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’
Tag: VOCAL
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
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
Don’t Look Down: Carers Champion’s leap of faith for charity!
Good luck, Norman – May the Forth be with you!
Carers’ Champion Councillor Norman Work is scaling new heights for charity as part of National Carers Week. The abseil from the side of the Forth Bridge tomorrow will raise funds for VOCAL (Voice of Carers Across Lothian), and will also mark the start of events taking place across Edinburgh to celebrate the awareness week.
Othere events include a city-wide art trail across the city featuring installations created by the Edinburgh Young Carers Project, wine tasting on a barge, song writing, arts therapy and a pamper session.
There are an estimated 65,000 unpaid carers in Edinburgh who play a crucial role in the provision of care to people who would not be able to remain at home and in their own communities safely, independently and with dignity without them.
The theme of this year’s Carers Week, which runs from June 8th until the14th, is focusing on building Carer Friendly Communities. These are communities which support carers to look after the person that they care for well, while recognising that they are individuals with needs of their own.
Councillor Work said: “This week is all about saying thanks to carers for their timeless and selfless work, and for providing an absolutely vital service to the community.
“Our job is to “care for the carers” by making sure they access much-needed help and support, whether it’s financial advice or respite for them.
“The Capital Coalition set up a Carers’ Champion to achieve this and will continue to help them through the implementation of the Joint Carers’ Strategy we developed with NHS Lothian and stakeholders.”
The Abseil has been organised by the Rotary Club of South Queensferry, and you can help support the event by sponsoring those who are taking part – visit the JustGiving website. In addition to the thrill of descending 165ft from the Forth Rail Bridge at South Queensferry, participants will receive a commemorative certificate and t-shirt.
You can sponsor Councillor Work by accessing his JustGiving page,
https://www.justgiving.com/Norman-Work5/
and details of this week’s events can be found on the VOCAL website.
