The Ca(I)re Programme - supporting
carers in
Edinburgh  The Ca(I)re
(Putting the "I" into Care) programme helps carers in
Edinburgh maintain their own good health and general
wellbeing and enable them to fulfil their caring
role. This is achieved through:
- free educational,
recreational and therapeutic courses.
- open days.
- an advice
and information service.
- weekly drop in support sessions.
The services offered address the needs of carers in a
holistic manner by providing short breaks away from their caring
responsibilities, peer support, emotional support, practical
support, information, and educational & learning opportunities.
The purpose of these courses and events is to give carers the chance
to remove themselves from their caring role for a few hours and
simultaneously develop their individual skills and interests. They are
provided at venues across Edinburgh.
To download the Ca(I)re information leaflet click here (pdf file) or
contact us and we will post one to you.
How
Our Work Helps Carers
Ongoing evaluation has shown that carers who take part in the
programme experience a
marked improvement in their confidence and self esteem. Many carers
have felt motivated to continue their learning beyond our courses and
we have supported them into
further education, training, employment or simply to continue the joy
of learning for its own sake. Many carers have
discovered new interests, taken up volunteering opportunities and
become active members of the community. Carers who
were at risk of mental ill health often found new energy and focus for
their lives through the learning process that they committed to,
sometimes in extreme personal circumstances. Due to the confidence
building and empowering that the services have offered, some carers
have described the programme as a "life line".
Charges
All our services are free and open to all carers and former carers
(of less than 18 months, since their caring role ended) living in
Edinburgh.
Courses for Carers in Edinburgh
 Our
programme of courses have multiple themes (educational,
recreational and therapeutic), addressing the different needs of carers
in different caring situations, are organised flexibly to suit needs
and views of carers, are run at different days and times and held at
various locations throughout the City of Edinburgh. These courses help
carers by providing:
- Short breaks from caring.
- Health Promotion ? addressing the physical and
mental health wellbeing.
- Peer Support ? Many carers tell us that they
have made new friends through being on Ca(I)re courses
- Advice and Information.
- Confidence building.
- Access to other courses and qualifications.
- Improvement on employment practices.
Have a look at our Current Programme.
You can book online on any of the Ca(I)re Programme courses here.
Support
Groups
 - Former
Carers Support Group ? This informal,
friendly self-led group enjoys meals out, visits to cinemas, theatres,
gardens, museums, castles and much more.
- Ca(I)re
Book Club ?meets once a month at the
Edinburgh Central Library and enjoy discussing their readings and
writings with a facilitator from the Library.
If you would like join or help us with any of these groups, or
simply to find out more, please contact us.
Weekly Drop In
PLEASE NOTE:
From 18 January 2012 the weekly Drop In will change to 11am -
12pm every Wednesday at the Eric Liddell Centre.
This is an opportunity to take a break and relax, meet other
carers
and to make new friends.
Information and Advice
Over the years and through its links with other organisations in
Edinburgh, the Ca(I)re Programme has built a comprehensive information
resource and
can provide information and refer carers to other sources of support.
Open Days
Two open days are held every year to provide carers with taster
sessions and for carers from all parts of Edinburgh to come
together
and take part in a variety of learning activities.
Photo Archive and Quotes
Click
Here to view our photo archive and read some quotes from
carers who have been on our programme.
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