VOCAL Midlothian

17/10/2026

The Scottish Tax Clinic provides free, means-tested tax advice. You can get confidential, expert advice on topics such as:

- Completing self-assessment tax returns
- Checking, changing, and explaining tax codes
- Appealing late-filing penalties and potentially other HMRC debts
- Looking into employment tax debts, such as found on a P800
- Explaining the tax consequences of being self-employed
- Explaining an HMRC letter that you have received
- Marriage allowance
- Employment expenses

Appointments are available between 9am and 4pm every Friday, by phone or in-person. To arrange an appointment, please email [email protected] (any time) or call 0345 120 3779 on Fridays (9am to 4pm). You will be asked questions about yourself, your income, and your tax issue before booking an appointment. Find out more on the Scottish Tax Clinic website: https://ow.ly/xG5F50ZX5qX

16/10/2026

The next Midlothian Falls Prevention Community Day takes place on Thursday 29 October at Ladywood Leisure Centre in Penicuik.

It’s a free, friendly and informative drop-in event for anyone over 50. Come along to find out more about preventing falls, improving strength and balance, staying independent, and the support available locally. There will be lots of local health professionals and organisations on hand to offer advice and answer your questions.

Denise and Karen from VOCAL will be there and are looking forward to chatting with you, answering any questions and sharing more about how VOCAL can support unpaid carers.

There will also be free tea, coffee and cake, so why not drop in for a blether and find out what support is available to you?

When: Thursday 29 October | 10am - 2pm
Where: Ladywood Leisure Centre, Penicuik

For more information please visit the Midlothian Council website: https://ow.ly/4ooa50ZX5hP

16/10/2026

Meet other carers in Midlothian to share advice and experiences, or just have some time for you! Refreshments will be provided.

Sign up on Eventbrite: https://ow.ly/2coR50ZX9Q7

15/10/2026

Time for You is a new small-group dementia support and carer respite service for people living with dementia, Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), memory worries or cognitive decline.

The service offers up to four hours of meaningful, person-centred support in a welcoming, dementia-friendly environment, while giving carers a valuable opportunity for a break, knowing their loved one is safe, supported and enjoying themselves.

Sessions are restricted to 10 people. There is no waiting list at the moment, and no referral paperwork is required. This is a paid service, however Alzheimer Scotland are happy to explore funding options wherever possible, including SDS, short break funding, and more.

Contact Carol Dougan [email protected] to find out more.

14/10/2026

Join Sharon and Iain, VOCAL’s Carer Brokerage Practitioners, for an overview of Self-directed Support (SDS), your rights and the responsibilities which come with managing a care package. We will also look at the responsibilities local authorities have to assess your needs as a carer as well as the person you care for.

Register for free on Eventbrite: https://ow.ly/F9Or50ZX9uW

14/10/2026

VOCAL, in partnership with Midlothian Sport and Leisure, delivers free gym sessions for carers.

We’ve recently finished our four-week block in Danderhall, where carers have been building their confidence using gym equipment, learning new exercises, and getting active in a friendly and supportive environment.

It’s been great to see everyone getting involved and building their confidence over the four weeks. Well done to everyone who took part!

13/10/2026

If you care for someone who has dementia, you can book a free 45-minute appointment with a dementia specialist nurse for expert, tailored support, whatever your questions or concerns.

These nurses are known as Admiral Nurses - they help people living with dementia to stay independent for longer. They also support the people caring for them so that they will have the strength to cope with the bad days, and the energy to enjoy the good days.

Admiral Nurses work in local community services, GP practices and NHS hospitals, care homes, and hospices. All appointments are confidential and will take place in a private space within the branch.

The Nationwide Edinburgh dementia clinic takes place on Monday 2 to Wednesday 4 November, at 17 South St Andrew Street, EH2 2AU.

Booking options:
- To ask questions, email [email protected]
- Text "APPOINTMENT" to 07478 724000
- Use their website: https://dementiauk.simplybook.cc/v2/ /location/77/service/8/count/1/provider/59/date/2026-11-02/

13/10/2026

Congratulations Pauline - the "oracle of the office!"

Pauline, VOCAL's Midlothian Centre Coordinator, recently reached her 20-year anniversary of working with VOCAL. In that time she has played a crucial role in several organisational changes, and made a difference to the lives of countless carers in Midlothian.

Thank you Pauline! You can read her full story on our website:

Pauline recently celebrated an incredible milestone: 20 years at VOCAL.

13/10/2026

The Out Of Sight Out Of Mind Exhibition starts next week, running from Tuesday 20 October to Sunday 8 November. It showcases art made by people who have experienced mental health issues.

- Open Tuesdays to Sundays, 11am to 6pm
- Late openings until 8pm on Thursdays 22 and 29 October
- Summerhall, Edinburgh
- Free!
- See website for exhibition events

12/10/2026

Carers in Penicuik and nearby! We have a local peer support group you can join to meet others in a similar situation, and have a cuppa and a chat.

It's at Penicuik Storehouse, EH26 8HW, from 10am to 11:30am, on:
- Friday 23 October
- Friday 20 November

Book on carer-training.eventbrite.com or call 0808 196 6666