Carers of West Lothian

16/10/2026

A Busy Autumn Ahead!

Our weekly peer support groups are taking a short break to allow staff some well-earned annual leave and time to prepare for what is always our busiest and most exciting term of the year. We have lots of festive activities and opportunities planned in the lead-up to Christmas, so keep an eye out for invitations and information coming your way next month!

Before heading off, staff attended the in-person GIRFEC Practitioners Conference. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with professionals from across West Lothian, and we were delighted to host a stall where we spoke to practitioners about young carers, our service, and the importance of Young Carer Statements.

We're also pleased to share that we have now started completing Young Carer Statements with young carers and have made a really positive start. These conversations help ensure young carers' voices are heard and that the right support is in place for them.

We look forward to seeing everyone again soon and sharing our Christmas plans with you!

16/10/2026

We have afew appointments still available!

We have a small number of spaces remaining for our Advice Shop Financial Clinic on 21 October. Appointments are delivered by phone or Microsoft Teams, so you can choose the option that works best for you.

To book your appointment, please visit: https://cowl.org.uk/financial-wellbeing?rq=financial%20clinic

15/10/2026

One Month to Go: Transitions Event – Planning for Adulthood

For young people with additional support needs and their families.

Join us to learn about the opportunities, services and support available as young people prepare for life after school and their transition into adulthood.

📅 Thursday 12 November
🕕 6:00pm – 8:00pm
📍 Inveralmond High School

Book your place online today: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/planning-for-adulthood-tickets-2000636970033?aff=oddtdtcreator

Helping young people and families plan with confidence for the future.

14/10/2026

Dads - this one's for you 👋

Join us for Dad's Space next Wednesday 21 October, 10:00am-11:30am at The Chain Runner, Livingston.

A relaxed monthly meet-up for dads, grandads, stepdads and kinship carers supporting a child with additional support needs.

☕ Grab a coffee
💬 Have a chat
🤝 Connect with others who understand

No pressure, no expectations, just good company.

Run by CoWL staff and volunteers who are dads and parent carers themselves.

📅 3rd Wednesday of every month. No need to book, just turn up!

13/10/2026

Know anyone looking for a part-time role? We're recruiting for a 21-hour per week Business Support position at CoWL.

We're seeking someone with financial and administrative skills to support the work we're doing in West Lothian.

📍 Place of work: Livingston EH54 6AX (with some home working)
⏰ Hours: 21 hours per week
💷 Salary: £30,468 FTE (£18,281 pro-rata)
📅 Application deadline: 5pm on 23rd October 2026

Apply here: https://cowl.org.uk/about/jobs

13/10/2026

From the end of October, Impact Arts are launching two weekly sessions that can be accessed by parent carers in West Lothian. Art-based sessions, employability skills and a social setting each Wednesday and Thursday in Livingston.

Check out more details here: https://www.impactarts.co.uk/project/impactful-parents/

12/10/2026

Herbert Protocol & Emergency Planning Training for Carers

Saturday 14th November 2026

Join us for an informative and supportive session designed to help carers plan ahead and keep both themselves and their loved ones safe.

Herbert Protocol Information Session

We are delighted to welcome Community Police Officers from West Lothian, who will explain the Herbert Protocol, a practical tool that can assist the police in locating a vulnerable person quickly if they go missing.

During the session, Carers of West Lothian staff will also explore the importance of Emergency Planning and how having a plan in place can provide reassurance and support during unexpected situations.

At this session, you will:
Learn what to do if a loved one goes missing.
Understand how the Herbert Protocol works and how to complete the form.
Find out more about Emergency Planning for carers.
Have the opportunity to ask questions and receive practical advice from professionals.

Refreshments and lunch will be provided.

Please note that this session is open to unpaid carers only.

Spaces are limited, so book your place today through Eventbrite and join us for this valuable November training session.

Join us in person to learn how the Herbert Protocol and Emergency Planning helps carers keep both you and your loved ones safe!

10/10/2026

We've had a lovely few weeks in our groups recently. It's been incredibly busy, but most importantly, it's been filled with fun, laughter, and lots of smiles!

At our Wee Carers groups, our wonderful volunteer Debbie joined us to give everyone some fabulous glitter tattoos, which were a huge hit. At our Tuesday groups this week, we got creative making smoothies using a smoothie bike we had borrowed. It was loud, messy, energetic, and great fun, just the way we like it!

To round off the week, we welcomed Calum from Cool Creatures, who brought along several of his amazing animals. Everyone challenged themselves to be brave and pat at least one animal, while some of our young carers were even braver and got up close to several of them.

Our groups are open to young carers aged 5 to 18 and provide a safe, welcoming space where they can take a break from their caring responsibilities, connect with other young carers, make new friends, build confidence, and, most importantly, have the opportunity to simply be children and young people.
We truly love seeing the friendships, smiles, and confidence grow within our groups.

If you'd like to find out more about our Young Carer Service and the support we offer, please get in touch. We'd love to hear from you.

09/10/2026

💡 Challenge Poverty Week tip #5

Don't Miss Out on Free Days Out

Did you know that registered carers and disabled people supported by Carers of West Lothian can access free entry to local attractions through our Community Pass scheme?

🎟️ Five Sisters Zoo
🎟️ Almond Valley Heritage Centre
🎟️ Jupiter Artland

Family days out can be expensive, but our Community Passes help make them more accessible and affordable.

If you're registered with us, don't forget to check the Community Passes available through our website. https://cowl.org.uk/community-passes

Sometimes support isn't just about increasing income. It's also about making sure everyone has the opportunity to access experiences that improve wellbeing and reduce isolation.

08/10/2026

Challenge Poverty Week – Tip #4

Are you worried about debt and struggling to keep up with bills.

You don't have to face it alone. Free and confidential debt advice is available, and getting help early can make a big difference.

Debt advice agencies can help you with:

✅ Reviewing your income and spending
✅ Creating a realistic budget
✅ Dealing with creditors on your behalf
✅ Understanding your options for managing debt
✅ Applying for grants and other financial support
✅ Preventing further debt problems
✅ Reducing financial stress and helping you plan ahead

Many people delay seeking advice because they feel embarrassed or overwhelmed. Remember, debt advisers are there to help, not judge.

📞 Contact one of the organisations or get in touch with CoWL and we can make a referral on your behalf.