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.   

 

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.

 

You care for someone. We're here to care for you. 

Caring for someone can be rewarding, but it can also bring challenges. Dòchas Carers Centre offers free support to unpaid carers aged 18 and over, providing emotional support, practical information, and advice to help you maintain your wellbeing while continuing in your caring role.

Caring for someone can be rewarding, but it can also bring challenges. Dochas Carers Centre offers free support to unpaid carers aged 18 and over, providing emotional support, practical information, and advice to help you maintain your wellbeing while continuing in your caring role.

Adult Carer Support Plan

 

Caring for someone can be rewarding, but it can also bring challenges. Dochas Carers Centre offers free support to unpaid carers aged 18 and over, providing emotional support, practical information, and advice to help you maintain your wellbeing while continuing in your caring role.

 

Support Services

Our free support services are designed to help unpaid adult carers feel informed, supported and prepared. Our experienced Support Workers can assist with Adult Carer Support Plans, emergency planning, future planning and connecting you with services that can make a difference.

Groups and Activities

Our groups, activities and drop-ins provide opportunities for carers to take a break, meet others who understand their experiences and access support. We offer arts and crafts activities, seated yoga, a men's group, a parent carers group, a walking group, guest speakers and information sessions, helping carers build connections, share experiences and stay informed. 
See our Activities Calendar for upcoming groups and activities.

Counselling Service

Our counselling service is for unpaid adult carers who are registered with us.  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 two fully trained and qualified members and cover all of MAKI.


To find out more please speak to your Adult Carer Support Worker.

Our services

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Befriending

Our befriending service provides friendship and support to adults aged 18 and over who are feeling lonely or socially isolated. Whether someone finds it difficult to get out and about, lacks confidence going places alone, or would simply enjoy a regular blether, we're here to help. Referrals can be made by the individual themselves, a family member or an organisation.

 

For further information contact us on 01546 600022 or enquiries@dochas.scot

to find out more

Resources

The range of services and support available can sometimes feel overwhelming. Our Carer Support Workers can help you find the right information, understand your options and access support related to your caring role, wellbeing, finances, benefits, short breaks, employment, learning and much more.

 

Other Support Services

Whether you need someone to talk to, help understanding your rights, support with technology, or guidance on planning for the future, Dochas is here to help. Explore our range of additional services designed to support you throughout your caring journey.

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Time to Live Short Breaks Fund

 

The Shared Care Scotland Time to Live Short Breaks Fund helps unpaid carers take a break from their caring responsibilities and invest in their own wellbeing. Grants can be used for things like hobbies, leisure activities, fitness classes, subscriptions, equipment or a short getaway. 

 

If you care for someone and live in Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands you can learn more about the eligibility criteria and apply online here. 

 

Funding is limited and subject to availability.

Meet the Counsellors

Alison Whitefield

I'm Alison Whitefield, Lead Counsellor for the dedicated Counselling Team at Dochas. I have volunteered at the Centre since 2011 and completed my Counselling Diploma at Strathclyde University. I aim to offer my clients a safe space to explore any issues and anyone who knows me will tell you how passionate I am about the benefits of counselling. I also work part time at Lochgilphead Medical Centre. Both roles demand strict confidentiality and I work hard to maintain my professionalism. I have lived in Lochgilphead for most of my life and am married with two grown up boys.

Donna Franceschild

I'm Donna Franceschild. I have lived in Tarbert since 1996. I'm a BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) registered counsellor with a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling with Distinction from the University of Abertay and, since qualification, has specialised in trauma, working with survivors of child sexual abuse and domestic violence. I have worked for Open Secret, Wellbeing Scotland and Women's Aid in addition to my work for the Dochas Centre. I'm currently working towards a post qualification certificate in counselling for children and Young People at the University of Strathclyde and have started client work with the Mid Argyll Youth Development Services. 

Stephen Raikes

I'm Stephen Raikes. I have spent most of my working life in education and my current role is Principal Teacher of Learning Support. Although I no longer live in Lochgilphead I continue to work as a counsellor volunteer at the Dochas Centre using the phone and different online platforms. I have been volunteering at Dochas for two years. I practise Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). I have four children (all grown up now) and four grandchildren. My other interests include walking and singing.  

Gemma Stewart

I'm Gemma Stewart. I have always been curious about what it means to be human and exploring the complicated nature of life and relationships. I'm committed to helping people create a better understanding of their experiences and to navigate life's inevitable challenges, in a non-judgmental, safe space. This led me to become a social worker and then into the world of counselling. I'm a dynamic and passionate counsellor. I'm proud to be part of the Dochas Counsellng Service and to serve our local community in such an important way. I also love, being a mum, wild swimming, music and yoga.

Rob Smith

I'm Rob Smith. I was trained to be a counsellor 20 years ago in Edinburgh and I have worked for various counselling agencies across Scotland plus privately. I have also worked in high schools. My training covered many different models of therapy and I have experience working with people suffering from grief, depression, anxiety, anger, relationship difficulties, and the many other issues which stop us from leading happy, content lives. I moved to Argyll recently and started working for Dochas in July 2021. I love working as a counsellor and I look forward to working with you.