Midlothian Archives - Page 3 of 31 - Carer Events & Training

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This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh and Midlothian.

When: Tuesday 24 June, 10am – 11:30am

About the event: Join our monthly group and chat with other parents, have a cuppa and find out more about local services.

Regular guest speakers. No need to attend every month, book separately each month. This group will be on the last Tuesday of every month. Kinship carers welcome.

Delivered by: Johan Henderson, Carer Support Practitioner at VOCAL Midlothian

Instructions for attending:

This event will be delivered IN PERSON. Details of the event will be sent to you via email once you have registered. Please note, if you do not get an email with details for the event you have registered for please contact VOCAL on the details below.

Please note that some events require a minimum number for them to run or may be cancelled near the time of the event, we will contact you if this is the case.

Booking info:

If this event is showing as full, please email carertraining@vocal.org.uk or call 0808 196 6666 and we will add you to our waiting list and contact you if a space becomes available.

Online bookings end 24 hours prior to the event. If you wish to attend and book within this time, please call 0808 196 6666 or email carertraining@vocal.org.uk.

This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh and Midlothian.

When: Tuesday 17 June, 6pm – 7:30pm

About the event: Caring for an adult child with Additional Support Needs can be both deeply rewarding and challenging, particularly as their needs change over time. As a carer, you may be juggling not only practical concerns, but also the emotional complexities of ensuring the person you care for’s future. This session offers practical tools and a space to connect with others who understand your journey.

This session will provide exactly that—practical, actionable strategies that can make a real difference in your day-to-day caring. It’s not about rehashing the basics of autism; it’s about sharing solutions and insights based on 25 years of experience to help you support your loved one’s independence, manage health concerns, and feel more confident about both your futures.
What you can expect:
• A chance to connect with other parents facing similar challenges, because caring can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be.
• To leave the session with tools and strategies that you can start using right away to make life easier and build your confidence around future planning.
Key topics:
• Recording: How you can share the vital information you have gathered over the years with others, so individuals can learn about the needs, preferences and routines of your child.
• Everyday strategies for promoting independence and enhancing life skills.
• What is available to help manage outings to familiar and new events and places.
• Health and wellbeing tips, including solutions for common issues like sleep struggles and managing personal hygiene.

This isn’t a formal training—it’s a facilitated session where you’ll get the chance to share experiences with other parents and gain practical advice.

Delivered by:

Gaynor Cauldwell.

In 1999, Gaynor’s second child was diagnosed with autism and additional support needs—a diagnosis that fundamentally shaped her life. Parenting two very different children brought its own set of challenges, but her desire to better understand how to support her autistic son led her on a journey of learning. She immersed herself in everything she could find, eventually earning a degree in Autism from Manchester University. Gaynor then went on to work for the National Autistic Society, and over the years, she contributed to several charities and carer centres, delivering training that blends both personal and professional experience.
More recently, Gaynor has worked with Scottish Autism, and her training continues to evolve alongside her own life experiences. As she navigates the present and plans for the future, Gaynor remains committed to supporting families and carers in meaningful ways. For more information about Gaynor and to access some helpful blogs and resources, please visit her website at www.gaynorcaldwellautism.com

Instructions for attending:

This event will be delivered ONLINE. Details of how to join the event will be sent to you via email once you have registered. Please note, if you do not get an email with Zoom details for the event you have registered for please contact VOCAL on the details below.

Please note that some events require a minimum number for them to run or may be cancelled near the time of the event, we will contact you if this is the case.

Booking info:

If this event is showing as full, please email carertraining@vocal.org.uk or call 0808 196 6666 and we will add you to our waiting list and contact you if a space becomes available.

Online bookings end 24 hours prior to the event. If you wish to attend and book within this time, please call 0808 196 6666 or email carertraining@vocal.org.uk.

This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh and Midlothian.

When: Thursday 19 June, 10am – 12pm

About the event:

Discover mindful creativity at our friendly origami workshop delivered by Makiko. Create a concertina-style photo frame to showcase your favourite photos or as a gift. Suitable for beginners and all materials supplied.

Origami, meaning folding paper in Japanese, is a simple yet fun and creative activity that anyone can participate in. This relaxing session welcomes all skill levels, offering the perfect chance to unwind, craft for yourself, or make a thoughtful gift. Makiko will be bringing her TheraPet ‘Renzo’ to this class. Renzo is a charming, small dog with a gentle, non-shedding presence – he can quietly settle in a corner on his bed if anyone feels uneasy.

Delivered by:

Makiko Konishi. Makiko is an origami artist living with her TheraPet pup, Renzo in Edinburgh.

Instructions for attending:

Please note that some events require a minimum number for them to run or may be cancelled near the time of the event, we will contact you if this is the case.

Booking info:

If this event is showing as full, please email carertraining@vocal.org.uk or call 0808 196 6666 and we will add you to our waiting list and contact you if a space becomes available.

Online bookings end 24 hours prior to the event. If you wish to attend and book within this time, please call 0808 196 6666 or email carertraining@vocal.org.uk.

This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh and Midlothian.

When: Thursday 10 July, 1pm – 2pm

About the event:

Find out more about Adult Carer Support Plans (ACSPs) including how to get one, what information is included and why it is important. Sophie, VOCAL Carer Support Practitioner, will be joining us to answer your questions.

As of April 2018, The Carers Act stipulates that all adult carers have the right to an Adult Carer Support Plan. An Adult Carer Support Plan helps you to think about what support you might need in your caring role. The plan sets out any needs you have and how they will be met. By the end of this session we will have:

Discussed what an ACSP is and why it’s important to have one
Looked in detail at the sections of the ACSP
Discussed who to share it with, when to review it and where to keep it
Planned your next steps and where to get further help

Delivered by:

Jeanne-Marie Lee (Carer Training Officer) and Sophie Johnston (Carer Support Practitioner) from VOCAL Edinburgh

Instructions for joining the event:

Please note that some events require a minimum number for them to run or may be cancelled near the time of the event, we will contact you if this is the case.

Booking info:

If this event is showing as full, please email carertraining@vocal.org.uk or call 0808 196 6666 and we will add you to our waiting list and contact you if a space becomes available.

Online bookings end 24 hours prior to the event. If you wish to attend and book within this time, please call 0808 196 6666 or email carertraining@vocal.org.uk.

This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh and Midlothian.

When: Four sessions, each Tuesday from 9:45am to 10:45am. Starting on Tuesday 3 June and finishing on Tuesday 24 June

About the event:

This gentle yoga class will begin with intention setting and a variety of breathing practices. This is followed by a gentle flow of sun salutations, balances and twists for flexibility, balance and strength. We will finish each session with a guided meditation. Expect to feel relaxed and rejuvenated after every session, bringing a sense of wellbeing into every aspect of your life. Modifications including both chair and mat options available.

For this session can you please bring your own blanket or mat & refreshments (water will be available).
We have 2 mats available for use, first come first served 😊

Delivered by:

Emily James – Emily has been inspired by yoga for sleep recovery since completing the course for teachers with Lisa Sanfilippo in 2020. She is trained as a yoga therapist and brings calming and therapeutic elements to each of her classes. She has been teaching since she graduated from her 200-hour course in 2018. She aims to create an atmosphere that is inclusive, relaxing and enjoyable.

Instructions for attending:

Please note that some events require a minimum number for them to run or may be cancelled near the time of the event, we will contact you if this is the case.

Booking info:

If this event is showing as full, please email carertraining@vocal.org.uk or call 0808 196 6666 and we will add you to our waiting list and contact you if a space becomes available.

Online bookings end 24 hours prior to the event. If you wish to attend and book within this time, please call 0808 196 6666 or email carertraining@vocal.org.uk.

This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh and Midlothian.

When: Thursday 26 June, 10am – 11:30am

About the event:

Caring for a child or adult with additional support needs can be challenging. Join this workshop to learn techniques on how to manage your emotional regulation and build resilience.

Delivered by: Jeanne-Marie Lee, Carer Training Officer at VOCAL Edinburgh

Instructions for attending:

Please note that some events require a minimum number for them to run or may be cancelled near the time of the event, we will contact you if this is the case.

Booking info:

If this event is showing as full, please email carertraining@vocal.org.uk or call 0808 196 6666 and we will add you to our waiting list and contact you if a space becomes available.

Online bookings end 24 hours prior to the event. If you wish to attend and book within this time, please call 0808 196 6666 or email carertraining@vocal.org.uk.

This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh and Midlothian.

When: Friday 25 July, 12pm to 1:30pm

About the event: If you employ, or are planning to employ, Personal Assistants using a Direct Payment from the local authority, join VOCAL and Lothian Centre for Inclusive Living (LCiL) practitioners to find out more about employer responsibilities as well as information and advice for you as the carer.

Part 2 – Employer responsibilities. By the end of the session you will have:
• A better understanding of employer responsibilities
• Information on next steps and accessing independent support.

You do not need to have attended Part 1 on 18th July 2025 to attend this session. Introduction to employing a personal assistant – Part 1 -the Basics – Carer Events & Training

Delivered by: Barsha Shrestha, LCiL

Instructions for attending:

Please note that some events require a minimum number for them to run or may be cancelled near the time of the event, we will contact you if this is the case.

Booking info:

If this event is showing as full, please email carertraining@vocal.org.uk or call 0808 196 6666 and we will add you to our waiting list and contact you if a space becomes available.

Online bookings end 24 hours prior to the event. If you wish to attend and book within this time, please call 0808 196 6666 or email carertraining@vocal.org.uk.

This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh and Midlothian.

When: Wednesday 23 July, 10am – 12pm

About the event: Our monthly carer-led craft group is a space to learn and share different hobbies, such as paper crafts. This month we will be painting plant pots.

All materials will be provided, and you can take away your creation. No previous experience or skills are necessary. No need to attend every month, book separately each month. This group will be on the 4th Wednesday of every month.

Delivered by: Volunteers Lesley Stewart and Alison Murphy

Instructions for attending:

Please note that some events require a minimum number for them to run or may be cancelled near the time of the event, we will contact you if this is the case.

Booking info:

If this event is showing as full, please email carertraining@vocal.org.uk or call 0808 196 6666 and we will add you to our waiting list and contact you if a space becomes available.

Online bookings end 24 hours prior to the event. If you wish to attend and book within this time, please call 0808 196 6666 or email carertraining@vocal.org.uk.

This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh and Midlothian.

When: Fri 18 July, 12pm-1:30pm

About the event: If you employ, or are planning to employ, Personal Assistants using a Direct Payment from the local authority, join VOCAL and Lothian Centre for Inclusive Living (LCiL) practitioners to find out more about safe recruitment practice, employing a family member and day-to-day management of support, as well as information and advice for you as the carer.

Part 1 – the basics. By the end of the session you will have:
• A better understanding of safe recruitment practice and employing a family member
• Advice on supporting the day-to-day management of Personal Assistants
• Information on next steps and accessing independent support

Employing a Personal Assistant Part 2 – Employer Responsibilities is on Friday 25th July 12pm to 1pm. For more information and booking visit our website Employing a personal assistant – Part 2 – Employer Responsibilities – Carer Events & Training

Please note, you do not need to attend both session. Part 2 looks into employer responsibilities in more depth.

Delivered by: Barsha Shrestha, LCiL

Instructions for attending:

Please note that some events require a minimum number for them to run or may be cancelled near the time of the event, we will contact you if this is the case.

Booking info:

If this event is showing as full, please email carertraining@vocal.org.uk or call 0808 196 6666 and we will add you to our waiting list and contact you if a space becomes available.

Online bookings end 24 hours prior to the event. If you wish to attend and book within this time, please call 0808 196 6666 or email carertraining@vocal.org.uk.

This event is open to carers residing in or caring for a person in Edinburgh and Midlothian.

When: Monday 21 July, 6pm – 7pm

About the event: Caring for someone can be challenging. Learn more about the impact of caring on your emotional wellbeing and how to develop strategies to self-regulate and cope with difficulties.

Each week Jeanne-Marie will tackle different topics including managing worry, unhelpful thinking styles, rumination, emotional regulation and dealing with guilt and anger. She’ll provide you with ideas for useful strategies, tools and techniques to support you on your caring journey.

Delivered by: Jeanne-Marie Lee, Carer Training Officer at VOCAL Edinburgh

Instructions for attending:

Please note that some events require a minimum number for them to run or may be cancelled near the time of the event, we will contact you if this is the case.

Booking info:

If this event is showing as full, please email carertraining@vocal.org.uk or call 0808 196 6666 and we will add you to our waiting list and contact you if a space becomes available.

Online bookings end 24 hours prior to the event. If you wish to attend and book within this time, please call 0808 196 6666 or email carertraining@vocal.org.uk.

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