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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Latest News and Information

Subscribe to VOCAL's e-bulletin

VOCAL has set up an email group for carers offering quick access to news and information. We send an e-bulletin every two months, and have special editions which highlight particular events and news. Our e-bulletin features activities, courses and useful publications and resources for carers. To view the latest e-bulletin just click here
How do I join?
Joining the email group is easy - just send an email to vocal@carers.net - say 'I'm a carer and happy to be included in an email group'. If you work with carers or are interested in carer news and information then you can join in the same way.




New Carer Emergency Cards launched

A new carer emergency pack was launched at the Edinburgh Carers Centre by VOCAL on Carers Rights Day, 7 December 2007, enabling carers to carry important information for use in emergency situations.

The free pack containing two emergency cards – one for the carer’s use and one for the person they care for – was produced with financial support from AEGON. The cards can be carried in a wallet or handbag and allow carers to include personal information, details of the person they care for and emergency contacts. This information is vital when unexpected events, such as accidents or sudden illness involving the carer, occur.

In 2005 Carers UK’s Back Me Up campaign highlighted the poor support for carers dealing with emergencies. 96% of carers surveyed said they were worried about how they would cope with unexpected events. Carer emergency cards are one means of providing peace of mind and act as a safeguard should a crisis arise. Sebastian Fischer, Chief Executive of VOCAL says:

“Carers are concerned about what will happen to the person they care for if something unforeseen happens to them. The carer emergency card provides reassurance that a family member or neighbour who knows what to do, will be contacted should a crisis arise.”

Carers can order their free pack directly from VOCAL on 0131 622 6666 and copies will be distributed to health and social care staff who work with carers.




Useful publications and resources for carers

The City of Edinburgh Council has updated some of it's social care information leaflets. Copies of the following leaflets are now available to download from the Council's website to order from 0131 200 2324.


Carers UK produce useful publications for carers which are available to download from their website or to order from 0141 221 9141.


Scottish Executive have produced new national guidance on self-directed support which replaces earlier guidance on direct payments issued on 20 June 2003. A copy can be downloaded from the Scottish Executive's website:


The Mental Welfare Commission Scotland has a range of guidance documents available to download from their website. One particularly useful publication is:


The General Medical Council has a range of guidance documents, including guidance for patients on making complaints about GPs:

Key legislation and guidance affecting carers
For more information on carer information strategy guidance and the Scottish Executive's response to the Care 21 report: The Future of Unpaid Care in Scotland, see the archived news section of this website. Further information on key legislation affecting carers and disabled people in Scotland is available from the Carers Scotland website


Launch of new carer's self assessment forms

A new carer self assessment form has been produced by the City of Edinburgh Council to enable carers to register their needs, the support they currently provide and any additional support they may require. It is shorter than the full carer's assessment form and it can be completed by the carer.

VOCAL strongly recommends that carers request a self assessment form and fill it in with support from a member of VOCAL's staff or a local carer project. There is an option on the form to request a full assessment, and carers are encouraged to choose this option. A full assessment will determine their needs as a carer. Self assessment forms are available from Social Care Direct on 0131 200 2324.

A new booklet - A carer's guide to carer's assessments - is now available, providing details on how to request an assessment and what is involved. Download a copy of A carer's guide to carer's assessments and the Guide to Adult Social Care Services which outlines the criteria for prioritising cases.




Rooms for hire at VOCAL

Three training and meeting rooms at the Carers Centre are available for hire, particularly in the evenings and at weekends. There is no charge for carer groups without funding, and reasonable charges apply to other groups. The Centre is fully accessible and has kitchen facilities. VOCAL's room hire leaflet is available to download - just click here




Archived News and Information

Please click on the links below:



 VOCAL is the voice of carers across Lothian. This site was last updated: 29 April 2005.

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