Useful Links

As well as providing information on any Carers issues eg benefits, respite, support groups, transport, we also provide the following:
Advice on Carers Rights
Contact with other Carers
Help with form filling
Advocacy representing Carers
Support and a sympathetic ear
Relaxation in the form of alternative therapies
Young Carers support
Regular support groups in Irvine, Arran, Kilbirnie, Saltcoats
Outreach/Home visits
Counselling
Carers training

We are open Monday – Thursday 9.30 am – 4.30 pm and Friday 9.30 am – 4.00 pm and also 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm one Thursday a month. Please telephone the Centre for dates. Appointments are available outwith these times by prior arrangement. Tel – 01294 311 333

Carers of West Lothian is a voluntary organisation that provides information and support on a wide range of issues to unpaid carers.

Our Mission is to make a positive difference to the lives of Carers. We do this in partnership with the local statutory agencies and other voluntary organisations. The key to our work is to provide a range of flexible services which will support carers with their caring role in the most positive, healthy and knowledgeable manner.

Stirling Carers Centre provides information, advice and support to unpaid carers throughout the Stirling Council area.

Voluntary Action Shetland can assist carers and those being cared for by arranging short carer breaks, including support and funding. You can discuss access and availability of other carer support groups.

The Borders Carers Centre provides FREE independent help & support to unpaid family carers (aged 18+) of people with all types of illness and disability  throughout the Scottish Borders.   Call us on 01896 752431

Renfrewshire Carers Centre is a one stop shop for carers whose aims are to support carers in their caring role and provide them with opportunities to have a life outside of caring through a range of high quality services.

PKAVS Carers Services support over 1,000 unpaid carers in Perth & Kinross. We help people be individuals first, carers second. A carer is someone who looks after family, partners or friends who need help, because of illness, frailty or disability. The carer is unpaid, though some may be in receipt of a carers allowance.

The WESTERN ISLES COMMUNITY CARE FORUM was established in 1992 to give community and voluntary organisations involved in care a voice in community care planning.

Quarriers’ Carer Support Service provides advice and support to unpaid carers throughout Moray.

Every caring situation is difference. You may be caring for a partner, parent, family member, friend or neighbour, and there is a wide range of reasons why they cannot care for themselves, including illness, age, disability, alcohol or substance abuse, and mental health issues. We will listen to your story and help you access the advice, information and support which best meets your needs.

Who are we?
If you are looking after someone in Midlothian and want a wee break from your caring role we can help.

Everyone’s idea of a break is different and we are here to help you find the best one for you. For information and advice from planning your break, finding funding and sharing top tips from others call us to see if we can help you have a wee break – from a few hours to a few weeks.

Do you look after someone who could not manage without you?

Maybe they rely on you because of illness, frailty, a disability or addiction issue. It could be your mum, dad, child or a young person. Even a relative, friend or neighbour. If your answer is yes, then you are a Carer and we can help support you. The main focus of the services we provide at Inverclyde Carers Centre is to help support Carers. We do this by providing services designed specifically to help you in their caring role as many Carers don’t recognise that they too need support.

Connecting Carers aims to:

Improve support, services and recognition for anyone caring for someone in the Highlands
Support carers to be key partners in the planning and delivery of health and social care
Empower carers to manage their caring role and have a life outside caring (through Carers Support Plans)
Keep carers informed through the Network Bulletin and a range of other channels

The aim of the Carers’ Centre is to provide carers with practical help and emotional support. We offer the following core services to carers.

Information and Advice – including support to access services through health and social work

Emotional support and a listening ear – both with staff members and through peer support groups

Respite – help to access short breaks and respite

Income Maximisation – including benefits checks and help to access grants and charitable trusts

Training and Activities for Carers – including leisure activities, stress management and illness specific training

Help for carers to have their voice heard – representing carers with individual issues and campaigning on a local and national level for carers’ rights.

Fife Carers Centre are a small charity dedicated to supporting the unpaid carers of Fife. At Fife Carers Centre we believe that by supporting carers in a wide variety of ways we can help them to sustain their caring roles without harming their own well-being.

The Carers Centre seeks to ensure that carers of all ages in Falkirk district and Clackmannanshire are recognised, valued, receive the information and support they need to allow them to care with confidence and in good health, and are empowered to have a life of their own outside caring.

VOCAL (Voice of Carers Across Lothian) works in partnership with other local carer organisations. VOCAL support carers in all family or relationship settings, be they defined by kinship, partnership, friendship, affection or obligation.

Our services include information, advice and emotional support, training, advocacy, counselling and groupwork.

East Renfrewshire Carers’ Centre provides practical and emotional support to carers and young carers.

Services include 1:1 support & advice, income maximisation, stress management and just being someone to talk to about your caring situation.

Carers of East Lothian supports all adults in a caring situation in East Lothian to get information and services to help their individual caring role, enhance their own wellbeing, and strengthen their collective voice to improve services.

Here at Carers Link we work with carers throughout the East Dunbartonshire area. We know that each carer’s situation is unique and will talk things through with you – and listen to you – to ensure that we tailor support to what you need.

We aim to improve the lives of carers and disabled people through practical and emotional support, advocacy and training plus information about welfare rights and benefits

We provide information, advice and support to anyone who cares for a relative or friend. We also aim to raise awareness of the needs of Carers and the contribution they make to care in the community.

The Carers Centre provides information and support to those who are caring for a family member, friend or neighbour who needs help because of long term illness, disability or age-related difficulties.

“North Argyll Carers Centre aims to provide a needs led quality service to all carers in North Argyll”

Our Mission – “To make a positive difference to the lives of unpaid carers.”

The Dochas Centre is in Lochgilphead, Argyll and was founded in 1998

The first outreach project opened outwith Aberdeen City was the South Aberdeenshire Carers Project based in Stonehaven. It covers an area from Braemar in the west to Portlethen in the east and St Cyrus in the south. It is a very rural area with towns such as Stonehaven, Ballater, Aboyne, Banchory and Laurencekirk. This was followed by the opening of a Young Carers Project in 2001.

In the summer of 2000 the North East Aberdeenshire Carers Project began, renamed in June 2005 as North Aberdeenshire Carers Centres, now incorporating carers support in the west of north Aberdeenshire.

The Aberdeenshire Carers Services are now operated as one service providing services for adults and young people throughout the whole of Aberdeenshire and with offices in Stonehaven, Aboyne, Oldmeldrum, Fraserburgh and Peterhead.

The VSA Carers Service Aberdeen, located on Castle Street, offers advice, information and support on all aspects of caring directly to carers.

This is a one-stop-shop for information about Self-directed Support for people who use social care services and health and social care professionals.

NHS 24 is designed to help you get the right care, from the right people, at the right time.

We are the independent scrutiny and improvement body for care services in Scotland.  We make sure people receive high quality care and ensure that services promote and protect their rights.

Breathing Space is a free, confidential phoneline aimed primarily at Scottish men who are
experiencing low mood or depression, and for those who are unusually worried and in
need of someone to talk to.  The website contains information and advice on health and mental well-being.

One Stop Shop website for information on all matters relating to health care.

Care Information Scotland is a telephone and website service providing information about care services for older people living in Scotland.

NHS 24 is designed to help you get the right care, from the right people, at the right time.

If something’s troubling you, then get in touch.

We’re here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

One Stop Shop website for information on all matters relating to health care.

MECOPP works specifically to:

• Support Black and Minority Ethnic carers to access supports and services appropriate to their caring situation.
• Develop a strategic response to identified gaps in service provision.
• Assist service providers, both statutory and voluntary, in the development of culturally competent services.
• Develop opportunities for the active involvement of Black and Minority Ethnic carers in consultation planning.
• Raise the profile of Black and Minority Ethnic carers and their needs at a national level.
• Works specifically with Gypsy/Traveller communities in rural and urban areas of Scotland.

A link to the SEHD guidance on the duties and responsibilities of NHS Boards and Trusts in regard to implementing the Race Relations (Amendment ) Act 2000 within NHS Boards and Trusts.

Runnymede has been at the forefront of the fight against social injustice and racial discrimination since 1968.

The Trust aims to stimulate debate and suggest forward-looking strategies in areas of public policy such as education, the criminal justice system, employment and citizenship.

This link will take you to the Office of Public Service Information Site and the explanatory notes to the amended Race Relations Act.

One Scotland is the Scottish Executive campaign designed to tackle racism in this country. It aims to raise awareness of racist attitudes and highlight its negative impact, to make Scotland no place for racism.

Part of the London Advice Service Alliance which operates a website with a range of welfare law information translated into a large number of minority ethnic languages.  There is a section on information specifically for carers.

Providing support to Black and Minority Ethnic carers in the Edinburgh and Lothian area to access supports and services appropriate to their caring situation.  Mecopp are expanding to other areas in Scotland.  For further information contact the organisation.

Support for Asian families with a disabled child in the southside of Glasgow.

Barnardos Family Placement Service is a voluntary fostering agency based in Edinburgh and through their Rainbow Families project can find temporary or longer term placements for children with carers from BME communities.

Rainbow Families can also offer training and advice to professional agencies involved in the assessment and care planning of BME children.

The EHRC can provide legal advice and assistance to people who think they have been discriminated against. It should be noted that theEHRC does not rule on whether or not discrimination has occurred: this is for an employment tribunal or a court to decide.

The EHRC also has powers under the Race Relations Act to investigate companies or organisations where there is evidence of possible discrimination, and require them to make changes to their policies and practices. It can also take legal action against companies or organisations in certain specific circumstances (for example, if they have published a discriminatory advertisement).

Black and Ethnic Minority Infrastructure Scotland was established in 1997 to address the gap that exists in support for the black and ethnic minority voluntary sector in Scotland. The role of BEMIS is:

• To act as the voice for the black and ethnic minority voluntary sector;
• To provide advice and information;
• To lobby and take a coordinating role

This site provides a list of dates all holy days and religious festivals for the coming year across all the main faiths.

The Action Group – for children and adults with support needs and learning disabilities – and their carers.  Services are currently offered across Edinburgh, Lothians and Falkirk.

This service also provides people from Black and Ethnic Minorities with advice and assistance to access social work services, education, health and housing.

The Scottish Young Carers Services Alliance is hosted by The Princess Royal Trust for Carers in Scotland. It is made up of organisations which support young carers and it raises awareness of young carers and the kinds of issues they face.

Carers Trust Scotland (formerly The Princess Royal Trust for Carers) has been operating in Scotland since 1991. We are the largest provider of comprehensive carers support services in Scotland, reaching around 40,000 adult carers and more than 3,500 young carers from all groups and communities, through a unique network of independent carers centres and young carers services (Network Partners) throughout Scotland.

MECOPP works specifically to:

• Support Black and Minority Ethnic carers to access supports and services appropriate to their caring situation.
• Develop a strategic response to identified gaps in service provision.
• Assist service providers, both statutory and voluntary, in the development of culturally competent services.
• Develop opportunities for the active involvement of Black and Minority Ethnic carers in consultation planning.
• Raise the profile of Black and Minority Ethnic carers and their needs at a national level.
• Works specifically with Gypsy/Traveller communities in rural and urban areas of Scotland.

“Crossroads (Scotland) is the national organisation established in 1978 to develop local services for Carers throughout Scotland. There are now 48 local schemes providing over 1 million hours of care and short breaks for Scotland’s Carers.”

The Coalition is a network or alliance of over 80 autonomous local carer-led groups, centres and projects. Members of the Coalition meet quarterly to share information and debate issues.

Carers Scotland is the Scottish national office of Carers UK.

We are funded by the Scottish Government through the Support in the Right Direction Programme to give you free independent information and advice about getting social care and support in Perth and Kinross.
We offer a free independent service, helping to support you through the process of getting Self-directed Support or organising support yourself.
We aim to ensure you have what you need to make informed choices and are independent of all other services (Social Work, NHS, support providers etc.)

Cornerstone SDS Aberdeenshire is an Advisor led service for all people requiring care and support in the Aberdeenshire Council area. Supported people and their families are helped to identify how best to use Self Directed Support to help them achieve their stated outcomes.

Cornerstone SDS is a self-directed support service in Perth and Kinross area. The team help people understand more about how best to make use of Self-Directed Support and how they can begin to use the four options to reach their identified outcomes.

Every caring situation is different. You may be caring for a family member, friend or neighbour, and there may be a wide range of reasons why they need help including – illness, age, disability, alcohol/substance use or mental health issues. We are here to listen and help you access the advice, information and support which best meets your needs.

Services include:

Help to complete an Adult Carer Support Plan
Advice and Information
Emotional Support
Peer Support
Counselling
Learning Opportunities
Short Breaks/Respite
Referral to specialist agencies

The office is open from 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.
Appointments outwith those hours by prior arrangement.

Every caring situation is different. You may be caring for a partner, parent, family member, friend or neighbour, and there are a wide range of reasons why they may need help, including illness, age, disability, alcohol or substance abuse, and mental health issues. We will listen to your story and help you access the advice, information and support which best meets your needs.

If you are struggling but don’t know what would make a difference, we can help. You can also call us if you need to let off steam but don’t want to worry other family members or friends.

Our Care and Share groups offer Carers the opportunity to meet in relaxed surroundings and share their experiences.

We provide information and advice about local services, benefit entitlements and medical conditions, as well as connecting with specialist agencies to ensure that all queries are answered as fully as possible.

We offer a wide range of free learning opportunities throughout Aberdeenshire. The programme is based on what Carers tell us they need and is always changing to reflect this.

If you have a regular and substantial caring role, you have the legal right to request a formal Carer’s Assessment. You and a member of our team can then jointly assess your needs separately from the person you care for.

Call us for advice, support and a friendly listening ear on 01467 538700.

Every young Carer’s situation is different. We know there may be times when you are proud to be a Carer, but we also know that at times, it can be difficult.

It’s not the amount of time you spend caring that may matter, it’s the impact it has on your life. If you find it difficult to spend time with your friends, go to school or college and do your best, or have time to do homework and enjoy hobbies, Aberdeenshire Young Carers Service can help.

A young Carer is someone aged under 18 years who helps to look after or support a member of their family who has a disability, illness, drug, alcohol or mental health problem.

You may look after your mum, dad, brother, sister, grandparent or someone else close to the family. You may look after them all by yourself, or you may be helped by others in your family.

You might have been caring from a long time, for as long as you can remember, or something may have happened recently and you have just become a young Carer. Whatever the situation, Aberdeenshire Young Carers Service is here to help.

We can work with you to reduce your caring role and we will listen to you if you have a problem and help you understand what is going on. We give you support, information and answer your questions and we can speak to other professionals on your behalf if you want us to.

We can help you to meet up with your friends and take part in activities you enjoy and we can help you meet other young people in caring situations if you think that would be helpful.

We can provide training to help you feel more confident in your caring role and help you explain how you feel to other family members.

My Stroke Guide hosts a library of over 200 videos showing survivors and their families how to manage many of the ongoing physical and emotional challenges of recovering from a stroke along with a section on Aphasia and Communication.  It also covers topics ranging from how to lower stroke risk to getting back to work after a stroke.

Users can also find out what stroke support services are available in their local area and connect with others affected by stroke through the site’s community forum (My Social) and My Support Area. ‘

Register for free at: Mystrokeguide.com

Pain Association Scotland is a unique organisation that has pioneered the development and delivery of self-management training for burdened with Chronic Pain.

Scotland Versus Arthritis is here to make sure that people with arthritis have all the support and information they need to live well with their condition, as well as to ensure the needs of people with arthritis are a priority with policymakers in Scotland.

The Scottish Spina Bifida Association is the only specialist charity in Scotland to provide a lifetime commitment of dedicated support services, training and projects for everyone affected by the conditions.

Supporting people with sightloss.

Support in Mind Scotland seek to support and empower all those affected by mental illness, including family members, carers and supporters.

Down’s Syndrome Scotland works to improve the quality of life for everyone in Scotland with Down’s syndrome and their families.

PAMIS was established in 1992 to provide support for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD), their family and carers and interested professionals.

For over 25 years Sense Scotland has been working with people who have communication support needs. We believe everyone should have a choice in how they live their life.

If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with cancer, you’re not alone. Find out what to expect, get information, practical advice and support, hear from experts and read about other people’s experiences.

Scottish  Autism is a Scottish registered charity established in 1968 which works together with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), their families, carers, and other organisations, agencies, and individuals in Scotland to:

• Provide and promote exemplary services and training in education, care, support and life opportunities for individuals of all ages with ASD;
• Influence policy and practice to ensure the best possible education, care, support and life opportunities for individuals of all ages with ASD;
• Raise public awareness about what ASD is, and how it affects the lives of individuals and families in Scotland.

“Penumbra is a leading Scottish voluntary organisation working in the field of mental health.
We provide an extensive range of person-centred support services for adults and young people including residential respite care.

Since we opened our first supported accommodation project in 1985 we have based the development of our services on the rights of the people who use them to choice, dignity and participation in ordinary life. This philosophy has guided our growth over the past 18 years and we now provide a range of services located across Scotland.”

The Parkinson’s Disease Society is dedicated to supporting all people with Parkinson’s, their families, friends and carers.

One Parent Families Scotland works to ensure that all families, particularly those headed by a lone parent, have the support, information and confidence needed to play a full part in Scotland’s economic and social life. OPFS provides vital childcare services – allowing parents respite and time to work, learn, and develop their skills.

“The National Autistic Society exists to champion the rights and interests of all people with autism and to ensure that they and their families receive quality services appropriate to their needs. The website includes information about autism and Asperger syndrome, the NAS and its services and activities. The NAS also provides information on Autism specific holidays.”

The LTCAS exists to support people with long term conditions to enjoy, not endure, full and positive lives – lives free from discrimination and supported by high quality services. Their work includes: campaigning and influencing policy, supporting and improving practice, supporting voluntary and community organisations & tackling health inequalities.

Leonard Cheshire operates over 150 services in the UK, each tailored to the needs of disabled people, enabling them to live as independently as possible. Our aim is to enable disabled people to get on with their own lives, whether they need intensive support, respite care, or just a few hours support each week in their own homes

ENABLE Scotland campaigns for a better life for children and adults with learning disabilities and support them and their families to live, work and take part in their communities.
Enable also run a range of flexible person-centred services.

“Crossroads (Scotland) is the national organisation established in 1978 to develop local services for Carers throughout Scotland. There are now 48 local schemes providing over 1 million hours of care and short breaks for Scotland’s Carers.”

Counselling Directory provides a support network of counsellors, allowing those in need to find a counsellor in their area and appropriate for their needs. The directory contains information on many different types of distress, as well as articles, news, and events.

“Contact a Family is a UK-wide charity providing advice, information and support to the parents of all disabled children – no matter what their health condition. We also enable parents to get in contact with other families, both on a local and national basis. Each year we reach at least 250,000 families.”

“Capability Scotland is the leading Scottish disability organisation and has nearly 60 years experience of providing services to disabled people of all ages in Scotland.

The organisation was launched in 1946 by a group of committed parents and professionals. The first service, Westerlea School for children with cerebral palsy, opened in December that year.

From our original purpose of supporting people with cerebral palsy, we have developed to support children, young people and adults with a range of disabilities. Today we are Scotland’s leading disability organisation providing a diverse range of services including community living, day and residential services, employment, respite/short breaks, therapy, education and learning, family support and activities.”

The Coalition is a network or alliance of over 80 autonomous local carer-led groups, centres and projects. Members of the Coalition meet quarterly to share information and debate issues.

Rachel House, Scotland’s first children’s hospice opened in 1996, provides:

• specialist palliative support through respite care and emergency care for children with life limiting, life threatening and terminal conditions.
• regular short term breaks for children and their families.
• terminal care and bereavement counselling.
• friendship, information, advice and practical support for families, with help available in their own homes at times of special stress.

Carers Scotland is the Scottish national office of Carers UK.

“We are the UK’s leading Children’s Charity and have over 25 years providing quality foster care in Scotland. We offer unbeatable support and training for carers, with career progression and competitive benefits. We are actively seeking to recruit new carers to become long term, bridge and short break carers. We are dedicated to improving children’s lives.”

Alzheimer Scotland helps people with dementia, their carers and families. Our members include carers, relatives, people with dementia, professionals, groups and organisations. From this site you can access information about local support services which may be able to offer short break opportunities.

Visit Scotland has a section of their website dedicated to helping you find the right accommodation for you whatever your requirements. You can find it online here.

Euan’s Guide features disabled access reviews from disabled people and their friends and families.

“The aim of Euan’s Guide is to empower disabled people by providing information that will give confidence and choices for getting out and about. Euan’s Guide is an alternative to hours of web searching and phone calls and, most importantly, removes the ‘fear of the unknown’ when visiting a venue for the first time.” Euan MacDonald, Founder of Euan’s Guide

Radar (Accessible Toilets) National Key Scheme

AccessAble is here to take the chance out of going out. To give you the detailed information you need to work out if a place is going to be accessible to you.

Our Detailed Access Guides tell you all about a venue’s access. They are 100% facts, figures and photographs

Visit Scotland’s directory of accessible accommodation in Scotland.  Also links to advice for traveller’s with mobility impairments.

A directory of accessible accommodation and holidays for the disabled, elderly and infirm.

CCPS is the Coalition of Care and Support Providers in Scotland.

Our mission is to identify, represent, promote and safeguard the interests of third sector and not-for-profit social care and support providers in Scotland, so that they can maximise the impact they have on meeting social need.

The carers policy section of the Scottish Government’s website.  Here you’ll find information on current government policy relating to unpaid carers.

The report sets out the recommendations of a research project on the future of unpaid carers in Scotland, commissioned by Care 21, a social care innovation unit within the Social Work Services Policy Division of the Scottish Executive.  This link will take you to the key findings from the report, including a summary of the specific issues affecting black and minority ethnic carers.