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Am I a carer?

Are you supporting a family member, partner, relative or friend, of any age, who needs help to manage a long term condition, disability, physical or mental health problem or addiction?

Your caring role could be as simple as getting their shopping once a week or you could be responsible for all their every day needs.

You can't always tell if someone is a carer but those providing care and support to family members and friends need support too. You may see yourself as a wife, husband, partner, son daughter, parent, relative or friend. You are also a carer.

VOCAL supports carers in all family or relationship settings, be they defined by kinship, partnership, friendship, affection or obligation. 

How can VOCAL help?

VOCAL delivers carer support through two carers centres in Edinburgh and Midlothian, and through staff based in the community. Carers can access the following services:

VOCAL works with carers to identify a plan of support which can include work with other agencies, referral to benefit or power of attorney surgeries and access to a range of training and lifestyle management opportunities.


VOCAL Carer Support Team

Many carers are unaware of the support available to them, or what they are entitled to. VOCAL's Carer Support Team works with carers on a one-to-one basis to help identify the issues affecting them, and achieve the best possible outcome for carers. Contact the Edinburgh team on 0131 622 6666 or email centre@vocal.org.uk. Contact the Midlothian team on 0131 663 6567 or email midlothian@vocal.org.uk.

Meeting other carers

feature Carer groups

Caring can be very isolating and getting the right balance can be difficult. Things that may help include: 

Contact 0131 622 6666 or email centre@vocal.org.uk for more details.