A devoted pensioner who became her husband’s 24-hour carer after a stroke left him with a life changing brain injury has been named runner-up in the Carer of the Year national awards. Penicuik pensioner Janet Malcolm was recognised at an annual awards ceremony organised by Headway, the brain injury association, at London’s Dorchester Hotel last Friday. Continue reading National award for caring Janet
Tag: carers
Time out for carers this Christmas
VOCAL will be providing some much-needed support and a space for carers in Edinburgh and Midlothian for three days between Christmas and New Year.
The VOCAL carer centres will be open on the following days from 11am-3pm:
- Edinburgh – Wed 28th & 30th December
- Midlothian – Thurs 29th December
As well as carer support in person, by phone or email, on all three days there will be a carers cafe, workshops, a chill-out area, group activites, fun and games. So whether you want a chat, some time to yourself or are in need of some individual support, VOCAL is here to help.
All the details of what’s on and when are on the VOCAL website.
Brain injury: Caring Janet is national finalist
Penicuik’s Janet Malcolm will be recognised at an annual awards ceremony organised by Headway, the brain injury association, as one of just three people from across the UK in the running for the title of Carer of the Year – sponsored by Sweet Tree Home Care Services. Continue reading Brain injury: Caring Janet is national finalist
Charity aims to help carers get ‘back in the race’
Local carer support charity VOCAL is raising awareness of ‘That’s Life!’ – a project funded by the Scotch Whisky Action Fund – during Alcohol Awareness Week 2016 (14-22 November). Continue reading Charity aims to help carers get ‘back in the race’
Free flu jabs for carers
Autumn has arrived and carersorganisation VOCAL is urging carers to visit their GP for a free flu jab, which all unpaid adult and young carers in Scotland are entitled to though the NHS. Continue reading Free flu jabs for carers
VOCAL: Caring for carers – events and courses
Caring in the City – Friday 28 October
VOCAL’s Caring in the City events are about connecting carers with support and services for themselves and the person they care for. Our next event is at Pilrig Church on Friday 28th October from 10am-4pm and includes free workshops, information and refreshments available all day.
Upcoming courses for carers:
Spaces are still available on the following courses – all free to unpaid carers living in Edinburgh:
- Help to Adapt (Tues 25 Oct) – find out about support to make home adaptations to suit the needs of the person you support.
- Falls prevention (Tues 1 Nov) – a practical course for carers looking at preventing falls and what to do if someone has a fall.
- Start your own family tree (Wed 2 & 9 Nov) – learn how to start researching and mapping your family tree.
- Plan Christmas on your tablet device (Wed 2-16 Nov) – have a bit of fun learning how to make the most of your tablet device to save money on gifts, plan your decor and a delicious menu this festive season.
View all courses and events and register online on the Carer Events website or download our latest carer events programme here.
Edinburgh carers invited to join the conversation
Carers living in Edinburgh are invited to join the conversation at weekly Carer Conversation Cafés hosted by local carer organisation VOCAL (Voice of Carers Across Lothian). Continue reading Edinburgh carers invited to join the conversation
More help for young carers – consultation underway
The introduction of a Young Carer’s Allowance to give young people extra financial support is now being consulted on by the Scottish Government. Continue reading More help for young carers – consultation underway
Caring for young carers
The introduction of a Young Carer’s Allowance to give young people extra financial support will be considered by the Scottish Government, Scottish Ministers have confirmed during Carers Week. Under UK Government guidelines only 250 people in Scotland under the age of 18 receive Carer’s Allowance. Continue reading Caring for young carers
Carers Week: Johnstone calls for investment in respite
Marking the start of Carers Week (6-12 June), Alison Johnstone MSP, Health & Social Security spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, has highlighted the findings of a survey showing that most carers in Scotland don’t feel valued by their community. Continue reading Carers Week: Johnstone calls for investment in respite