Crossroads Care Orkney is a local charity which was established in 1994 with the aim of improving the life of Carers and those for whom they care by giving information, emotional support and practical help.

What is Carer?

A Carer is someone of any age who provides unpaid support to a relative or friend who has an illness or disability.

Anyone can find themselves in the position of being a Carer and often not by choice. Carers may live with the person they care for delivering 24 hour care and be unable to leave the dependant on their own. Sometimes they may live close to the person and have to pop in several times a day to make sure they are safe and well. Regardless of the amount of time you spend caring for the person there are services available which can help you to cope.

Drop In Centre

The drop-in Carers Centre is here to give:

• INFORMATION AND ADVICE about issues affecting carers such as benefits to both the Carer and the Dependant, support services such as daycare, homecare, befriending service, respite breaks, aids and adaptions, power of attorney and transport. We can do an assessment of the Carers needs and then help them to access appropriate services or benefits. We have published a small booklet called Information for Carers in Orkney. To request a Carers Assessment or an Information booklet please email us or call us on 01856 870500
• EMOTIONAL SUPPORT. There is always someone here to talk to and give emotional support. Caring can at times be a very isolated and stressful job and often it is just enough to know there is someone there to offload and have a chat to. We also run a monthly Carers Support Group where we have a small information talk, a chance to bring up any issues for discussion and then time for a cup of tea and a chance to socialise with other Carers.
• ADVOCACY. It can be daunting to attend meetings regarding your Dependant if they are involved with a lot of agencies. We can accompany you to these meeting and even speak on your behalf if you feel unable to do so.
• TRAINING. Often Carers have been left to get on with the job and have had no training to do so. We can help access relevant training such as Moving and Handling and First Aid. We may also be able to arrange specialist training in Autism, Diabetes etc. We also have a library of books and DVD’s with information on various illnesses, disabilities and training methods.
• BENEFITS. As a Carer you may be entitled to Carers Allowance and your Dependant may be entitled to benefits too. Citizen Advice Bureau can have a look at your situation and advice on which benefits you are entitled to. They can visit at home where required. You can contact them on Tel: 01856875266 or call in at Citizen Advice Bureau, Anchor Buildings, Kirkwall. Tip: for background information on benefits go to www.orkneycommunities.co.uk/CAB
• It is our job to raise the profile of Orkney’s many Carers (1,978 at the 2001 census) in the media and at local events, we do this by recognising Carers Week where we usually have an information stand in Tescco's foyer, this year we will be putting information leaflets out to all rural shops.  We attend other agencies events with a stand when asked and we have a stand at the County Show. We are also willing to give a small presentation at local groups such as Women’s Guild, WRI etc.
• TIME TO LIVE FUND We receive funding from the Scottish Government Short Breaks Fund for unpaid Carers to have a respite break.  It can fund short breaks off the island or alternatives such as a gym subscription, music lessons, massages etc.  Application guidance and form below.
• SCOTSPIRIT HOLIDAY VOUCHER SCHEME We have recieved funding for this scheme from the Scottish Government through Shared Care Scotland. This new scheme will enable unpaid carers to enjoy a 2-3 night subsidised break or day out in Scotland. The scheme offers a contribution towards a stay in hotels, campsites, Bed & breakfasts or day visit activities in Scotland. Application form and guidance below.  All applications from Carers must be recieved and approved before 31st March 2022, with the break being taken before the end of December 2022.

Respite Care

Our Crossroads Respite Scheme is here to provide practical help to Carers in the form of a short respite break.

Our Care Attendant can go into your home to look after your dependant while you have some time off to go to appointments, shopping or to a leisure activity. We can take your dependant out of the home for a run in the car, a walk, go to a cafe or any other activity they request. Although our service is free of charge there is a small charge of 36p per mile if we take your dependant out in the car.

We can give up to four hours of free respite per week depending on the Carers circumstances. There is also the option of purchasing additional hours at the rate of £12 per hour (or £13 for weekends and evenings) + any mileage incurred at 37p per mile.

Our Care Attendants are trained and disclosure checked.