🔥The 9th Round of Easy Loan, Earn $40 Reward is in progress❗️ ⏰ Promotion Period: January 15th - Feburary 15th, 2025 👉 Register now and check more details at gate.io/campaigns/358

If you care for someone aged 16 or older with Additional Support Needs (ASN), then come along to this informal support group. Connect with other parent carers and share advice in a safe and supportive environment. Sign up here: ow.ly/ABtG50Vo123

Changes have been announced to health and disability benefits, including Personal Independence Payments and Universal Credit. Some of these may affect unpaid carers. Contact our benefits advisors for guidance or visit Coalition of Carers in Scotland (COCIS) site for more info: ow.ly/NrAc50VvA68

Thanks again to Maree Todd for visiting and getting involved with our crochet group! Watch the video below to hear more from our CEO Rosie and one of our unpaid carers about the benefits of taking a break from caring. Or find out more at weebreaks.com

VOCAL will be attending the Midlothian Disabled People's Assembly on Wednesday 16 April! Come along to connect with us in person, and learn more about how we support unpaid carers in Midlothian.

Experience the health and wellbeing benefits of cold water swimming, while raising money for VOCAL along the way! Visit our website to find out more about this wild swimming fundraising challenge: ow.ly/UQJE50Vxo4n

As a carer, it's vital to prioritise your physical and mental wellbeing. Going to the gym can be great for both. If you'd like to start going to the gym but aren't sure how to start, come to a free induction session. Contact [email protected] or 0808 196 6666 to sign up!

It’s important to be prepared for emergencies, either involving yourself or the person you care for. This workshop will help you prepare a plan to cope with unexpected events, and general future planning. Sign up here: ow.ly/qVS050Vo1Aq

On Tue 29 Apr, 4-5pm, we are running a free Think Carer session with Midlothian Council. This is specifically for education managers in Midlothian who may be an unpaid carer themselves or are supporting others with caring responsibilities. Sign up on Eventbrite: ow.ly/n9BQ50VuxsR

Come along to VOCAL's online book club and connect with other book lovers! This month's discussion will be on bestselling Small Pleasures by Clare Chambers. ow.ly/kUG350Vo1IO

Join our Think Future Planning session on Wed 30 Apr at 12pm to learn how to assist unpaid carers in planning for the future. Discover what future planning can look like for carers and enhance your support skills. Book your free spot here: ow.ly/5egZ50UZqsC

On Tue 13 May, 4-5pm, we are running a free Think Carer session with Midlothian Council. This is specifically for education professionals in Midlothian who are in a position to identify, support and signpost unpaid carers. Sign up on Eventbrite: ow.ly/3BhJ50VuxiR

Do you work or come into contact with unpaid carers in Midlothian? VOCAL provides free Think Carer training which is a great opportunity to learn how to identify carers. Find out more on Tuesday 6 May at 2pm: forms.office.com/pages/response…

We offer free courses for public and third-sector professionals to improve in identifying, supporting and referring carers. Our next Midlothian session focuses on our Wee Breaks service, to help carers access much-needed breaks. Join us on Thu 8 May, 12pm: ow.ly/RBBb50Vtb2t

Our next free Think Carer training for professionals is on Thu 15 May at 2pm. Open to health, social care and third-sector professionals in Midlothian, you’ll learn about carer identification and key practices. Book your space here: ow.ly/iwUa50Vtbro

Think Carer training explores who is a carer, the impact of caring, and how all professionals can offer support. Our next free session is on Wed 28 May 10am-11am. Health and social care, public or third-sector professionals in Midlothian can register here: ow.ly/jOyY50VtbGl

We run a survey every 2 years – with Midlothian Health & Social Care Partnership and Scotinform Ltd – of carers’ experience in Midlothian. 2023 results show that carers are experiencing significant financial difficulties and limited opportunities to take a break. Read the full report: ow.ly/L9gR50VRP0G

In the 2023 Midlothian Carers Survey, 70% were of working age. Almost half say that caring negatively affects their finances. Almost 1/3 have left work. The report recommends that Midlothian Health & Social Care Partnership continue working to reduce the cost of caring. Full report: ow.ly/g7TP50VRQB8

Over 1/2 in the 2023 Midlothian Carer Survey agreed that short breaks are the most valuable support. Taking a break is difficult; 39% reported no replacement care or respite options. The report recommends further investment in respite services and funding: ow.ly/aqJ050VRQri

In the 2023 Midlothian Carers Survey, we found that most carers experience poor mental (80%) or physical health (66%) or sleep (78%) due to their caring role. The report recommends Midlothian Health & Social Care Partnership and partners provide services to support carers' health: ow.ly/Vmqz50VRQPA

In the Midlothian Carer Survey 2023, many carers could not access adequate support, but registering with a carer centre improved carers' health, including awareness of Adult Carer Support Plans. The report recommends ACSPs be offered after identification: ow.ly/wPAO50VRQRS