VoiceAbility Scotland

03/03/2026

The Scottish Government has launched a 12‑week consultation on the new Right to Breaks for carers in Scotland. This change to existing carers legislation aims to give unpaid carers stronger rights, so that anyone who is not getting sufficient breaks from caring can get the support they need to take a break.

Under this change in legislation, Local Authorities will have a duty to make sure carers get the support they need to take a sufficient break from caring. At the moment, they are proposing to do this using the information collected through Adult Carer Support Plans and Young Carer Statements.

The consultation is asking for your views on:
✅what “sufficient breaks” should mean
✅what types of breaks should be included in the new Right to Breaks
✅ timescales for preparing Adult Carer Support Plans and Young Carer Statements
✅how the transition to the new system should work

Your experiences and opinions will directly help shape the final regulations and guidance for these new rights. You can take part in the consultation here:
https://consult.gov.scot/dementia-and-unpaid-carers-unit/unpaid-carers-right-to-breaks-implementation/

We will also be holding engagement events with carers in the coming weeks so you will have more opportunities to discuss what this could mean for you. More details coming soon.

11/02/2026

From 1 February 2026, Advice Direct Scotland will take over from VoiceAbility as the advocacy service provider helping people access benefits through Social Security Scotland. We’re working closely with the Scottish Government and Advice Direct Scotland to make sure this change is smooth, and that everyone continues to get the support they need.

From this date, if you need to contact Advice Direct Scotland, you can email [email protected] or call 0808 196 8901 (free from UK landlines and mobiles).

For more information about the independent advocacy service and how it can help you, visit advocacy.scot.

15/01/2026

Do you know someone affected by facial palsy?

A support group meeting is being held on 27 January at 6pm. The group is open to those aged 18 and over, or 16+ if accompanied by an appropriate adult.

If you are planning to attend, please contact [email protected]
so you can be added to the register and kept informed of any updates or changes.

Venue:
Glasgow Peace Embassy FFWPU (Suite 2, Floor 2)
82 Mitchell Street
Glasgow G1 3NA

For further information about the group and to register your attendance, please visit:

Find out details about the Edinburgh Facial Palsy UK support group, an opportunity to share experiences and information.

13/01/2026

Support bone and muscle health this winter with 10 micrograms of vitamin D each day, as recommended by Food Standards Scotland.

09/10/2025

The Scottish Government wants to hear from students about their experiences and views about the support available to them. They have asked researchers to speak to disabled students and those studying part-time or by distance learning – and also prospective students and those who completed their studies within the last 12 months.

Feedback will be considered as part of the consultation on student support, which will be independently analysed. A report will be published in early 2026.

Research interviews usually take around 45 minutes and are completely confidential. You can speak to a researcher by video, audio or in-person at a time that suits you. The Scottish Government can arrange extra support to help you take part if needed.

Interested? Contact Craigforth, independent researchers:

Please take a few minutes to take our survey.

09/10/2025

Edinburgh Food Project provides a range of drop-in sessions each month.

This month, that includes a session with Lyndsay, our Safe and Warm Carer Support Practitioner, on Thursday 16 October.

Other topics this month include advocacy and support with VoiceAbility or AdvoCard digital skills with The Salvation Army Scotland, advice on quitting smoking with NHS Lothian Quit Your Way, and more.

All sessions will take place at Thistle Foundation Centre of Wellbeing, 13 Queen’s Walk, Edinburgh, from 10:30am to 1pm. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided.

For more information, contact Catherine on [email protected] or 07523268319.

07/10/2025

As a carer, you may often need to advocate for yourself or the person you are for. This might be in a health and social care setting, at work, or even with your friends and family.

Our online course covers simple, practical ways to express yourself and make sure your needs are communicated. You can complete this course in one go, in sections, or revisit it as often as needed.

https://ow.ly/CL2Z50WIMHK

02/10/2025

The Dementia Carers Count annual survey is open. The annual survey of dementia carers is a chance for you to tell them about your experience as a dementia carer.

They would love to hear from you if you offer, or have offered, help and support to a family member or friend with dementia.

Complete the survey at the link below.

Tell us what you think dementia carers need and help shape what we do

29/09/2025

Interested in joining this group session?

Email [email protected] to receive the joining link!

22/09/2025

❄️💷 Pension Age Winter Heating Payment ❄️💷

This winter, Social Security Scotland will deliver the new Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, replacing the Winter Fuel Payment.

Thousands of pensioners across Scotland will benefit from this support to help with heating costs.

💰 How much?
Eligible people of State Pension age will get a payment between £101.70 and £305.10, depending on their circumstances.

✅ Most people will receive their payment automatically – no need to apply.

📅 Who qualifies?
- Born on or before 21 September 1959
- Living in Scotland during the qualifying week: 15–21 September 2025

The amount depends on:
- Your age
- The age of anyone you live with who is also eligible
- If you receive certain DWP benefits as a joint award
- Whether you live in residential care

📌 Payments will start from November and continue throughout the winter.