Become a Volunteer

Volunteers play an important role in helping Dòchas Carers Centre support unpaid carers across Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands. Whether you can spare a few hours occasionally or volunteer on a more regular basis, your time and skills can make a real difference.

Our volunteers support a range of groups, activities and events, helping to create welcoming spaces where carers can relax, connect with others and access support.

As a volunteer, you might:

Help at groups, drop-ins and activities
Support community events and fundraising activities
Welcome and assist carers attending activities
Share a skill, hobby or area of interest
Help create a friendly and supportive atmosphere

Refer a Carer

If you are working with an unpaid adult carer who may benefit from additonal information, guidance and support you can refer them to us. We provide free support to unpaid adult carers across Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands, helping them to access information, wellbeing support and services that can make a difference in their caring role.

Carer's Support

Do you look after a relative, partner or friend who needs support because of age, physical or learning disability or illness including mental ill health?
Who is a Carer? A carer is a family member, partner, relative or friend supporting someone who needs help to manage a long-term condition, disability, physical or mental health problem or addiction.

Dochas Carers Centre is an independent charity. We help and support unpaid carers by providing information and guidance which can make life better. There are many carers who live many miles from services and access can prove difficult or impossible. We have dedicated Support Workers who provide support to carers throughout Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands.

You can call in person, phone us, request a home visit or make an appointment to speak with one of our staff during the opening hours of the centre.

Find support in other areas of Argyll & Bute

North Argyll

For adult carers and young carers in Oban, Appin, Dalmally, Kilmelford, Lismore, Kerrera, Luing and the islands of Coll, Tiree, Mull and Iona.

Phone 01631 564 422

www.northargyllcarers.org.uk

Cowal & Bute

For adult carers and young carers living in Cowal and Bute area. Please contact Crossroads Cowal and Bute and Carers Centre.

Phone 01369 707 700

www.crossroadscowalandbute.org.uk

Helensburgh and Lomond

For adult carers and young carers living in Helensburgh and Lomond area. Please contact Helensburgh and Lomond Carers Centre.

Phone 01436 673 444

www.hlcc.org.uk

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Interested in Volunteering?

A few hours of your time can make a lasting difference to the life of an unpaid carer.

Volunteer Contact Form

Testimonials

Who Can Refer?

Referrals can be made by:

Health professionals
Social Work and social care staff
Education staff
Third Sector organisations
Community organisations
Family members and friends
Carers themselves

The carer should be aware of and consent to the referral being made.

Who Can Access Support?

Dochas Carers Centre supports unpaid carers aged 18 and over who live in Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands.

An unpaid care is someone who provides care, help or support to a family memeber, friend or neighbour who could not manage without their assistance due to illness, disability frailty, mental ill health or addiction.

Why Refer to Dòchas?

Dochas Carers Centre provides:

Information and advice
Adult Carer Support Plans
Emergency and future care planning
Emotional support
Wellbeing activities and events
Information about carer's right and benefits
Signposting and referrals to other services
Opportunities to connect with other carers

Our aim is to help carers feel informed, supported and better able to sustain their caring role.

Make a Referral

To make a referral please download the referral form here. Once completed, email the form to: enquiries@dochas.scot

The carer should beware of and consent to the referral being made before you submit the form.

If you would like to discuss a referral before submitting it, please contact our team:

📞 01546 600 022

✉️ enquiries@dochas.scot

What Happens Next?

Once a refrral has been received:

A member of our team will contact the carer.
We will discuss their caring role and support needs.
Information, advice and appropriate support will be offered.
Where appropriate, we will help the carer access additional services and support.

Support is tailored to each carers individual circumstances, needs and priorities.

•   Emergency Care Plan
•   Emotional Support
•   Rights and Entitlement
•   Informal Advocacy
•   Power of Attorney and Guardian Ship