A West Lothian charity for carers has adapted its core service to help people through the lockdown.
Carers of West Lothain, who support unpaid carers and disabled adults, is providing telephone support, online Zoom peer groups, information and advice and counselling helping people manage through the global health crisis.
Alison, CEO of Carers of West Lothian said “Unpaid carers and disabled adults now more than ever, need someone to talk to and need specific advice and information as they support people who are shielding or vulnerable during the pandemic. People are also worried about what will happen if they get ill so a practical support we are offering is helping to create Carer Emergency Care Plans.”
The group’s Time to Live fund, in conjunction with Shared Care Scotland, has now had to be closed to new applications due to demand, but the charity hopes to be able to re-open this at some point over the coming months if further funding can be secured.
Respite is something that is particularly valuable at the moment, so a number of online peer groups are being run through Zoom, including Tai Chi, Military Fitness Bootcamp, Mindfulness, Dancercise groups.
Weekly coffee morning, young carers groups, social groups for disabled adults, bereaved carers group and mental health support group are all running online too.
The group are keen to find any carers out there in the community who is struggling through these challenging times.
Alison continued: “With Carers Week coming up on June 8, we are keen to reach out to any unpaid carer who may be struggling with the lockdown or is worried about what will happen when lockdown eases.
“If you need someone to talk to or want information about testing, PPE or anything else, please get in touch with us by calling 01506 448000 or emailing us on office@carers-westlothian.com. “Our staff are available 5 days a week to support young carers, adult carers and disabled adults by offering a listening ear, practical help and advice but we can also signpost you to other specialist support if you need it.”
Unpaid carers and PAs can also now access PPE through the charity working with West Lothian Health & Social Care Partnership. If you provide personal care and are struggling to get PPE from your normal supplier call 01506 448000
