Vocal - Voice Of Carers Across Lothian

VOCAL funds small grants exclusively for individual unpaid carers living in or caring for someone in Edinburgh or Midlothian. Grants support short breaks and wellbeing activities, including respite, holidays, hobbies and equipment. The funding covers all caring scenarios – whether the cared-for person has a mental or physical health condition, disability, addiction, dementia or requires long-term care. Young carers and older carers are equally prioritised. The aim is to provide immediate relief through respite and benefits access, while also reducing isolation, building confidence and creating sustainable support networks. VOCAL’s grants are part of programmes such as Wee Breaks for young carers and families, and Time to Live for broader respite and wellbeing. All funding is focused on the Lothian area, specifically Edinburgh and Midlothian.

VOCAL’s grants are available only to individual unpaid carers – not to organisations or charities. Applicants must be unpaid carers living in Edinburgh or Midlothian, or caring for a resident of these areas. There is no restriction on the condition or relationship of the person being cared for; all caring scenarios are considered. The charity prioritises carers of all ages, including young carers and older carers. VOCAL’s funding is designed for carers who need a break or wellbeing support, and the application process is straightforward. Charities and other organisations are not eligible to apply for funding.

VOCAL does not fund organisations, charities or community groups. It does not accept unsolicited proposals from charities. Funding is restricted to individual unpaid carers in Edinburgh and Midlothian only; carers outside these areas or caring for someone outside the region are not eligible. The grants are for short breaks and wellbeing activities only, not for general organisational costs or projects. VOCAL also does not fund the cared-for person directly – the grant is for the carer’s own respite and wellbeing.

VOCAL provides small grants directly to individual unpaid carers, co-produced with carers themselves. The grants are one-off payments for short breaks and wellbeing activities, and are part of a broader package of therapeutic services and advocacy. VOCAL does not accept unsolicited applications from charities, but individual carers can apply for grants through the charity’s programmes. Funding is not offered as multi-year or core cost support; it is designed for immediate, personal wellbeing needs.