You are an unpaid carer if you regularly provide support to a family member, partner, friend or neighbour who could not manage without your help because of:

•    Illness
•    Disability
•    Mental ill health
•    Addiction
•    Frailty due to age

Many people do not think of themselves as carers and instead see themselves as a husband, wife, partner, parent, son, daughter, friend or neighbour.

If you provide regular care or support to someone, you may be an unpaid carer and entitled to information, advice and support from Dòchas Carers Centre.

Dòchas Carers Centre supports unpaid adult carers living in:

•    Mid Argyll
•    Kintyre
•    Isle of Gigha
•    Islay
•    Jura

You do not need to be providing full-time care to receive support. If your caring role affects your wellbeing, work, finances or daily life, we may be able to help.

We offer a range of support services, including:

•    One-to-one support and information
•    Adult Carer Support Plans
•    Welfare benefits and financial information
•    Training and learning opportunities
•    Carer wellbeing activities
•    Peer support groups
•    Short breaks opportunities
•    Emergency and future care planning information
•    Signposting and referrals to other services

Support is tailored to your individual circumstances and needs.

Yes. Registering with Dòchas helps us understand your caring role and ensure you receive the information, advice and support most relevant to your circumstances.

Any information you provide is stored securely and treated confidentially in line with data protection requirements.

No. All support provided by Dòchas Carers Centre is free for eligible unpaid adult carers.

An Adult Carer Support Plan (ACSP) is an opportunity to talk about your caring role and the impact it has on your life, health and wellbeing.

Together, we will discuss:

•    Your caring responsibilities
•    What matters most to you
•    Your health and wellbeing
•    Any support you need
•    Your personal outcomes and goals

Following the conversation, a written Adult Carer Support Plan will be prepared, setting out your personal outcomes and identifying any support that may help you in your caring role.

With your consent, the plan can be shared with relevant organisations and professionals where this may help you access additional support.

The Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 gives carers important rights, including:

•    The right to an Adult Carer Support Plan
•    Access to information and advice
•    Consideration of your needs and personal outcomes
•    Support where eligible needs are identified

Dòchas can help you understand your rights and access the support available.

Yes. Many carers balance employment with caring responsibilities.
We can provide information, advice and support to help you manage your caring role alongside work, education or other commitments.

Yes. Caring can have a significant financial impact.

We can provide information about:

•    Carer Support Payment
•    Attendance Allowance
•    Pension Age Disability Payment
•    Adult Disability Payment
•    Other benefits and grants

Where appropriate, we can also signpost or refer you to specialist welfare rights services.

You can still contact us about your own needs as a carer.

Support from Dòchas focuses on you and your wellbeing, even if the person you care for chooses not to engage with services.

Yes. The end of a caring role can be a difficult and emotional time, and many former carers need support as they adjust to changing circumstances.

Dòchas Carers Centre can continue to support former carers for up to 13 months after their caring role has ended. This may include information, advice, emotional support and access to counselling.

If your caring role has recently come to an end, please contact us to discuss the support available and how we can help.

Self-Directed Support (SDS) is a way for people to have more choice and control over the support they receive. It allows individuals and carers to have a greater say in how their support is arranged and delivered.

For more information about SDS and the options available, please visit our Self-Directed Support (SDS) page.

Getting support is simple. You can contact Dòchas Carers Centre directly by phone or email, or ask a health or social care professional to refer you.

Self-referrals are always welcome, and you do not need a professional referral to access support.

If you are finding your caring role difficult to manage, please contact Dòchas Carers Centre as soon as possible. We can listen, discuss your situation and help you access support that may make your caring role more manageable.

If there is an immediate risk to someone's health, safety or wellbeing, you should contact the appropriate emergency, health or social care service without delay.

You do not have to wait until you reach a crisis point to ask for help. The sooner you get in touch, the sooner we can support you.

Dòchas Carers Centre
Supporting unpaid adult carers across Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands
📞 01546 600022
✉️ enquiries@dochas.scot

Can't find the answer you're looking for?
Please get in touch. Our team is here to listen, provide information, and help you find the support that's right for you.