Vocal - Voice Of Carers Across Lothian

VOCAL - Voice of Carers Across Lothian, founded in 1994 by carers themselves, is a user-led charity dedicated to supporting, empowering, and amplifying the voices of unpaid carers in Edinburgh and Midlothian. Its mission centers on advancing the education, health, and welfare of carers—regardless of the cared-for person's condition or relationship—while enhancing the wellbeing of those they support. Guided by values of empathy, inclusion, equal partnership, and the belief that carers deserve a life beyond caring, VOCAL delivers holistic, rights-based services including peer support, training, financial and legal advice, advocacy, and crisis interventions through local teams and centres.

It funds small grants exclusively to individual unpaid carers for short breaks and wellbeing activities via programmes like Wee Breaks (for young carers and families) and Time to Live (respite, holidays, hobbies, equipment). Priorities encompass all caring scenarios—mental/physical health, disability, addiction, dementia, long-term care, young/older carers—focusing on immediate relief (respite, benefits access) and long-term gains (reduced isolation, confidence, sustainable networks). Charities do not qualify; funding targets carers living in or supporting residents of Edinburgh or Midlothian only.

Grants typically range from £50 to £500 (most around £300), awarded on a rolling basis year-round via a simple online form requiring caring role details, break plans, and basic financial info (plus proof of address if needed). Decisions come within 4-6 weeks; no fixed deadlines or trustee meetings for external grants. VOCAL stands out for its direct-to-individual model, co-produced with carers, blending grants with therapeutic services and advocacy—excluding organisational funding, unsolicited charity proposals, and non-local applicants—making it ideal for carer-centric collaborations in these localities.