Care Services Across Wales Urged To Apply For New Welsh Government Funding

Sue Evans, chief executive of Social care Wales has welcomed the announcement that the Foundational Economy Challenge Fund has doubled and is urging those working in social care to apply for it.

Last month, the First Minister Mark Drakeford announced that the Welsh Government has doubled the funding available to support local businesses and enterprises, which includes care providers, to £3 million. The fund is now accepting applications.

The fund aims to help develop Wales’s regional economy to make sure that wealth is shared more evenly across Wales. Up to £100,000 is available for experimental projects to test how the Welsh Government can best help nurture and build local economies.

The foundational economy provides the basic goods and services we use every day, such as care and health services, food, housing, energy, construction, tourism and high street shops.

Sue said: “I warmly welcome the First Minister’s announcement doubling the Foundational Economy Challenge Fund.

“It’s an excellent opportunity for communities across Wales to improve their prospects by keeping Welsh money in their communities, and hopefully, increase employment and conditions.

“Care services are a vital part of the foundational economy, with adult social care the seventh biggest contributor to the Welsh economy, and we’re currently working with partners across the sector to attract, recruit and retain more care staff in Wales through the WeCare campaign.

“This fund is another fantastic opportunity for care services in Wales, and I’d urge anyone working in care in Wales to take advantage of it and apply for the fund.”

Applications for the fund are open until 12 July 2019 and anyone interested in applying should register their interest by calling 0300 060 3000.