As a carer it is important that you are aware of your rights and entitlements, and have enough information to support you in your caring role. VOCAL supports carers across Edinburgh and the Lothians, providing information and advice on a range of topics including welfare benefits, community care, respite and carer support groups.
For many carers information and advice is enough, but for others a more structured period of support can make a big difference. VOCAL's person-centred planning service offers carers the opportunity to reflect on changes they would like to make in their lives and provides a range of support to help reach those goals.
The news section of our website contains up-to-date information and publications which can be downloaded. Our Carers Information Pack is designed specifically for carers living in Edinburgh and the Lothians. Contact details and links to other carer organisations can be found in the contacts section.
On this page you will find information on:
|
|
You can telephone or email VOCAL's carer support teams using the contact details below. The team can make appointments to meet with carers, and arrange for home visits. VOCAL's opening hours are Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm and our Carers Centre on Johnston Terrace is open until 9pm on Tuesdays.
|
Carer support in Edinburgh:
Carer Advice & Development Team
VOCAL Carers Centre
8-13 Johnston Terrace
EDINBURGH EH1 2PW
T: 0131 622 6666
E: ssmith@vocal.org.uk
Download service leaflet |
Carer support (South Edinburgh):
Lisa Rice
Carer Advice & Development Officer
Libertus Centre, 20 Gracemount Drive
Edinburgh EH16 6RN
T: 0131 672 0987
E: lisarice@libertus.org.uk
Download service leaflet |
Carer support (Midlothian):
Lissa Smith, Jan Barnett or Claire Easton
Carer Advice & Development Officers
Grannies Park, Edinburgh Road
DALKEITH EH22 1JY
T: 0131 663 6869
E: midlothian@vocal.org.uk
Download service leaflet
|
|
Person-centred planning
Team Leader - Person-centred planning
VOCAL Carers Centre
8-13 Johnston Terrace
EDINBURGH EH1 2PW
T: 0131 622 6666
E: chickie@vocal.org.uk
Download service leaflet |
Person-centred planning:
South West
Justine Davidson
Person Centred Planning Officer
Pentlands Medical Centre
44 Pentland View, Currie EH14 5QB
T: 0131 449 8606
E: jdavidson@vocal.org.uk
Download service leaflet
|
Home from hospital?
Roslyn Scott
Carer Support Worker
Springwell House Social Work Centre
1 Gorgie Road
Edinburgh EH11 2LA
T: 0131 313 6725
E: rscott@vocal.org.uk
Download service leaflet |
Top
Surgeries at VOCAL Carers Centre
This benefit surgery for older people runs every second Friday at VOCAL Carers Centre on Johnston Terrace. An advisor from The Pension Service provides advice about benefits for carers over 60 and can also advise on issues relating to carers benefits if the carer is under 60, but caring for someone over 60.
The surgery has helped carers have their DLA reinstated, get pension credit, and obtain extra premiums whilst on income support. You can find out about your entitlements, get help with completing forms, and support in sorting out benefit payment problems. The service is provided by appointment and home visits can be arranged. To find out about the next surgery time, or to get more information email centre@vocal.org.uk or telephone 0131 622 6666.
Surgeries for South Edinburgh
People over 60 living in the EH16 area can avail of a pension surgery run by The Pension Service. Carers can discuss Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Carers Allowance, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit and get assistance with filling out forms for these benefits. Surgeries take place on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at Libertus, starting Tuesday 23 September 2008.
There will be half hour appointments available from 10am - 12pm. To book an appointment please contact Lisa Rice on 0131 672 0987 or email lisarice@libertus.org.uk.
Libertus, 20 Gracemount Drive, EH16 6RN, 0131 672 0987
Top
Details of respite and short break options in Edinburgh are available from Shared Care Scotland's Online Short Breaks Information Service website. This directory offers easy access to information on all forms of short break and respite care services including: home based and residential breaks, family placements, befriending projects, supported holiday breaks, guest houses and hotels. Visit www.carebreaksscotland.org to search for respite breaks. If you can’t find what you are looking for please contact VOCAL on 0131 622 6666 for more information.
Shared Care Scotland has also developed an Online Short Break Planning Pack. The pack has been developed to help service users and carers to be more in control of all aspects of their short break/respite care by increasing their knowledge about what’s available or possible. To get more information and download the pack visit Shared Care Scotland wesbite.
VOCAL's Carer Support Group database contains information about carer support groups available in Edinburgh and the Lothians. The database is currently being updated however if you would like information on carer support groups please email or telephone the VOCAL on 0131 622 6666.
Top
VOCAL's publications are available to download by clicking on the relevant links listed below. Hard copies of all our publications are available by calling 0131 622 6666. Useful carer publications produced by other organisations are also available - just click on this link to take you to the news section of our website
Please note that you will need Adobe Reader installed on your computer to read the documents listed below. If you need to install Adobe Reader click here to install.
Midlothian
An introductory leaflet on VOCAL's Midlothian service.
Advocacy
Information and contact details for our Carers Advocacy Service
Counselling
Information and contact details for VOCAL's Counselling Service
Information Leaflets and Booklets
Carers Information Pack
Essential information
introducing community care, welfare benefits, respite, emotional
support, and key contacts for carers.
Home from Hospital
Information pack produced to make the journey from hospital to home easier, and to
offer families and carers signposts for help and support.
Vocalise
Self help guide on advocating for yourself, and making your voice heard.
Changing Relationships
Self help guide focusing on the changes that occur in our relationships when we become carers.
Considering Long Term Care: booklet 1 (emotional issues)
Booklet supporting the emotional impact of considering long term care for the person you care for.
Annual Report 2007 - 2008
|
