@VOCALEdinburgh

VOCAL (Voice of Carers Across Lothian) is a charity supporting and empowering unpaid carers. For our Midlothian services see @VOCALMidlothian

 Edinburgh
vocal.org.uk
Joined July 2010
  • Tweets3.8K
  • Following709
  • Followers1.9K
1.7KMedia
Yesterday, we welcomed the Rt Hon Lord Provost of Edinburgh to our Edinburgh Carers’ Hub! The Lord Provost met volunteer peer mentors, reception volunteers, and carers, hearing about the work our volunteers do and the difference their support makes. @Edinburgh_CC @VolunteerEdi
2
207
Last month, our Cost of Caring event and report called for support to improve carers' financial wellbeing. Tabled by @VicNicSNP and getting cross-party support, a motion recently passed by @Edinburgh_CC to make caring a choice, not a financial burden: edinburgh.public-i.tv/core/p…
Text reads: the cost of unpaid caring. Edinburgh Council taking first steps to prevent carer poverty. Logos for Vocal carers' centre, and carers week. Image shows an event presentation, with screens showing how much money unpaid carers save the Scottish government: 7.6 billion in 2009, and 15.9 billion in 2026.

ALT Text reads: the cost of unpaid caring. Edinburgh Council taking first steps to prevent carer poverty. Logos for Vocal carers' centre, and carers week. Image shows an event presentation, with screens showing how much money unpaid carers save the Scottish government: 7.6 billion in 2009, and 15.9 billion in 2026.

1
1
47
Zara's story will be familiar to many carers - long waiting lists and lack of support lead to financial insecurity and a huge emotional toll. Our new report highlights the need for more financial support for carers - please read and share here: ow.ly/a5kR50Z9hnu
1
38
Caring can often lead to an increase in household bills. If you’re struggling to manage your energy bills like Patrick, then VOCAL can offer advice and support. Visit our website to find out more and get in touch: ow.ly/cYEI50Z7yYj
1
50
VOCAL's new report highlights the financial difficulties that unpaid carers are facing. Listen to Fiona talk about caring for her father and brother, and the impact this had on her work and finances. Read the full report here: ow.ly/wXPF50Z9g9E
1
1
64
This Carers Week, VOCAL is highlighting the growing cost of unpaid caring across Edinburgh and the Lothians. Our new report shows carers are facing higher household costs, reduced income and increasing financial pressure. Read and share. #CarersWeek2026 ow.ly/wXPF50Z9g9E
Audience listening to a speaker presenting data on unpaid caring costs during a Carers Week event in Edinburgh.

ALT Audience listening to a speaker presenting data on unpaid caring costs during a Carers Week event in Edinburgh.

1
50
Do you work in health and social care, the third sector, or the public sector? VOCAL offers free sessions for professionals in these areas, exploring who is a carer, the impact of caring, and how to support carers. Find out more at our December sessions: ow.ly/mVnN50X7R2C
Wednesday 3 December 10am to 11am. Monday 15 December 1pm to 2pm. Sessions are online. Email thinkcarer@vocal.org.uk for more information.

ALT Wednesday 3 December 10am to 11am. Monday 15 December 1pm to 2pm. Sessions are online. Email [email protected] for more information.

1
46
Do you work in health and social care, the third sector, or the public sector? VOCAL offers free sessions for professionals in these areas, exploring who is a carer, the impact of caring, and how to support carers. Find out more at our November sessions: ow.ly/PzEM50X7R2A
Wednesday 12 November 1pm to 2pm. Monday 24 November 10am to 11am. Sessions are online. Contact thinkcarer@vocal.org.uk for more information.

ALT Wednesday 12 November 1pm to 2pm. Monday 24 November 10am to 11am. Sessions are online. Contact [email protected] for more information.

2
61
We are proud to have achieved the Investing in Volunteers award - the national benchmark for excellence in volunteer management. Huge thanks to our volunteers, who have contributed over 2,000 hours of support in the past year. Read more on our website: ow.ly/YFcZ50WWABR
Vocal staff and volunteers hold the investing in volunteers award plaque.

ALT Vocal staff and volunteers hold the investing in volunteers award plaque.

1
55
VOCAL offers free Think Carer training sessions to practitioners working in health and social care, the third sector and the public sector. Find out more at our August sessions for Edinburgh practitioners: ow.ly/nHPv50WbsAC
66
Our free Think Carer sessions train health and social care practitioners to identify and support unpaid carers. Edinburgh practitioners can join two free sessions in July, book your spot here: ow.ly/qll350Wbsix
Wednesday 16 July 1pm to 2pm, and Monday 28 July 10am to 2pm. Sessions are online.

ALT Wednesday 16 July 1pm to 2pm, and Monday 28 July 10am to 2pm. Sessions are online.

1
1
79
Our free Think Carer training helps identify and support unpaid carers. Health and social care, public-sector, or third-sector practitioners in Edinburgh can join on Thu 19 June at 10am: ow.ly/EzZ650VtalV
1
167
Our Think Carer training teaches professionals how to identify and support unpaid carers at work. Our next free session for Edinburgh professionals is on Tue 3 Jun, 1pm-2pm. Sign up here to find out how you can help make your workplace more carer-friendly! ow.ly/Vbmr50VtaxC
Additional information: session runs online. Email thinkcarer@vocal.org.uk to find out more.

ALT Additional information: session runs online. Email [email protected] to find out more.

76
Our next Think Carer training session is online on Mon 19 May, 10am-11am. If you work in the third or public sector, or health and social care, join to find out how to better support carers you work with! Email [email protected] or complete the form: ow.ly/SALm50Vt9vV
""

ALT ""

84
Our Think Carer training explores who is an unpaid carer and how professionals can identify and support them at work. If you work in the third or public sector or health and social care in Edinburgh, come to our next free session on Wed 7 May, 1pm - 2pm! ow.ly/aB8A50Vt9Tq
Additional info: session takes place online. Email thinkcarer@vocal.org.uk to find out more.

ALT Additional info: session takes place online. Email [email protected] to find out more.

2
125
Come along to VOCAL's online book club and connect with other book lovers! This month's discussion will be on bestselling Small Pleasures by Clare Chambers. ow.ly/kUG350Vo1IO
Additional info: event takes place Thursday 24 April 1pm to 2pm online. Call 0808 196 6666 or visit carerstraining.co.uk to book.

ALT Additional info: event takes place Thursday 24 April 1pm to 2pm online. Call 0808 196 6666 or visit carerstraining.co.uk to book.

93
Sandra, a community care assistant in the mental health and substance misuse team, recently attended our free Think Carer training session and found it very beneficial to her work. Join our next session on Tue 22 Apr to see how it can benefit your work: ow.ly/4cBa50UZoGQ
Additional info: event is online, can email thinkcarer@vocal.org.uk for more information

ALT Additional info: event is online, can email [email protected] for more information

72
It’s important to be prepared for emergencies, either involving yourself or the person you care for. This workshop will help you prepare a plan to cope with unexpected events, and general future planning. Sign up here: ow.ly/qVS050Vo1Aq
Additional info: event takes place Tuesday 22 April 2pm to 3:30pm at Edinburgh Carers' Hub. Call 0808 196 6666 or visit carerstraining.co.uk to book.

ALT Additional info: event takes place Tuesday 22 April 2pm to 3:30pm at Edinburgh Carers' Hub. Call 0808 196 6666 or visit carerstraining.co.uk to book.

72
Experience the health and wellbeing benefits of cold water swimming, while raising money for VOCAL along the way! Visit our website to find out more about this wild swimming fundraising challenge: ow.ly/UQJE50Vxo4n
77
Thanks again to @MareeToddMSP for visiting and getting involved with our crochet group! Watch the video below to hear more from our CEO Rosie and one of our unpaid carers about the benefits of taking a break from caring. Or find out more at weebreaks.com
Scot Gov Health
@scotgovhealth8 Apr 2025
Social Care Minister @MareeToddMSP met carers at @VOCALEdinburgh Carers Hub and heard how access to short breaks for unpaid carers is having a positive impact on their health and wellbeing, ahead of the introduction of a right to breaks.
1
106
Load more