79 projects will be funded at a total value of £1.35m.  These projects will:

• reach out to carers, particularly focussing on early contact with those who are taking on a caring role for the first time, through different settings, for example hospitals, GP surgeries, the workplace, supermarkets, places of worship and other community settings, and help them identify themselves as carers;
• support carers by building on existing work and networks to support people with specific conditions;
• provide carers with key information and practical advice about how to care effectively and safely for people with specific conditions;
• support carers to live a life of their own alongside their caring responsibilities;
• signpost carers to expert sources of generic information, advice, advocacy and support on caring including advice on flexible working, replacement care, housing adaptations and assistive technologies; and
• support carers of all ages including young and older carers, and carers from BME communities.

2 of the 79 projects are based in the South West - Bristol & South Gloucestershire People First and Plymouth Guild First Contact with Carers.