About Vocal voice of carers across lothian
VOCAL Voice of Carers Across Lothian: Supporting Unpaid Carers in Edinburgh and Midlothian
VOCAL Voice of Carers Across Lothian is a non-profit organization that provides support to unpaid carers living in Edinburgh and Midlothian. The organization was established in 1994 with the aim of improving the lives of carers by providing them with information, peer support, and access to services.
As an unpaid carer, you may feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities. You may be caring for a family member or friend who has a physical or mental health condition, disability, or addiction. You may be juggling your caring role with work, education, or other commitments. You may be struggling to cope with stress, anxiety, isolation, or financial difficulties.
VOCAL understands the challenges that carers face and is here to help you. The organization offers a range of services that are tailored to meet your individual needs.
Information
VOCAL provides up-to-date information on a wide range of topics related to caring. This includes:
- Benefits and entitlements: VOCAL can help you understand what benefits you are entitled to as a carer and how to claim them.
- Health and wellbeing: VOCAL can provide advice on how to look after yourself as a carer and access healthcare services.
- Social care: VOCAL can guide you through the process of getting an assessment for the person you care for and accessing social care services.
- Legal issues: VOCAL can offer guidance on legal matters such as power of attorney, guardianship orders, wills, trusts etc.
Peer Support
VOCAL recognizes that caring can be isolating at times. That's why they offer peer support groups where you can meet other carers who understand what you're going through. These groups provide an opportunity for sharing experiences , learning from others' experiences , making new friends , reducing isolation and building a support network.
VOCAL also offers one-to-one support where you can talk to a trained volunteer who has experience of caring. This can be done over the phone or in person, and is completely confidential.
Access to Services
VOCAL works closely with other organizations to ensure that carers have access to the services they need. This includes:
- Advocacy: VOCAL can provide advocacy support for carers who need help communicating their needs and wishes.
- Training: VOCAL offers training courses for carers on topics such as first aid, moving and handling, stress management etc.
- Respite care: VOCAL can help arrange respite care so that you can take a break from your caring role.
- Carer-friendly employers: VOCAL works with employers to promote carer-friendly policies and practices in the workplace.
Why Choose VOCAL?
There are many reasons why you should choose VOCAL as your go-to organization for unpaid carer support:
1. Experience - With over 25 years of experience supporting unpaid carers across Lothian, VOCAL has built up an extensive knowledge base of what works best for different types of situations.
2. Tailored Support - Every situation is unique, which is why all services provided by Vocal are tailored specifically towards individual needs.
3. Confidentiality - All information shared with Vocal will be kept confidential unless there is a risk of harm or danger involved.
4. Accessibility - The organization provides various ways through which people can access their services including online resources , telephone helpline , face-to-face meetings etc..
5. Expertise - The staff at Vocal are highly trained professionals who have extensive knowledge about caring issues and how best to address them .
6. Partnership working – Vocal work closely with other organisations across Lothian ensuring that they provide comprehensive service provision
Conclusion
If you're an unpaid carer living in Edinburgh or Midlothian, don't hesitate to get in touch with VOCAL Voice of Carers Across Lothian. The organization is here to support you through your caring journey, providing information, peer support and access to services. With their expertise and experience, you can be assured that you will receive the best possible care and support.
vocal.org.uk
