VOCAL - Voice of Carers Across Lothian
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Welcome to VOCAL's bi-monthly email bulletin for carers. Below you will find news and information, courses and useful resources for carers.

News and information

Blackpool trip for carers
Pontins have just announced that they are sponsoring the 2008 carers break to their Holiday Centre in Blackpool. The free holiday takes place during Carers Week from 9 - 13 June. The trip is for carers however the person being cared for can go if the carer is able to support them. If you would like to be considered for a place on this trip please contact Sheena on 0131 622 6666 or email ssmith@vocal.org.uk by Friday, 14 March. Please note that places are limited and a final decision on allocated places will not be made until after 14 March. Priority will be given to carers who have never been on the trip before or who haven't had a holiday in at least 1 year.
Deadline for registering interest: 14 March. Trip takes place 9 - 13 June

Promoting flexible working for carers
Carers Scotland has joined the Scottish Council for Development and Industry and BT to launch a campaign aimed at promoting flexible working to employers. The campaign follows legislation introduced in April 2007 giving carers the right to request a flexible working pattern.

Earlier this month Sharon Coleman, a carer from London, won the initial stages of a case against her employers at the European Court of Justice. The landmark case highlights the challenges faced by carers in employment and could give new rights to millions of carers across the UK. For more information on the case see Carers UK website
For more information on your rights as a carer in employment contact VOCAL on 0131 622 6666 or email centre@vocal.org.uk

Looking for a new challenge this Spring?
If so, the 2008 Edinburgh Marathon, taking place on 25 May, could be just what you need. With official ballots now closed, you can still avail of one of VOCAL's five charity places, open to both individuals and relay teams. If 26.2 miles seems like a daunting task, then the 'Hairy Haggis' relay team is an enjoyable alternative, with four runners splitting the marathon distance between them. The entry fee is free however runners are asked to raise some money for VOCAL. Entry forms are available from VOCAL, call 0131 622 6666 or email centre@vocal.org.uk. For more details about the event visit www.edinburgh-marathon.com
Sunday, 25 May 2008, starts 9am

And finally, a special sports feature for rugby fans . . .
The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, in association with Boroughmuir RFC, is hosting the Capital Sevens rugby tournament at Meggetland, in Edinburgh, on Sunday 20 April from 12 - 6pm. There will be 16 teams participating - most from the Lothian area - with a youth tournament and back stage festival of sports and kids activities run by Edinburgh Council. Tickets are available at half price (£5) for carers who want to attend the event - if you are interested please contact VOCAL on 0131 622 6666.

Courses for carers
Full details of all VOCAL's Expert Carer training courses are available on the training page of VOCAL's website and the carer workshop programme is available on the groupwork page. For information on any of the training courses listed here please contact Jane or Debbie on 0131 622 6666 or email jgreenacre@vocal.org.uk.

Caring for someone with a heart condition
A course for carers of someone with a heart condition. Sessions include the role of the heart in the body, treatments, diet and nutrition, support available and changing relationships. Download a course leaflet
Thursdays, 10 April - 29 May, 1pm - 3.30pm, VOCAL Carers Centre

Caring for someone and looking after yourself
Focusing on the needs of the carer, this course looks at diet and nutrition, stress management, body M.O.T. and an active lifestyle.
Download a course leaflet
Wednesdays, 7 May - 11 June, 10am to 1pm, VOCAL Carers Centre

Do you care for someone with mobility problems?
This organised tour of the SMART Centre (formally Lothian Disabled Living Centre) looks at the work of the centre and the wide range of equipment available to make life easier for someone with disabilities. The equipment includes large items such as chairs and beds through to smaller items such as kettle tippers and cutlery. Download a course leaflet
Monday, 2 June, 10.30am - 12pm

Publications and resources

When caring comes to an end
A practical guide for carers on what to do when the person they care for dies or moves into a care home. It outlines the support available and the steps carers can take to help them through each situation. Download a copy of the booklet from Carers UK website.

Putting care right
Alzheimer's Society's Putting Care Right- your guide to choosing a care home features the essential issues to consider when deciding on a care home for a person with dementia. It lists questions families can put to care home staff and includes blank pages for notes on the places they visit. Please note that some of the contact details at back of the booklet are more relevant for carers living in England and Wales. Download a copy from Alzheimer's Society website.

Review of free personal and nursing care
Audit Scotland's review of free personal and nursing care in Scotland highlights the need for better planning, management and funding in order for it to continue to benefit older people in the future. Download a copy of the report from Audit Scotland's website.

VOCAL services are free but carers often ask how they can make donations. Donations to VOCAL can be made through our online donation facility at www.justgiving.com where Gift Aid is automatically reclaimed on any donation you make. Gift Aid is tax relief on money donated to UK charities.

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Princess Royal Trust VOCAL Carers Centre
8-13 Johnston Terrace
EDINBURGH EH1 2PW
Scottish Charity: SC020755
Company registration: SC183050
T. 0131 622 6666. F. 0131 622 7621. E. centre@vocal.org.uk
Website: www.vocal.org.uk