The Carers Act Transformation Support (CATS) Fund gives voluntary sector organisations support to implement new legislation

Organisations from across Scotland have received funding to help implement new legislation.

The Carers Act Transformation Support (CATS) Fund gives voluntary sector organisations involved in the local implementation of the Carers (Scotland) Act the opportunity to apply for small grants to improve their capacity to do so.

The fund is provided by the Scottish Government and managed by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO). The purpose of the funding – first launched in June 2018 – is to develop local capacity through improvements to systems or technology etc. rather than delivering direct services or support to carers, which is funded locally.

A total of 22 organisations have been announced to benefit from the third round of funding. Successful organisations include Dundee Carers Centre, Glasgow Association for Mental Health and Voluntary Action Shetland.

SCVO development manager Irene Connelly, who manages the fund, said: “SCVO and the Scottish Government are committed to continuing to work with carer support organisations in the months ahead to shape the ways in which we can build on the learning from this fund to maximise the impact that digital approaches can have on the fantastic work being carried out by them up and down the country.”

Public Health Minister Joe Fitzpatrick said: “Local carer organisations across Scotland play a crucial role helping carers access support to look after their own health and wellbeing – in line with their rights under the Carers Act. It is great to see so many of these organisations taking advantage of this fund to improve their capacity to continue this vital work."