Our services
Too often carers don't look after themselves. We encourage carers to seek support from our wide range of free services. These are
Carer assessment: our Support Worker can help by talking with you about your caring situation. Once it has been completed then an Adult Carer Support Plan (ACSP) will be written. This gives details of your caring role and the level and type of support that has been agreed.
Carer support: there are a number of informal support groups for and drop-in sessions in Lochgilphead, Campbeltown and Islay. Carers can benefit from socialising, building up a local network of friends in a similar position, share problems and find support. Our staff also spend a lot of time with individual carers to provide emotional and practical support.
Counselling service: it is for unpaid adult carers who are registered with us. Carers can make a self-referral to the service or be referred by other professionals. Use of counselling is a process that helps people to make choices or reach decisions about how to handle their concerns. Our counselling team has 2 fully trained and qualified members and cover all of MAKI.
Circle of Friends: the befriending service provides support and friendships to people over the age of 18 who are feeling lonely or socially isloated. They may not be able to get out and about, be unsure about going places on their own or would enjoy a blether with someone. They can self refer or be referred by a family member or an organisation.
Time for Me: this service offers carers 'Time Out' to do something for themselves. Having a break supports carers to continue caring allowing them some 'Me Time' knowing that their loved one is safe. Our service can provide some weekly support for a limited period of time. We can discuss individual options and needs with you to provide the quality time for you. You can have peace of mind knowing our staff can provide companionship at home for the person you care for.
Information and guidance: knowing what to ask for, when and how, means that you and the person you care for can access what is available. We provide short sessions with a number of specialists in health, community services or government initiatives advising us of the latest news.
Others: we also provide training for carers such as First Aid, Moving and Handling, Dementia Training or if you want to learn about anything particular, just let us know. Listening ear, Benefit advice, Emergency Planning, Playlist for Life, Signposting, Refer to other community services and Peer Support Groups and activities.
Short Breaks Fund
The Short Breaks Fund is funded by the Scottish Government. As an unpaid carer, it can be difficult to spend time and money on yourself. By enabling you to take a short break either in the form of a brief holiday away, attending a family event or even going on a course to try something new, the short breaks fund can provide a break that can improve your physical or mental health, give you something to look forward to, give you time to recharge your batteries, give you a break from day-to-day routines or help you reconnect with old interests. If you are living in Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands (Islay, Jura and Gigha), then you are eligible to make an application. Speak with our staff in your local area for the application.