A local funding initiative is transforming the way unpaid carers are supported across Midlothian, helping community groups create new spaces for connection, creativity, and wellbeing.
The Midlothian Carer Community Fund is an initiative led by local charity VOCAL and funded by the Midlothian Health and Social Care Partnership.
Since its launch earlier this year, the Fund has supported a growing number of community projects that offer unpaid carers the opportunity to rest, recharge and connect close to home.
The organisations awarded funding include:
- Glencorse Centre – Parent Carers Group (Parent Pause)
- Dalkeith Arts – Art for Life group for carers at the Woodburn Community Hub
- Gorebridge Beacon – Carer Breather Café
- Loanhead Community Garden – Art and Nature Wellness Workshops
- Dalkeith Men’s Shed – Group for Carers
- The Cold Water Therapist – cold water therapy sessions for carers
The Fund is building a strong network of carer spaces across Midlothian, from creative workshops and wellbeing activities, to social cafes and walking groups. It also helps community organisations expand their reach and tailor support to carers’ needs.
Naomi Knight, Community Development Officer at VOCAL said:
“With three in five people taking on caring responsibilities at some point in their lives, we recognise the important role that communities play in identifying and supporting carers locally. We’re proud to work in partnership with such a diverse group of organisations who are passionate about supporting unpaid carers, and we look forward to seeing their projects develop over the coming months!”
As more people across Midlothian take on caring roles, the Fund represents a long-term investment in wellbeing and community resilience. VOCAL and its partners hope to sustain the momentum by sharing learning from the first wave of funded projects and continuing to grow the network of support for unpaid carers.
