Carers Direct

Are You a Carer?

If you are please let us know - we may be able to help you

 There is a wealth of information on NHS Choices about carers and caring.

Below are some links into sites that we hope you will find useful.

VOCAL

VOCAL website. http://www.vocal.org.uk/ Head Office is in Edinburgh but carers from all over the Lothians can assess courses/workshops etc there.  All the courses and workshops are listed on : https//www.carerstraining.co.uk/ Telephone 0131 663 6869

At the Midlothian Centre (contact info below) local carers can assess courses/workshops, one to one support, counselling, surgeries including Power of Attorney, Legal & Benefits surgeries. 

VOCAL Midlothian Carer Centre, 30/1 Hardengreen Estate, Dalhousie Road, Dalkeith, EH22 3NX

• Caring for a parent

  Watch this video on: caring for a parent at home

• Telling people

  Caring responsibilities can make it difficult to maintain friendships or develop new ones. Telling your friends you're a carer is important so they understand and can support you.

• Taking a break

  Caring for someone can be a full-time job, but it's essential that you take time out for yourself too. Read our guide to accessing breaks and respite.

• Housing and carers

  Do you know your tenancy rights as a carer? Are you aware of all your care at home options? Do you need tips on moving someone around the home?

Carers support groups

Finance and Law

Help claiming benefits, looking after your bank balance and understanding the legal issues of caring.

• Benefits for carers

  Directing carers to the benefits that can help them in their caring role

• Benefits for the person you care for

  Advice and information on helping the person you look after get the benefits that they are entitled to

• Death and benefits

  How your benefits maybe affected after the death of the person you look after and what happens to their benefits

• Managing someone's legal affairs

  Advice for when carers find they have to take over the legal affairs of the person they are looking after

• Other benefits

  Advice for carers and the people they are looking after on claiming a whole host of other benefits unrelated to their disability or caring

• Personal and household finance

  Advice on keeping a tight rein on household and personal finance for carers

• Social fund

   

• Tax credits

  Information on claiming tax credits and whether you might be eligible