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Lothian Carers Support

You will find infromation about carer's support groups in Edinburgh, Livingston, Musselburgh, East Lothian and West Lothian on this page. To care safely and maintain their own physical and mental health and well-being, carers need information, support, respect and recognition from the professionals with whom they are in contact.

There are Princess Royal Trust Carers Centres (see below) in Edinburgh, Livingston, Musselburgh. They provide advice and information about -

  • respite care
  • taking care of yourself
  • employment
  • holidays and days out
  • getting the most from ......
  • carers' stories

VOCAL (Voice of Carers Across Lothian) manages the CarersNet Edinburgh & Lothian website and works in partnership with other local carer organisations. VOCAL supports carers in all family or relationship settings, be they defined by kinship, partnership, friendship, affection or obligation.

The services include information, advice and emotional support, training, advocacy, counselling and group work. 

VOCAL is located on 8 - 13 Johnston Terrace, Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH1 2PW

Tel: 0131 622 6666

The Wester Hailes Health Agency runs a carer's support group which offers:

  • Advice 
  • Support
  • Friendship with other carers
  • Mutual support with other carers

The Carers Group is open to anyone in the South West area of Edinburgh and meets on Fridays between10.15am and 12.15pm.

To find out how to become part of this group see "The Referral System" page on the The Wester Hailes Health Agency website.

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

When you first contact the organisation, you will be sent out a free Carers Information Booklet, which is a comprehensive guide to services in West Lothian. A carer support worker will contact you to find out what kind of practical or emotional support you may need. Your name will be added to the mailing list and you will be sent a quarterly newsletter as well as any other relevant information.

The Carers of West Lothian is located on 189a West Main Street, Broxburn, EH52 5LH. Tel: 01506 771 750

The  East Lothian Carers Centre is located on 94 High Street, Musselburgh, East Lothian. EH21 7EA. Tel: 0131 665 0135

West Lothian Bereavement Support Group
For further information, please contact Rosie Small -
Tel: 01506 777604   Email: rosie.small@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk