All events are free of charge and provided by a number of different organisations. Carers, and professionals working with carers, can book online, or contact providers directly by telephone or email.
Illnesses and disabilities
For carers supporting someone who is elderly, has a disability or condition including dementia, MS and Huntington’s.
Medication for Dementia
Caring for someone with Dementia and thinking about their challenging behaviour
Understanding Dementia (Westerhailes)
Supporting someone with poor Mental Health and Thinking about Challenging Behaviour
Interacting with someone with Dementia (July)
Care at home to a Care Home
Thinking about and paying for Long Term Care (Lifecare)
Caring for someone with Dementia and thinking about their challenging behaviour (Sept)
Caring for someone with M.S.
Living & Dying Well
Interacting with someone who has Dementia (Sept)
Time for me
Explore ways to maintain a healthy balance between your caring role and life outside caring.
Starting your Family Tree – Beginners
Body Balance (Meadowbank)
Gym Buddies (Meadowbank)
Edinburgh Leisure Taster sessions
Gym Buddies (Drumbrae)
A Mindful Home
Seated Exercise
Getting the right support
Courses about adaptations, equipment and other practical support at home for yourself and the person you care for.
Your Support Your Choice (Midlothian)
Shaping the care package for the person you support
Accessing support and services
Introduction to Self Directed Support
Introduction to Caring in Edinburgh
Finding Your Voice (Midlothian)
Finding your voice – communication skills for carers (Lifecare)
Accessing services and support (Lifecare)
Words that Change Minds (Whinpark)
Your Support Your Choice (Midlothian)(Nov)
Introduction to Caring in Edinburgh (Whinpark)
Caring for yourself
Explore ways to manage your own mental and physical health and wellbeing.
Introduction to Stress Management (Whinpark)
Stress Management (July)
Stress Management (Drumbrae)
Introduction to Stress Management (PM)(Aug)
Connections, Choices & Changes
Finding Balance (Whinpark)
Stress Management (AM)(Aug)
Dealing with Guilt (JT)
Stress Management (Westerhailes)
Finding Balance (West Pilton Gardens Social Work Centre)
Changing Relationships (Lifecare)
Out and about
Get out and enjoy group visits to art galleries, historic buildings and nature walks.
Church History Tours
Dynamic Earth Visit (July)
Dynamic Earth visit (Sept)
Discover Edinburgh Castle
The Royal Collection at Holyrood Palace
Money and benefits
Find out more about welfare rights, managing household bills and other financial matters.
Switching Lab – Saving money on your fuel bills (AM)
Switching Lab – Saving money on your fuel bills (PM)
Basic Benefits seminar
Introduction to Benefits (Midlothian)
Money Goals
Maximise your income
Introduction to Universal Credit (Midlothian)
Switching Lab – Saving money on your fuel bills (PM)(Sept)
Scams Awareness (Sept)
Switching Lab – Saving money on your fuel bills (AM)(Sept)
Planning financially for the future (Midlothian)
Money Goals (Midlothian)
Making your money go further (Midlothian)
Planning for the future
Covering a range of topics including preparing for the loss of a loved one and emergency planning.
What follows school for a child with additional support needs?
Paying for Long Term Care (Midlothian)
Planning financially for the future
Practical skills and bodycare
Learn the hands-on skills and knowledge to support someone else’s bodily care including foot and oral care.
Events
Covering a range of topics including preparing for the loss of a loved one and emergency planning.
Carer Coffee Morning – Drop-in (Midlothian)(June)
Conversation Café: Well-being: Is a sense of humour essential in a caring role? (Gilmerton)
Conversation Café: Well-being – Is a sense of humour essential in a caring role? (Cafe Marlayne)
Conversation Café: Well-being – Is a sense of humour essential in a caring role? (Filmhouse)
Conversation Café: Gifts – What is the best gift you have received and why? (Lifecare)
Conversation Café: Image: Do first impressions count? (Gilmerton)
Carer Coffee Morning – Drop-in (Midlothian)(July)
Carer Coffee Morning – Drop-in (Midlothian)(August)
Conversation Café: Gifts: What is the best gift you have received and why? (Gilmerton)
Carer Coffee Morning – Drop-In (Midlothian)(September)
Conversation Café: What would a more balanced life look like for you? (Gilmerton)
Common Questions
Are you supporting a family member, partner, relative or friend, of any age, who needs help to manage a long term condition, disability, physical or mental health problem or addiction? Your caring role could be as simple as getting their shopping once a week or you could be responsible for all their every day needs. You can’t always tell if someone is a carer but those providing care and support to family members and friends need support too. You may see yourself as a wife, husband, partner, son daughter, parent, relative or friend. You are also a carer.
To book a course simply use the online booking facility. You will be asked to provide some personal information about your caring situation. Once you have submitted your details the course provider will get in touch (by email, text or post – whatever method you prefer) to confirm your place. Alternatively you can contact the training provider directly, you will find their details in information about the course or event you want to book.
The location of the course will vary and depend on the course provider. Please refer to the course you are interested in – you will find location details on the course content page, along with a map and directions. For more information or to check details, please contact the course provider directly.
The courses, events and activities listed on this website are free of charge and provided by a number of different training providers. The courses aim to meet the needs of carers through weekly sessions and one day seminars and events with expert speakers and professionals. If you would like more information about a course or event listed, please contact the course training provider to get more information and to find out about future dates for the course. For more information about this website please contact VOCAL on 0131 622 6666 or email centre@vocal.org.uk
If you are and professional who is working with a carer and would like to book them on a course, then you can do so with their consent. Simply complete the online booking form which is a safe and secure way to make a booking, and the information you provide goes directly to the relevant course provider. Alternatively you can contact the course provider directly – their details are on the course pages. Please note that the courses and events listed on this website are for unpaid carers and are not open to paid carers.
All carer training courses are free, and in most cases travel and care costs can be reimbursed to enable as many carers as possible to attend. Please contact the course providers directly to discuss and agree this in advance of the course.
If you are interested in a course but can’t attend the listed dates, please contact the course providers to get more information and to find out about future dates for the course.