VOCAL Midlothian

03/06/2026

Today VOCAL hosted an event to highlight and discuss the issue of carer poverty.

We brought together carers, support organisations, VOCAL staff, and other professionals from the third and public sectors to discuss the continuing issue of carer poverty and what can be done to help.

We heard from guest speakers, listened to carer stories, and took part in some really impactful group discussions. All of this will contribute to a new report on the cost of unpaid caring, which will be released during Carers Week.

We look forward to sharing our findings next week!

03/06/2026

Do you enjoy arts and crafts? 🎨

Our Caring Spaces Art Club is a gentle and welcoming monthly art session run by local artist Juliana Capes. It offers carers a calm, creative break and the chance to connect with others from the comfort of home.

The group will meet online on Wednesday 17 June from 7pm–8pm.

Secure your space here: https://ow.ly/LJjf50Z3L2W

02/06/2026

This week is Volunteers Week, and today we celebrated our VOCAL volunteers with a nature poetry workshop🌷

We are so grateful for our incredible volunteers, who have donated 3,000 hours of their time in the past year!

If you would like to volunteer at VOCAL, we are currently recruiting for the following positions:

- Centre Volunteers (Edinburgh and Midlothian): https://ow.ly/lbfI50Z6L66
- Community Outreach Volunteers (Midlothian): https://ow.ly/qEQs50Z6L65

30/05/2026

Midlothian Community Planning Partnership is consulting on the priorities that should go into the Single Midlothian Plan, which shapes the work that will be undertaken in Midlothian for the next four years.

Anyone in Midlothian over age 11 can go to a drop-in session to have your voice heard and help shape the Plan’s development. For the online session, email [email protected] to find out more.

Midlothian Community Action, EH22 1AE:
- Monday 8 June, 2pm to 3:30pm
- Tuesday 9 June, 10am to 11:30am
- Thursday 11 June, 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Newbattle Community Learning Centre, EH22 4RT:
- Monday 8 June, 6:30pm to 8:30pm
- Wednesday 24 June, 1pm to 3pm

Woodburn Hub, EH22 2AT:
- Tuesday 9 June, 6:30pm to 8:30pm
- Monday 22 June, 9:30am to 11:30am

Loanhead Leisure Centre, EH20 9LA:
- Wednesday 10 June, 1pm to 3pm

Pathhead Village Hall, EH37 5PZ:
- Thursday 11 June, 1pm to 3pm

Danderhall Hub, EH22 1QL:
- Friday 12 June, 10am to 12pm

Penicuik Town Hall, EH26 8HS:
- Monday 15 June, 6:30pm to 8:30pm
- Friday 19 June, 9am to 12pm
- Tuesday 23 June, 2pm to 3:30pm
- Thursday 25 June, 1pm to 3pm

Online on Microsoft Teams:
- Wednesday 17 June, 10:30am to 12pm

Lasswade High School, EH19 2LA:
- Friday 26 June, 1pm to 3pm

Gorebridge Leisure Centre, EH23 4TX:
- Monday 29 June, 9:30am to 12:30pm

MAEDT, EH22 5DG:
- Tuesday 30 June, 5:30pm to 7:30pm

29/05/2026

Being creative has a hugely positive impact on mental wellbeing. It can help to take your mind off everyday stresses, or to process challenges you're experiencing.

If you'd like to practice some art in a supportive environment, Dalkeith Arts runs a group for carers every Tuesday at the Woodburn Community Hub, from 2:15pm - 4:15pm.

Hear from the carers who attend on the difference that this creative outlet has made for them.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

29/05/2026

In Control Scotland is delivering Partners in Policymaking, a powerful leadership development programme for disabled adults (18+) and parents of disabled children (under 18). It supports people to build the knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills needed to:

- Speak up for themselves and others
- Influence services, policy, and decision making
- Campaign for equality, rights, and social justice for disabled people
- Play a strong role in shaping and delivering Self-directed Support

The programme will run over 8 residential weekends at Stirling Court Hotel:
- 18–19 September 2026
- 9–10 October 2026
- 27–28 November 2026
- 11–12 December 2026
- 22–23 January 2027
- 19–20 February 2027
- 5–6 March 2027
- 26–27 March 2027

They particularly encourage applications from people who want to make a difference in their own lives, their communities, and the future of disabled people’s rights in Scotland.

They have 30 places available and expect strong interest. If you have any questions, contact [email protected]. You can apply by Friday 26 June - find out more on their website: https://www.in-controlscotland.org/partnersinpolicymakinginformation

28/05/2026

Join our monthly in-person group for young adult carers in Midlothian.

Take some time to connect with others, share achievements and challenges, or just have some time for you.

Register for free on Eventbrite: https://ow.ly/v23S50Z5aWE

28/05/2026

Carers Week 2026 is taking place 8 - 14 June!

Carers Week is a national campaign that aims to raise awareness of caring and promote carers' rights. We have a number of events taking place throughout the week, including yoga, support groups, a cooking class, and more.

Visit our website to see the full list of events taking place during Carers Week:

Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. This year, Carers Week is taking place from the 8 - 14 June and the theme is 'Building Carer Friendly Co...

27/05/2026

On Tuesday, Sophie and Anne from VOCAL attended the Caring Matters Roadshow at the BBC Scotland studios in Glasgow.

The event featured a revolving panel of carers and professionals (including VOCAL's Anne!), discussing issues such as supporting carers in education, accessing support packages, navigating the benefits system, and more.

It's great to see the BBC highlighting the issues that carers face, and it was wonderful to hear directly from carers about their experiences and to connect with other carer support organisations.

Catch up on the programme here (listen from 70 minutes): https://ow.ly/f38y50Z4IYe