Getting the right help & support as an Adult Carer
Whether you’re already a carer, or have recently found yourself looking after a loved one, it can be a daunting and unknown journey.
Carers of West Lothian is here to support you every step of the way.
How can we help you today?
Choose an option below
Who is an Adult Carer?
If you are helping to look after someone who is ill, disabled, has mental health problems or is misusing drugs or alcohol, who could not manage with your support, you are a carer.
It’s likely that every one of us will have caring responsibilities at some time in our lives with the challenges faced by carers taking many forms. Many carers juggle their caring responsibilities with work, study and other family commitments.
The roles and responsibilities that carers have to provide varies widely. They can range from help with everyday tasks such as getting out of bed and personal care such as bathing, to emotional support such as helping someone cope with the symptoms of a mental illness.
We use the term ‘unpaid carer’ or ‘carer’ – we are here to support you whether you are receiving Carers Allowance or not.
How Can I Get Support?
If you live in West Lothian we can offer you practical support, such as information on an Adult Carer Support Plan and how to access one.
We can offer financial support – referrals in to look at income maximisation and whether you are entitled to Carers Allowance. Your health and wellbeing is a priority – you won’t be able to support the person you are caring for without it.
We can inform you about a whole range of health and wellbeing support services here for you. We can also support with legal queries such as Power of Attonery and Guardianship. Whatever your concern is in your caring role – please get in touch.
My Caring Journey
Your Stories about caring and what it means to you
Mary’s Story
Mary explains how she received support from CoWL in her unpaid caring role. No matter what part of your life you need support with, our expert team will be able to help you achieve your outcomes.
Esther’s story
Support from CoWL has really enabled Esther to get her life back on track. Hear how accessing our services has led Esther to be supported and empowered to live a better life.
Counselling & wellbeing sessions for you as an adult carer
One of the support services we offer to adult carers is counselling and wellbeing support.
Book your FREE consultation with our counselling team below:
About our support and services
Your most asked questions
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A carer is a person of any age who provides unpaid care and support to a spouse, partner, relative, friend or neighbour, who cannot manage to live independently without the carer’s help. This may be due to frailty, illness, disability or addiction.
If you find yourself helping someone in this capacity, no matter how much or how little, then you are a carer.
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Carers of West Lothian are happy to provide support for any of your questions!
You can get in touch in whatever way is most comfortable to you: email, phone, Facebook Messenger or face-to-face. Visit our ‘Contact Us’ page to find out how to get in touch with us.
(Please arrange any in-person appointments beforehand so we can guarantee our availability)
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If you’d like to request a call back, please fill out our webform on our ‘Contact Us’ page and a member of the team will be in touch as soon as they can.
If your call is urgent, then the fastest way to get in touch is to call us directly on 01506 448000 Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
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As a carer or disabled person, you are entitled to certain rights and protections.
To view your rights as a carer visit our Carers Rights page. As a disabled person you can visit this page.
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You can get in touch with us Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm. For anything urgent, we recommend you call us for the fastest response.
If you’re looking for out of hours support, West Lothian Social Work have an out of hours emergency line. Call 01506 281028 or 281029 to get in touch.
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As an unpaid carer, you are entitled to a break from your responsibilities.
Carers of West Lothian offer a number of ways you can access these breaks. Have a look at our ‘Breaks from Caring’ page to find out more.
More questions?
We’re here to help
If you’d like to talk to a member of our team, no matter the enquiry—we’d be happy to help! If you’d like a listening ear, advice or just a wee break, please get in touch.
