Support for a break from caring
We can help you access some funding for short breaks to help sustain your caring role, giving you a break, reducing stress and/or improving your wellbeing. You can apply for a grant to pay for breaks or activities which are very individual, and personalised to your own unique situation. There are also other sources of funding that we may be able to access on your behalf for either breaks, counselling, computers/tablets or help to go back to school/university. The funds are open to carers who live in East Dunbartonshire, or who care for someone who lives in East Dunbartonshire. Young carers must attend a school in East Dunbartonshire, and young adult carers (25 and under) must have attended a school in East Dunbartonshire or currently live or care in East Dunbartonshire. The funds have different criteria, but you only need to complete one application form – the awarding panel will allocate your application to the most appropriate fund. There is a normal upper limit of £200 for grant applications however in extreme circumstances, we may be able to consider a slightly higher amount.
- You can find out more about the funds by downloading the applicant guidance. To apply, click on the apply for funding button on the left hand side
One to One Support
Whether you have recently become a carer or have been caring for many years, Carers Link aims to provide you with the support which best suits your individual situation and needs.
We know that caring and/ or work commitments can make it difficult for you to meet us, so we will meet with you whenever and wherever is convenient. And if it’s easier for you to talk to us by phone or email then that suits, too – we aim to support to you in the best way that we can.
Carers Call
Talking with others is a fundamental part of our lives, yet caring can sometimes make us feel a bit isolated. Sharing your thoughts with a trusted friend or family member can help a great deal, but there may be times when you would find it more helpful or appropriate to talk to someone outwith your family who will listen objectively.
Carers Call is our telephone support service where carers are contacted regularly by a volunteer to chat about how things are going. You will get to know the person who calls you, and can talk about anything at all, and ask any questions you may have about your caring role. The volunteers are backed up by our advocacy team, who will follow up any more detailed queries.
If you are a carer and are interested in receiving Carers Call please contact us.
Group support
Our carers groups give you the chance to meet other carers and share experiences and tips. We have groups in Kirkintilloch, Lennoxtown, Bishopbriggs and Milngavie, groups for those who care for someone with dementia. To find out more information about the groups we run, check our online calendar, read the latest edition of What’s On, or sign up for our weekly e-update
Carers Assessment/ support plan
Carers are entitled to a Carers Assessment (which will become an Adult Carer Support Plan or a Young Carer Statement when the Carers (Scotland) Act comes into force in April 2018. Our advocacy team can explore what help you need to carry out your caring role, complete the assessment form and then discuss your needs with social services. If you want, they can also advocate on your behalf, or help to liaise with Social Work as you go along.