Take a guided tour of Corstorphine Hill Nature Reserve one of Edinburgh’s largest public parks exploring the 161 metre high hill with long low wood-covered ridge, rising above the western suburbs of Edinburgh and easily identified by its distinctive Tower. A designated Regionally Important Geological Site due to the Hill’s accessible rocks and interesting landforms also a Local Nature Reserve with colonies of badgers. Duration: 1 week Who is this trip for? This trip for a carer and companion. Details…

Edinburgh, My City – millions of tourists flock to Edinburgh every year to visit the city we live and care in. Do you think of ‘Edinburgh’ as your home? Duration: 1 week Who is this conversation cafe for? For anyone who would like the opportunity to discuss their concerns with like-minded people. Weekly Breakdown The session begins at 10am for a 10.30 start. This will allow carers to get a coffee and relax before the conversation starts. The conversation will…

Digital revolution – increasingly computers, tablets, smart phones, websites and social media are part of our lives. How do you feel about the digital revolution? Duration: 1 week Who is this conversation cafe for? For anyone who would like the opportunity to discuss their concerns with like-minded people. Weekly Breakdown The session begins at 10am for a 10.30 start. This will allow carers to get a coffee and relax before the conversation starts. The conversation will last around an hour…

Finding my voice - sharing wishes, hopes and ideas with family, friends and the professionals supporting us is often a task we face when in a caring role. Duration: 1 week Who is this conversation cafe for? For anyone who would like the opportunity to discuss their concerns with like-minded people. Weekly Breakdown The session begins at 10am for a 10.30 start. This will allow carers to get a coffee and relax before the conversation starts. The conversation will last…

Identity Do you think of yourself as a Carer? Duration: 1 week Who is this cafe for? For people who are caring for someone who is using drugs or alcohol. Weekly Breakdown This month we are discussing identity. Some people would describe those in relationships with or supporting someone using drugs or alcohol as ‘carers’. How would you describe yourself and what difference do these labels make to your sense of self. What carers will get from this cafe Peer…

Local support – Whether it is the support provided by the NHS, the Council or through other carers, accessing the right support at the right time can be important. How important is it to you the support you receive is local? Duration: 1 week Who is this conversation cafe for? For anyone who would like the opportunity to discuss their concerns with like-minded people. Weekly Breakdown The session begins at 2pm for a 2.30pm start. This will allow carers to…

Local support – Whether it is the support provided by the NHS, the Council or through other carers, accessing the right support at the right time can be important. How important is it to you the support you receive is local? Duration: 1 week Who is this conversation cafe for? For anyone who would like the opportunity to discuss their concerns with like-minded people. Weekly Breakdown The session begins at 10am for a 10.30 start. This will allow carers to…

Friendship – friendship, companionship and a social network is important to many of us. Caring can have an impact on our ability to make and maintain friendships. Duration: 1 week Who is this conversation cafe for? For anyone who would like the opportunity to discuss their concerns with like-minded people. Weekly Breakdown The session begins at 10am for a 10.30 start. This will allow carers to get a coffee and relax before the conversation starts. The conversation will last around…

Opportunity to meet with other carers. Duration: 1 week Who is this coffee morning for? Unpaid carers who live or care for someone in Midlothian. Weekly Breakdown Come along 10-11am and enjoy a cuppa and blether with other carers in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. From 11am-12noon, an opportunity to discuss and contribute towards the shaping of the next Midlothian Carers Strategy. What carers will get from this coffee morning Opportunity to meet other carers. Learning opportunity.

Take a guided tour around the world famous Edinburgh Castle with 12th century St Margaret’s Chapel and Scottish National War Memorial build after the First World War with a private object handing session and time to explore the Castle at your own leisure. Duration: 1 Day Who is this trip for? A carer and companion. Details of trip 10am - Meet at Drawbridge to Edinburgh Castle. 10.30am - Welcome by Edinburgh Castle. 11am - Refreshment Break. 11.30am - Object Handing.…

Other people and stigma Do you think there is a stigma or misunderstanding around drug and alcohol use? Duration: 1 week Who is this cafe for? For people who are caring for someone who is using drugs or alcohol. Weekly Breakdown This month we are discussing how other people’s ideas about drug or alcohol use affect us. Is there still a stigma about substance use? What carers will get from this cafe Peer support. Tips and hints. Time out from…

Take a guided tour of Jupiter Artland enjoying artworks and sculptures by Nathan Coley and Charles Jencks on a journey of discovery followed by an interactive creative workshop! Duration: 1 day Who is this day trip for? A carer and companion. Details of Trip 10.00am - Meet at Rabbie’s Tours, Waterloo Place, Edinburgh. 10.30am - Arrive and Explore Jupiter Artland. 4pm - Depart Jupiter Artland. What carers will get from this day trip A social event. An interactive workshop. Time…

Time away from caring - In VOCAL’s 2017 survey 1 in 6 carers said lack of support and respite care was a barrier to them having time to themselves. How important to you is time out? Duration: 1 week Who is this conversation cafe for? For anyone who would like the opportunity to discuss their concerns with like-minded people. Weekly Breakdown The session begins at 2pm for a 2.30pm start. This will allow carers to get a coffee and relax…