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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

Education & Learning

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

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Useful contacts, services and organisations that can support unpaid carers and the people they care for throughout our area.

Testimonials

Mid Argyll

Health & Social Care
Community & Practical Support
Transport
Mental Health
Emergency Contacts

Local Social Work & Health Contacts

Argyll & Bute Social Work (Mid Argyll) — based at Mid Argyll Community Hospital & Integrated Care Centre, Lochgilphead. Useful for adult social care, community care assessments, and safeguarding. During working hours - Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm: 01546 605517
Mid Argyll Community Hospital & Integrated Care Centre — local hub for NHS Highland services including district nursing, OT, and community mental health. - Mid Argyll Community Hospital and Integrated Care Centre (Lochgilphead) | NHS Highland
Lochgilphead Medical Centre 01546 462001 - lochgilpheadmedicalcentre.co.uk

Community & Practical Support

Argyll & Bute Customer Service Points — for council enquiries including housing, blue badges, and social care referrals - Contact us by phone | Argyll and Bute Council
Community Contacts - SDS support - Community Contacts | A Helping Hand with Self-Directed Support - Carr Gomm
Housing Support Service - Housing Support Services - Carr Gomm
Snowdrop Centre - 01546 606303
The Food Share Hub - https://www.facebook.com/TheFoodShareHub/ or email foodshare@movingon-midargyll.org
We are with you - Drug and alcohol Support - Drug and Alcohol Support | WithYou
Mid Argyll Transport Volunteers - https://matvscot.org/

National and Regional Information

Discover the organisations, partnerships and information sources that help shape services for unpaid carers.

Click here

National and Regional Information

Discover the organisations, partnerships and information sources that help shape services for unpaid carers.

Click here

Kintyre

If an emergency prevents you from providing care, having a plan in place can give you peace of mind and help ensure the person you care for continues to receive the support they need.

o   An emergency could include:
o   Sudden illness
o   An unplanned hospital stay
o   A family emergency
o   An accident or injury
o   Transport difficulties
o   Any situation that means you are unable to provide care

Our team can help you create an Emergency Care Plan, including:

o   Who should be contacted in an emergency
o   Important medical information and medication requirements
o   Daily routines and personal preferences
o   Mobility needs and any equipment used
o   Details of health and social care professionals involved
o   Access arrangements, such as key holders or key safes
o   Any other information needed to support the person you care for

We encourage you to discuss your plan with the person you care for and anyone named in it, so they know what to do and where the plan is kept if an emergency occurs

Islands

Thinking about the future can be difficult, but it can also provide reassurance and help you feel more prepared if circumstances change.

Future planning can help unpaid carers consider what might happen if they are temporarily or permanently unable to continue in their caring role. It provides an opportunity to think about the needs, wishes and preferences of the person you care for, and to consider who may be able to provide support if needed.

Our Adult Carer Support Workers can offer information, guidance and practical support to help you explore future planning options. This may include discussing important information about the person you care for, their routines, support needs and the people or services involved in their care.

Future planning is not about having all the answers. It is about thinking ahead, identifying potential sources of support and helping you feel more confident about the future.

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