Being an unpaid carer can sometimes be a challenging and lonely journey.

At VOCAL, we are beside you throughout your journey. We are here to support you with information and advice on practical issues, emotional and social support, and the chance to take a break and just be yourself.

Do you spend time caring for someone close to you?

A partner, parent, child, family member, friend or neighbour – who relies on your help?

Is that person living with…

Frailty

Long-term condition or disability

Physical health condition 

Mental health condition 

Additional needs 

Drug or alcohol dependency 

… then you’re definitely an unpaid carer. 

Finance

Taking on a caring role can impact your financial situation in many ways. VOCAL can support you to maximise your income and feel more confident about your finances.

Find out more Finance

Wellbeing

As a carer, you may focus a lot of your time and energy on the person you care for. But it’s important that you also look after yourself.

Find out more Wellbeing

Wee Breaks service.

Take a break from caring

VOCAL’s Wee Breaks service supports unpaid carers in Edinburgh and Midlothian to take time to breathe, recharge and think about themselves for an hour, a day or longer.


Carer News

  • VOCAL 100 Club – May 2025 Results

    VOCAL 100 Club – May 2025 Results

    The VOCAL 100 club is our monthly lottery which raises money for carer support and pays out half of the fund in cash prizes. This …

    Read

  • Midlothian Carers Survey 2023 results

    Midlothian Carers Survey 2023 results

    Every two years, VOCAL runs a survey – funded by Midlothian Health and Social Care Partnership (MHSCP) with research conducted by independent agency, Scotinform – …

    Read

  • Celebrating 10 years of volunteering

    Celebrating 10 years of volunteering

    We are proud to celebrate and share the inspiring stories of our volunteers. Nicky recently reached the amazing milestone of ten years of volunteering with …

    Read