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VOCAL - the Voice of Carers Across Lothian VOCAL Carers Centre, 8-13 Johnston Terrace, EDINBURGH, EH1 2PW T. 0131 622 6666. F. 0131 622 7621. E. centre@vocal.org.uk |
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information and advice |
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. In addition to this page, 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:
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How to contact the Information and Advice team:You can telephone or email the VOCAL Information and Advice team using the contact details below. We often make appointments to meet with carers, and can arrange home visits. Our opening hours are Monday - Thursday, 9am - 5pm and Friday, 9am - 3.30pm. | ||
If you live in Edinburgh: |
If you live in South Edinburgh: |
If you live in Midlothian: |
Top VOCAL's Benefit Surgery for Older PeopleThe Benefit Surgery for Older People runs every second Friday at VOCAL Carers Centre on Johnston Terrace. An advisor from the Department of Work and Pensions provides advice about benefits for carers over 60. He 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 vocal@carers.net or telephone 0131 622 6666. Top VOCAL's Respite and Carer Support Groups databasesVOCAL's Respite and Carer Support Group databases contain information about various respite options and carer support groups available in Edinburgh and the Lothians. Both databases are currently being updated however if you would like any information on the either of these topics please email or telephone the Information and Advice team on 0131 622 6666.Top VOCAL's PublicationsVOCAL'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 websitePlease 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. Our introductory leaflet on who we are, what we do and how we can help. An introductory leaflet on VOCAL's South Edinburgh service. An introductory leaflet on VOCAL's Midlothian service. An illustrated history of VOCAL. Information and contact details for our Carers Advocacy Service Information on volunteering with VOCAL's Advocacy Service Information and contact details for VOCAL's Counselling Service Information on VOCAL's Expert Training programme and access to a range of training leaflets Information on VOCAL's Family Support Service for Addictions Essential information introducing community care, welfare benefits, respite, emotional support, and key contacts for carers. Information pack produced to make the journey from hospital to home easier, and to offer families and carers signposts for help and support. Information for people new to caring. Self help guide on advocating for yourself, and making your voice heard. Self help guide focusing on the changes that occur in our relationships when we become carers. Two booklets supporting the emotional impact and practicalities of considering long term care for the person you care for. This booklet supports carers of people with drug and alcohol misuse problems. |
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VOCAL is the voice of carers across Lothian. This web site uses Portable Document Format - PDF. Sight difficulties? Try 'Access Adobe'. Please note: links to external web sites and to our publications will open in separate windows. |