External Carer Support
External support available to carers.
Alzheimer Scotland
Alzheimer Scotland provides services and support across Scotland to help anyone who is worried about their memory, has a diagnosis of dementia, or who is supporting someone with dementia.
Care for Carers
Care for Carers is a Voluntary Organisation which provides support services to all carers, regardless of age, gender, disability or relationship of the person they care for. They deliver services to carers in Edinburgh and deliver specific short breaks through their Stepping Out service to carers from across Scotland.
Carers Scotland
Carers Scotland help carers and professionals, with expert advice on issues such as carers' benefits, community care and services for carers.
Citizens Advice Scotland
The CAS Patient Advice and Support Service is an independent service which provides free, accessible and confidential information, advice and support to patients, their carers and families in their dealings with the NHS. The service
- can provide information, advice and support for anyone who wants to give feedback, make comments, raise concerns or make a complaint about treatment and care provided by the NHS in Scotland.
- help people to understand their rights and responsibilities as a patient.
- works with the NHS in Scotland to improve healthcare provision - work that can be done because of the feedback that is provided
CAS Patient Advice and Support Service webpage
Coalition of Carers in Scotland
The Coalition of Carers in Scotland exists to advance the voice of carers by facilitating carer engagement and bringing carers and local carer organisations together with decision makers at a national and local level.
Since its inception in 1998 the Coalition has played a fundamental role in advancing carer recognition and support and more recently in establishing a Carers Rights agenda in Scotland.
Coalition of Carers Scotland website
Edinburgh Carers Council
Edinburgh Carers Council is a local charity that provides free, confidential and independent advocacy for carers supporting someone with Mental Health difficulties.
Edinburgh Carers Council website
Laughter Club
Laughter Club is a global, not-for-profit movement promoting health, joy and peace.
Edinburgh Laughter Club is sponsored by Laughter For Health and supported by NHS Lothian Mental Health & Wellbeing, the Scottish Government (through CIS Funding) and the City of Edinburgh Council Integrated Carer Support Team.
Laughter Club is a way for members of the public (everyone is welcome!) to access regular laughter practice through laughter yoga, laughter meditation and relaxation, ideally after attending one of our Laughter Workshops (but not essential).
Laughter Club is FREE to unpaid carers living in Edinburgh - Places are free subject to registration and agreement to participate in regular evaluations.
Macmillan
Macmillan offer a range of booklets for carers helping a friend or family member through cancer. They address the physical, emotional, financial and practical challenges of supporting a loved one who has cancer.
Macmillan Information for Carers website
MECOPP Carers Centre
MECOPP works specifically to support minority ethnic carers to access supports and services that suit their caring situation.
Shared Care Scotland
Shared Care Scotland aims to improve the short break provision for people with care needs and their carers.
Viva Independent Living
Viva can provide help enabling older people to live the life they want on a regular basis or just occasionally such as when loved ones are on holiday, ensuring peace of mind for all concerned. Their objective is not to replace families but to complement them.
Viva Independent Living website
The University of Edinburgh is not promoting or endorsing the services advertised on the Viva website and the uptake of services is entirely at the discretion of the employee.
VOCAL
VOCAL supports and empowers unpaid carers in Edinburgh and Midlothian through individual support, information, training and access to services. It 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
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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
Carer Events and Training
Information about events and training in Edinburgh and the Lothians such as falls prevention, stroke awareness, understanding dementia, understanding finance and benefits.