Unpaid carers across south east Wales have two days left to apply for a £300 grant to cover extra costs during the coronavirus pandemic.

The emergency fund is delivered by Carers Trust South East Wales (CTSEW) and is financed by Caerphilly County Borough Council, alongside Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Cardiff, Monmouthshire, Newport and Vale of Glamorgan councils, as well as Community Foundation Wales.

The CTSEW says that carers must be unpaid and awards will be made based on the applicant’s level of need. Applications are also capped at 200.

The CTSEW said: “Once we receive 200 applications the scheme will close.”

The scheme, which became available today (Tuesday, July 7), will be open for applications for two days until 11.59pm on Thursday, July 9.

The CTSEW has defined an unpaid carer as someone who looks after a “friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction cannot cope without their support.”

The scheme could be used to support the buying of household items, food shopping, emergency home repairs, mobile phone equipment and transport costs associated with essential journeys.

The scheme will not cover utility bills, credit card bills, debt repayments, long-term replacement care, specialised equipment and motor vehicles and their upkeep.

All successful applications will be notified within 48 hours of the panel’s decision. Applications can be expected to be received, processed, assessed and actioned within 21 days of CTSEW receiving them.

For more information or to apply for the grant visit ctsew.org.uk/carers-emergency-grants