September 2021
Mental health legislation and rights
***PLEASE NOTE - THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED. PLEASE REGISTER YOUR INTEREST AND WE WILL LET YOU KNOW INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW DATE** Caring for someone with mental health can be challenging, this session explores the rights of people with mental health difficulties and those of their carers. Duration: 1 week Who is this online session for? This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh only. Outcomes of this online session By…
Find out more »Benefits beyond working age
Many carers find themselves in the positioning of having to access benefits for themselves or the person they care for. Navigating the welfare system can be confusing so come along to this session led by the Money Matters team at VOCAL to ask specific questions about benefits and find out what’s available if you or the person you care for is beyond working age (65 plus). Duration: 1 week Who is this online session for? Carers who are not currently…
Find out more »Weekly Pilates for dementia carers
Do you care for someone with dementia? Led by an experienced instructor these weekly Pilates classes have been provided to VOCAL by Edinburgh Leisure’s Movement for Memories programme. Take time for yourself to enjoy learning and trying Pilates. Duration: weekly ongoing Who is this online session for? This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh only. The person you care for has dementia. Open to carers who are new to Pilates or have…
Find out more »October 2021
Zoom Q & A (October)
Drop into this session to increase your confidence in using Zoom. VOCAL delivers its online training programme via Zoom so coming to the session will let you fully access our other courses. Duration: 1 week Who is this online session for? Any carer who is new to Zoom or has used Zoom before and would like to lean more or increase their confidence using it. This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh…
Find out more »Introduction to managing another person’s affairs
Do you look after someone else's affairs? Join us for this one off seminar during Challenge Poverty Week. Includes a range of topics and speakers. Duration: 1 week Who is this online session for? This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh and Midlothian. This event is also open to professionals. If you are a professional please do not book here, please book via Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/e/introduction-to-managing-another-persons-affairs-registration-168746293707 Outcomes of this online session By the…
Find out more »Use of Naloxone in overdose situations (Face to face)
Pick up a free Naloxone kit and be trained to use it in an emergency overdose situation. Naloxone is a drug that can temporarily reverse the effects of opioids, such as heroin, methadone, opium, codeine, morphine and buprenorphine. Duration: 1 week Who is this session for? This event is open to carers from Edinburgh only. Outcomes of this session For people to be aware of the drugs implicated in overdoses, what an overdose looks like and be able to administer…
Find out more »Walking group (Portobello)(Face to face)
This is an opportunity to get together with others, and make walking a habit! Join us for a walk in your local area or explore the different parts of the city and join us for all four walks! Duration: 1 week Who is this session for? This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh only. Outcomes of this session By the end of the session/event/course carers will have: Built more confidence in walking.…
Find out more »Coping with pain
This session gives carers the opportunity to discuss the impact of pain and explore strategies to cope. Duration: 1 week Who is this online session for? This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh only. Outcomes of this online session An opportunity to meet others and share experiences and tips. Learn what services and support are available. Delivered by Aga Newsome, Carer Training Officer at VOCAL. Aga has recently joined the team at…
Find out more »Using digital resources to improve wellbeing
In an increasingly digital era, find out what resources are available online to support your mental and physical wellbeing. Duration: 1 week Who is this online session for? This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh only. Outcomes of this online session By the end of the session carers will have: An introduction to different ways that digital resources can help with emotional and physical wellbeing. A list of Support and services to…
Find out more »Emotional Freedom Technique for parent carers
Introducing parent carers to the theory and practice of Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) which can help cope with difficult emotions that come with caring for a child/children. Duration: 3 weeks (12th, 19th & 26th October) Who is this online session for? This course is for anyone who wants to learn an effective relaxation and stress management technique to help deal with difficult emotions. This event is open to parent carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh only.…
Find out more »Walking group (Cramond)(Face to face)
This is an opportunity to get together with others, and make walking a habit! Join us for a walk in your local area or explore the different parts of the city and join us for all four walks! Duration: 1 week Who is this session for? This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh only. Outcomes of this session By the end of the session carers will have: Build more confidence in walking.…
Find out more »Dealing with guilt
This session will help carers to explore the meaning and purpose of the feeling of guilt and manage guilt they experience. Duration: 2 weeks (13th & 20th October) Who is this online session for? This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh only. Outcomes of this online session By the end of the session we will have explored: The definition and purpose of guilt. The reasons why carers feel guilt and how it…
Find out more »Poetry appreciation
Explore poetry collections on the theme of ‘Freedom’ with other carers. No previous experience required, just an interest in poetry. Duration: 4 weeks (14th, 21st, 28th October & 4th November) Who is this online session for? This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh only. Outcomes of this online session Take time out from your caring role to escape into the world of poetry. Join Maureen and other carers as you read pieces…
Find out more »Understanding Dementia
Do you care for someone with dementia? Led by an experienced dementia nurse this session will help you understand the basics of dementia and some of the challenges that come with the condition. There will be an opportunity to be able ask questions. Duration: 1 week Who is this online session for? Led by an experienced dementia nurse this session is aimed at carers supporting someone in the early or mid-stages of dementia. This event is open to carers residing…
Find out more »Understanding why I feel guilt (Face to face)
This session will help carers to explore the meaning and purpose of the feeling of guilt and manage guilt they experience. Duration: 1 week Who is this session for? This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh only. Outcomes of this session By the end of the course we will have explored: The definition and purpose of guilt. The reasons why carers feel guilt and how it affects them. Tips and ideas on…
Find out more »Benefits Q&A (Face to face)
Many carers find themselves in the positioning of having to access benefits for themselves or the person they care for. Navigating the welfare system can be confusing so come along to this session led by the Money Matters team at VOCAL to ask specific questions about benefits and find out what’s available. Duration: 1 week Who is this session for? Carers who are not currently accessing benefits but would like to know more information about what they or the person…
Find out more »Craft workshop for parent carers and their children
Stuck for something to do with the children in the October holidays……Join us for this special online workshop. Your family will be guided to produce a craft. All materials and instructions are provided and available to pick up from Edinburgh Carers’ Hub, 60 Leith Walk prior to the event or will be sent out to you. Duration: 1 week Who is this online session for? Carers who have a child with additional support needs, other children in the family are…
Find out more »Yoga for carers
Led by an experienced yoga instructor, this short online block of session is open to carers new to yoga, or those who would like to have a bit more practice. Duration: 4 weeks (20th & 27th October, 3rd & 10th November) Who is this online session for? This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh only. Outcomes of this online session By attending this block of yoga classes carers will: Have time to…
Find out more »Walking Group (The Meadows)(Face to face)
This is an opportunity to get together with others, and make walking a habit! Join us for a walk in your local area or explore the different parts of the city and join us for all four walks! Duration: 1 week Who is this session for? This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh only. Outcomes of this session By the end of the session carers will have: Built more confidence in walking.…
Find out more »Preparing for winter
Find out about support and services available to you and the person you care for in winter. Duration: 1 week Who is this online session for? This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh only. Outcomes of this online session By the end of the session the following topics will be covered: Taking care of your health and wellbeing in the winter months. What extra help is available in the winter months to…
Find out more »Introduction to caring in Edinburgh
A course aimed at people new to caring, or carers new to Edinburgh, offering information on accessing support, money and welfare rights and VOCAL services. Duration: 3 weeks (25th October, 1st & 8th November) Who is this online session for? This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh only. Outcomes of this online session Over the three weeks we will cover the following: Week 1 – Sharing your caring role and information on…
Find out more »Information on streaming services
In an increasingly digital world, come along to learn all about streaming services and how to access them. Duration: 1 week Who is this online session for? This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh only. Outcomes of this online session Learn about different streaming services that are available. Understand ways to use streaming services. Delivered by Aga Newsome, Carer Training Officer at VOCAL. Aga has recently joined the team at VOCAL, and…
Find out more »Walking Group (The Water of Leith visitor centre)(Face to face)
This is an opportunity to get together with others, and make walking a habit! Join us for a walk in your local area or explore the different parts of the city and join us for all four walks! Duration: 1 week Who is this session for? This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh only. Outcomes of this session By the end of the session carers will have: Build more confidence in walking.…
Find out more »Introduction to buying and selling on eBay (Face to face)
Decluttering, moving home, emptying the home of a loved one who has passed or gone in to care, or just wanting to raise some extra cash. VOCAL’s social enterprise Treasure Tree may be able to help. Selling online with Treasure Tree via eBay harnesses the power of 183 Million eBay users and gets your preloved items to new home. Duration: 1 week Who is this session for? This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person…
Find out more »Financial Foundations
For a fresh start to your financial journey, join this workshop delivered by RBS and is designed to help you get a better understanding of your finance management. Learn about financial products, dealing with debt and keeping your money safe. Duration: 3 weeks (28th October, 4th & 11th November 1.30pm - 2.30pm) Who is this online session for? This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh only. Outcomes of this online session By…
Find out more »Getting a break from caring (Face to face)
A workshop on options for planning a break from caring. Learn about the support and services available. Duration: 1 week Who is this session for? Carers who would like to find out more about what options are available to enable them to get a break from their caring role. This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh only. Outcomes of this session By the end of the session carers will have: Explored what…
Find out more »Caring for someone with dementia and your rights
This four week course delivered by Age Scotland and VOCAL will inform dementia carers on the rights they have and the support that is available to them. Carers will have the opportunity to meet other carers in a similar position and share experiences. Duration: 4 weeks (29th October, 5th, 12th & 19th November) Who is this online session for? Carers who are caring for someone with dementia. This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person…
Find out more »November 2021
Falls Prevention
Find out how to prevent and manage falls with advice and information from Edinburgh Community Falls Coordinators. Duration: 1 week Who is this online session for? This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh only. Outcomes of this online session By the end of this online session carers will have: Information on how to prevent falls for the person they care for. Support and services available. Delivered by Jo Gordon and Sarah Crymble,…
Find out more »Energy Tariffs – Finding the Right Deal for You
Learn more about energy saving around the home to help keep those pesky energy bills down. Understand what appliances are the most costly to run and get simple energy saving tips you can use around the home. Learn more about energy bills and other services your supplier can offer for those who need extra support. Duration: 1 week Who is this online session for? Carers who would like to save money in their own home or the home of the…
Find out more »Basic first aid for carers
Many carers are supporting someone who has an increased risk of minor injury or accident. We hope not to need to use our first aid skills but if someone needs us we would like to know what to do. Duration: 1 week Who is this online session for? Carers who would like to understand what to do in the event of an accident or injury in the home. This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a…
Find out more »Oral Health Awareness (Face to face)
A clean, healthy mouth is fundamental to everybody’s quality of life – come along and learn basic oral care theory along with a practical demonstration. Duration: 1 week Who is this session for? This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh only. Outcomes of this session Increased awareness of what is needed to support someone to achieve good oral health. Walk away with practical tips and suggestions. Delivered by The Oral Health Improvement…
Find out more »Caring for a child with additional support needs and coping with behaviour that challenges
Led by VOCAL and a Clinical Psychologist from CAHMS, this short course explores behaviour that challenges and shares tips and advice for coping with this. Duration: 2 weeks (4th & 11th November) Who is this online session for? This course is designed for parents/carers of someone under 16 with additional support needs. This event is open to carers from Edinburgh and Midlothian. Outcomes of this online session Week 1 - How Do We Feel About the Behaviour Unpredictable or challenging…
Find out more »Stress management (Face to face)
Learn more about stress and its impact and develop techniques to plan for and manage the symptoms of stress. Duration: 1 week Who is this session for? Carers who would like to reflect on and explore their relationship with stress. This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh only. Outcomes of this session By the end of the session, you will have: Understood what stress is and how it affects the body. Explored…
Find out more »Grow your confidence with Emotional Freedom Technique
This online session will introduce carers to the theory and practice of Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) which can help increase and grow feelings of confidence. Duration: 3 weeks (9th, 16th & 23rd November) Who is this online session for? This session is for anyone who wants to learn an effective relaxation and stress management technique to help deal with difficult emotions. This session is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh only. Outcomes of this…
Find out more »Nutrition
An introduction to the key concepts of good nutrition for you and the person you care for. Duration: 1 week Who is this online session for? This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh only. Outcomes of this online session By attending this nutrition online session, carers will: Be able to recognise their own nutrition habits. Understand what to look for, to be able to make positive nutrition choices. Delivered by Aga Newsome,…
Find out more »Adult Carer Support Plan (Face to face)
Adult carers have the right to a support plan. This workshop will explain what an adult carer support plan is and how you can prepare to create one. Duration: 1 week Who is this session for? This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh only. Outcomes of this session An understanding of what an adult carer support plan is. Awareness of what needs to be in a carer support plan. Share tips and…
Find out more »Generating money with eBay (Face to face)
Figured out how the basics of how to buy and sell on eBay? Debbie from Treasure Tree will explain how VOCAL can help you to generate profit for yourself and also be able to give something back. Duration: 1 week Who is this session for? This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh only. Also: Carers who just want to know more about Treasure Tree. Carers who have things they would like to…
Find out more »Getting a break from caring
A workshop on options for planning a break from caring. Learn about the support and services available. Duration: 1 week Who is this online session for? Carers who would like to find out more about what options are available to enable them to get a break from their caring role. This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh only. Outcomes of this online session By the end of the session carers will have:…
Find out more »Self-Harm awareness session
This workshop helps you debunk self-harm myths and defines self-harm, understanding why people self-harm. It will also explore how people can recover from self-harm and give tools and tips for how to support someone who self-harms. Duration: 1 week Who is this online session for? Carers who are supporting someone who is self-harming or would like more information on self-harm. Outcomes of this online session By the end of the session you will have: An increased understanding of difficulties that…
Find out more »Zoom Q & A (November)
Drop into this session to increase your confidence in using Zoom. VOCAL delivers its online training programme via Zoom so coming to the session will let you fully access our other courses. Duration: 1 week Who is this online session for? Any carer who is new to Zoom or has used Zoom before and would like to lean more or increase their confidence using it. This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh…
Find out more »Understanding Smart meters
Smart meter technology is being installed across the country as part of the UK’s climate action policy. What is a smart meter? What are the pros and cons? Do I have to get one? Can I switch suppliers with a smart meter? How can a smart meter help everyone save energy? Get the answers to these questions and more from an impartial energy advisor at Changeworks Affordable Warmth Services. Duration: 1 week Who is this online session for? Carers who…
Find out more »Evening relaxation and wellbeing
This workshop is aimed at people who would like to learn about and develop relaxation techniques for their wellbeing. Duration: 3 weeks (16th, 23rd & 30th November) Who is this online session for? This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh only. Outcomes of this online session By the end of these sessions carers will have: An awareness of the importance of relaxation for wellbeing. A toolkit of ideas to achieve their own…
Find out more »Candle making workshop (Face to face)
Join us for this fun workshop!! Learn the process of candle making, make two candles in your chosen scent to take away and enjoy! Duration: 1 week Who is this session for? This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh only. Outcomes of this session This workshop will give carers the opportunity for time for themselves, while being creative. You will receive at the workshop: Beginner’s guide to candle making E-BOOK. 1 x…
Find out more »Working carers lunch workshop (November)
Working carers are invited to join VOCAL for a short lunchtime workshop. This time we will discuss a range of support including adult carer support plans, and emergency plans that can help carers more confidently balance care and employment. Duration: 1 week Who is this online session for? This event is aimed at carers who are in current full time, part time or self-employment. This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh only.…
Find out more »Introduction to Care options
Choosing care for someone can often be confusing, this workshop will look at an overview of care options available. Duration: 1 week Who is this online session for? This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh only. Outcomes of this online session By the end of this online session carers will have: An understanding of what care options are available. An opportunity to think about short term and long term care options. An…
Find out more »Not fine in school
Many children with ASN refuse to go to school. Come along to this workshop to share your experiences and tips for coping, just in time for a new school year. Duration: 2 weeks (23rd & 30th November) Who is this online session for? This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh only. Outcomes of this online session By the end of theses online sessions carers will have: Learn about the types of school…
Find out more »Caring for someone with dementia and managing behaviour that challenges (Face to face)
Do you care for someone with dementia? Led by an experienced dementia nurse this session will help you understand and manage behaviour you might find distressing or hard to deal with. Duration: 1 week Who is this session for? Carers who care for someone with dementia and who want to understand more about what triggers the behaviours we find challenging and how to less them or cope with them. This session is aimed at someone who has mid to late…
Find out more »Remember me
Often caring can lead to a loss of sense of self. This workshop helps us reflect to remember who we were before caring and help us to think about how to move forward. Duration: 1 week Who is this online session for? This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh only. Outcomes of this online session By the end of the session carers will cover the following: Remember who we were before caring.…
Find out more »Carers Rights
This workshop is an opportunity to find out more about the rights carers have and what they are entitled to. Duration: 1 week Who is this online session for? This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh only. Outcomes of this online session By the end of the sessions carers will have: An overview of their rights as a carer under The Carers Act (Scotland) 2061. An opportunity to share experiences and tips…
Find out more »Easing of restrictions
This session explores the impact that easing of restrictions is having on carers, with some coping strategies. Duration: 1 week Who is this online session for? This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh only. Outcomes of this online session An opportunity to meet others and share experiences and tips. Increase awareness of the impact that easing of restrictions is having. Delivered by Aga Newsome, Carer Training Officer at VOCAL. Aga has recently…
Find out more »Care home vs Care at home
Choosing care for someone can often be confusing. This workshop will help you think about the different options of services available. Duration: 1 week Who is this online session for? This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh only. Outcomes of this online session By the end of the session carers will have: An understanding of the pros and cons of choosing a care home or care at home. A chance to meet…
Find out more »Alcohol and me
Many of us overindulge over the festive period so join us to consider why people drink, reflect on your relationship with alcohol and make a plan to help reduce your intake in the future. Duration: 2 weeks (30th November & 7th December) Who is this online session for? This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh only. Outcomes of this online session By the end of these sessions you will: Learn more about…
Find out more »December 2021
Dealing with anger
This workshop will help us to reflect on, process, and develop coping strategies for feelings of anger. Duration: 3 weeks (1st, 8th & 15th December) Who is this online session for? Carers who at times feel angry or frustrated. This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh only. Outcomes of this online session In Weeks 1 and 2 we will: Discuss the role and purpose of anger. Look at the reasons why carers…
Find out more »Caring for someone with dementia and managing behaviour that challenges
Do you care for someone with dementia? Led by an experienced dementia nurse this webinar will help you understand and manage behaviour you might find distressing or hard to deal with. Duration: 1 week Who is this online session for? Carers who care for someone with dementia and who want to understand more about what triggers the behaviours we find challenging and how to lessen them or cope with them. This session is aimed at someone who has mid to…
Find out more »Planning for the year ahead
We will create a personalised vision board. This creative, reflective, and fun process can help you clarify your goals, maintain focus, and have a visual picture of what you are working towards. Duration: 2 weeks (3rd & 10th December) Who is this online session for? Carers who would: Like a little time for themselves to be able to dream again with like-minded peers. Like to gain a little more clarity on who they want to be, do or have in…
Find out more »How to choose a Care service
Choosing care for someone can often be confusing this workshop will help you think about different ways to find and choose a service that is right for you. Duration: 1 week Who is this online session for? This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh only. Outcomes of this online session By the end of the session carers will have: An understanding of what tools can be used to find appropriate services A…
Find out more »Stress Management
Every day carers tell us how stressed they are feeling. This can be due to lots of reasons but can have a huge impact on their overall health and wellbeing. In this course, learn more about stress and its impact and develop techniques to plan for and manage the symptoms of stress. Duration: 2 weeks (7th & 14th December) Who is this online session for? Carers who would like to reflect on and explore their relationship with stress. This event…
Find out more »Emergency planning (Face to face)
A workshop on options for planning for an emergency. You will be supported to write a personalised Emergency Plan, which is important now more than ever. Duration: 1 week Who is this session for? This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh only. Outcomes of this session By the end of the session carers will have: Explained what an Emergency Plan is and why it’s important to do one. Completed sections of the…
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