LESS than a week remains before a grant scheme deadline to help unpaid carers in Wiltshire.

The Carers Small Grants Scheme offers grants of up to £5,000 for projects and activities that make a difference to the lives of unpaid carers of all ages in the county.

Wiltshire Council defines a carer as someone who provides unpaid support to a family member, partner, friend or neighbour.

This could be because they are ill, frail, disabled or have mental ill health or substance misuse problems and these people could not manage at home without support.

Funding can be used in numerous ways, including to give carers a break from their caring role or to help carers learn a new skill which may increase their life chances and employability.

Other uses include helping improve carers' physical or emotional health and well-being; to reduce isolation; increase peer support; or to help carers' access to information, support and guidance.

The grants have already supported projects including training for young carers, a movement of the mind club for carers of people with dementia.

Applications for funding under the current round should be submitted by 30 June 2013.

For full details, please contact Maria Keel, senior commissioning and contracts officer on 07500 099652 or email maria.keel@wiltshire.gov.uk