Trust
The Health & Wellness Hub
Lanarkshire Deaf Hub
North Lanarkshire Disability Forum
Promoting A More Inclusive Society
Play Peace
PSHG North Lanarkshire
The Haven
VIP Pass
Volunteering Matters
Watch Us Grow
YMCA Bellshill & Mossend
Time for Me Fund
A new Time for Me initiative has recently been launched. As facilitators, NLCT are inviting small voluntary and community groups in North Lanarkshire who encounter carers to apply for funding of up to £3000 over a 12 month period for projects that provide community-based activity and can demonstrate how their proposal acts as:
- A community touch point for carers and creates a break from the caring routine.
- A way to engage carers unknown to services.
- A way to share information on carers rights and available services.
- An engagement opportunity for carers to hear about emergency and future planning and assistive technology.
- An opportunity for carers to share their views in relevant consultations.
The voluntary and community group must have a turnover of less than £50,000 to be eligible.
The application process for Time for Me funding for 2025-2026 is now officially open!
Who Can Apply?
The Time for Me fund is open to small community groups, associations, charities and voluntary sector organisations in North Lanarkshire who meet and support carers in their community. Applications are invited in the region of £1000 to £3000 for this new round of funding covering June 1st 2025 to May 31st 2026.
Please click on the links below to access the guidance document and the application form…
The deadline for applications is 4.30pm, Friday 25th April 2025.
If you have any questions about the application process or would like a paper copy of the guidance document and application form, please contact our Carer Support Network Team; Sharron & Helen at CSN@carerstogether.org or call 01698 404055, Option 2.
Carer Support Network Team
If you have any questions about the application process, please contact our Carer Support Network Team, at CSN@carerstogether.org for further information.
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We are open Monday to Friday 9.00am - 4.30pm
Phone: 01698 404055
Email: enquiries@carerstogether.org
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