VOCAL provides support for unpaid carers in Edinburgh and Midlothian in all caring situations and relationships, to help identify the issues affecting them and achieve the best possible outcome for carers.

VOCAL – support for carers

VOCAL delivers support through two carer centres in Edinburgh and Midlothian, and through staff based in the community.

VOCAL’s carer support teams work individually with carers to identify a plan of support which can include:

• access to information
• referral to benefit, legal or power of attorney surgeries
• access to a range of training and lifestyle management opportunities
• referral to the VOCAL carer counselling service
• work with other agencies.

For professionals

The VOCAL team are work in partnership with professionals from all backgrounds to support unpaid carers in Edinburgh and Midlothian. If you would like someone from VOCAL to visit you to talk about carer identification, carers issues, carer support and partnership with VOCAL please contact us.

Make a referral

You can make a referral on behalf of someone else with their consent using our secure online referral form or by contacting VOCAL directly.

To make a referral you will need the carer’s:

• name
• address
• contact details (phone/email) and
• some information about their caring situation.

Please ensure that the carer is fully aware that you are making the referral and to whom.

Following referral or self referral all carers will receive a comprehensive information pack and an initial phone call to explore their personal situation before allocation to the most appropriate worker who will provide one to one support over the phone, at home or in the community depending on the carer’s needs or preference. Secure online referral form

Think Carer – for healthcare professionals

VOCAL, in partnership with NHS Lothian, has developed a range of Think Carer sessions to support healthcare professionals to identify carers and help them access the support and resources they need to improve their quality of life as well as that of the person they care for.

Find out more about Think Carer

VOCAL – Supporting Employers, Supporting Carers

Caring is often a hidden issue in the workplace, making it difficult to talk about and support. One in five carers give up work because balancing caring and holding down a job becomes too much. The public expenditure costs of carers unable to continue working has been estimated at £1.3 billion a year, and impacts employers, the wider economy and individuals. Employers are losing talented people they have invested in.

As a leading expert in the health and social care sector, we collaborate with employers to create carer friendly workplaces. We can support you in raising awareness, leading team discussions, building carer networks, also reviewing and developing internal policies. Employers can also access downloadable resources for line managers and staff.

VOCAL work in partnership with employers across all sectors including; higher education, financial, public service and hospitality, supporting their ambitions to upskill managers and become a carer friendly workplace.

Find out more

Why support employees who are carers?

Supporting carers to remain in work can unlock significant economic benefits. As well as reversing losses incurred, research has demonstrated that employers with policies and support in place see improved service delivery, cost savings and increased productivity.

Many carers can continue to work with the right support and awareness from colleagues and their employer. Employers across Scotland are recognising that small changes can make a big difference.

Find out more