CHARITY OF THE MONTH
“ Without CoWL I would have carried on feeling low and on my own trying to cope with my caring role ” “ I feel like there is a space I can go to so I get a chance to breathe regularly ” “ I am now accepting and understanding of my son’s condition and I am coping with it now ”
Life has a way of taking unexpected turns, and you can find yourself doing something you never planned on doing. This can be something fantastic ... or somewhat difficult. in place for that too,” explains Carolann. I met with a local charity this month who are “We provide one-on-one emotional support there for people who find themselves as either on the phone or here at the Livingston unpaid carers for a loved one. Carers of West premises; anyone who is struggling can call Lothian was set up 25 years ago by carers, for carers. “Generally, willingly taking on the us or drop in, and if there is someone role, it does mean that your own life can end available to see you, they will. You can also up on hold, your career impacted, social life phone for an appointment.” Carers of West impacted, and the emotional and practical Lothian are also happy to make the first call – effects on you are significant” says Carolann contacting yet another organisation Turner, one of the support workers at can be overwhelming, so if they Carers of West Lothian. have a name and phone A carer is a person of any age number and permission to The weekly carer’s who provides unpaid care call, they will do that. coffee morning is on a and support to a spouse, Wednesday. Just drop in They offer peer support partner, relative friends or between 10am and 12 noon through weekly coffee neighbour, who can’t live at Sycamore House (address mornings, which are independently without the below) for tea, coffee, cakes, very popular; they carer’s help. The support chat and peer support. Either have a counselling that a carer provides may to chat about your caring service, support groups, be emotional, personal care role, or to switch off and training such as stressand hygiene, cooking and relax in a supportive management, legal advice, shopping, acting as a environment. a powers of attorney clinic, representative and so on. and practical help. Subject to Besides the rewards, there can be hard funding, they also have access times, and self-care for carers to the Creative Breaks Fund which will allow carers to apply for a short break either with is essential. If you’re the one holding things the person they care for, or on their own together for someone else, you need to look after yourself, for your own sake and for the YOUNG CARERS - There are many children person who is relying on you. Anyone who under the age of 18 who are caring for a finds themselves struggling with any aspect parent, grandparent or sibling. They may of their caring role can access support from be heavily involved in nursing care, doing Carers of West Lothian. household chores, or spending time sitting with them for company; they may be helping “Carers may well have health issues their parents look after a younger sibling themselves, and we have various support 8 | LINLITHGOW
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