A NEW carer website promoting local support services and training for unpaid family carers in Edinburgh launches today.
The website – www.carerstraining.co.uk – is considered the first dedicated carer training website in the city, and lists details of free events, seminars and training opportunities for carers.
The website is managed by VOCAL (Voice of Carers Across Lothian), in partnership with Care for Carers and The Ca(i)re Programme.
The courses listed on the site cover topics such as finance and benefits, rights and entitlements, and emotional support, as well as activities such as exercise classes, walking groups and reading groups.
Sys a spokesperson: “The launch coincides with Carers Rights Day 2011, and the publication of a new survey by Carers Scotland which says carers are ‘sick with worry’ and are counting the cost of caring both financially and emotionally.
“Money worries cause stress, and almost half of the carers who responded to the survey (45 per cent) said they were suffering from anxiety and depression because of concern about finances.”
VOCAL chief executive, Sebastian Fischer, says: “This Carers Rights Day we are reminded of the additional costs of caring – not just the loss of earnings and serious financial debt facing many carers, but the emotional cost.
“Carers need access to the right information and support, at the right time. This new carer training website is about improving access to information and services, having everything in one place for carers, and for professionals working with carers.”
Carers can also use the website’s online booking system to book a place on a course.
All of the courses listed are free of charge, and most of the training providers offer financial support, for respite or transport, to allow carers to attend.
For more information, visit www.carerstraining.co.uk, email rmcloughlin@vocal.org.uk or contact VOCAL on 0131 622 6666.
Notes to Editors
1. Carers and VOCAL
VOCAL – Voice of Carers Across Lothian – is an organisation run by carers for carers. A carer is someone who provides unpaid care to a relative, partner or friend who is elderly or requires help to manage a long term illness, disability, physical or mental health problems or addiction.
VOCAL manages the Edinburgh Princess Royal Trust Carers Centre and supports carers by providing information and advice, training, advocacy, counselling and carer workshops. Further information on VOCAL is available online: www.edinburghcarers.co.uk
2. Carers Training website
The website is a partnership initiative, managed by VOCAL, involving organisations who provide training, group and learning opportunities for carers in Edinburgh and Lothian:
VOCAL (Voice of Carers Across Lothian) 8-13 Johnston Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2PW
T: 0131 622 6666 E: centre@vocal.org.uk W: www.edinburghcarers.co.uk
The Ca(i)re Programme, 15 Morningside Road, Edinburgh, EH10 4DP
T: 0131 446 3321 / 3317 E: mcewanj@ericliddell.org W: www.ericliddell.org
Care for Carers, 33-35 Lochend Road South, EH7 6BR
T: 0131 661 2077, E: admin@care4carers.org.uk W: www.care4carers.org.uk
3. Carers Rights Day / Carers UK’s survey – The Cost of Caring
Visit: http://www.carersuk.org
MEDIA RELEASE posted by VOCAL. You too can post media releases (aka press releases) on allmediascotland.com. For more information, email here.
Contact: Rosie McLoughlin
Phone: 0131 622 6666
Email: rmcloughlin@vocal.org.uk
Website: http://www.carerstraining.co.uk
