As a professional working with unpaid carers – whether that means people in your team, or people using your organisation’s services – it’s important to familiarise yourself with the information that’s useful to them, and where you can find it.
VOCAL’s services
Treasure Tree
Treasure Tree is VOCAL’s social enterprise that helps people access affordable second-hand mobility and accessibility equipment. This is a practical solution which reduces the cost of caring and promotes a circular economy where non-recyclable items are reused instead. We sell, and accept donations of:
- Mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs (either working ones, or ones needing new batteries)
- Manual wheelchairs
- Hoists
- Commodes or shower chairs/stools
- Riser recliner chairs
- Walkers and rollators
- Specialist footwear in good condition
- Other items related to mobility, disability, care or improving quality of life
We have an online shop on eBay and an in-person shop in Ocean Terminal. Our opening hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 3pm, and Wednesdays from 10am to 5pm. You can also book an appointment at other times by emailing us.
Wee Breaks
Our Wee Breaks service helps guide carers through the process of planning, funding and taking a short break from their caring role. This can be through applications for funding, booking a trip to one of our holiday homes, or accessing free leisure and hospitality events throughout Edinburgh and Midlothian.
Carer Support Finder
VOCAL’s Carer Support Finder is an online tool which helps carers find support in in Edinburgh and Midlothian. It includes partner organisations which offer services, such as free events for unpaid carers, advice on applying for benefits, or emotional support.
You can search the directory by the type of support you’re looking for, the condition of the person you care for, and your location.
Emergency planning
We can assist carers in creating emergency plans, providing templates and guidance for unforeseen situations. This is through one-to-one carer support from one of our Carer Support Practitioners.
We often use or signpost carers to an example of an emergency plan, provided by Enable.
Online courses for carers
We have a range of free online courses for carers. Some are YouTube videos to watch, and some are interactive courses.
These can also be useful for you as a professional to understand the issues carers face, even if you don’t have your own caring role. We cover the following topics:
- Balancing employment and care
- Future planning
- Self-directed Support (SDS)
- Emergency planning
- Hospital discharge
- Adult Carer Support Plans (ACSPs)
- Basic benefits
- Knowing your rights
- Getting a break from caring
Leaflets
We have a range of leaflets for our work, either giving an overview or providing more detail on a specific service like counselling. We can provide you with printed or digital versions. Please contact our Communications Team on to make a request.
The Carers Charter
This document from the Scottish Government outlines the rights of adult or young carers under the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016. It can be useful to share when starting conversations about caring roles.
Care Information Scotland
This is a central hub for information on caring, including how to find your local carer centre, support services, and advice on care needs.
Support from the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland (MWC)
The MWC has put together a guide covering the important considerations related to mental health treatment for carers and the people they care for. This includes consent, confidentiality, incapacity, and best practice.
The MWC provides a range of information for professionals working in social work, medical or nursing roles, or more who work with people with mental illness, learning disability, dementia or related conditions. This covers legal rights, guidance and advice, and their reports and investigations.
They also run an advice line for professionals. This is open Monday to Friday, from 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 4pm. Call 0131 313 8777 or email .
The Triangle of Care guide from Carers Trust
The Triangle of Care is a concept within mental health treatment, where the service user or patient, staff member, and carer are all equally important. It encourages better recognition of carers’ role in the planning and provision of mental health care, aiming to improve outcomes for carers and those they care for.
