Celebrating £1.2 Million in Financial Gains for Unpaid Carers in West Lothian
We’ve got some fantastic news to share. Over the past year, we’ve been working hard to support unpaid carers, young carers, and disabled people in our community, and the results have been incredible.
Thanks to our partnership with The Advice Shop, we’ve secured a whopping £1.2 million in financial gains for those who need it most. 🎉
A Year of Teamwork and Support
Throughout 2024/25, CoWL and The Advice Shop teamed up to provide accessible financial support to unpaid carers. We held fortnightly clinics with six slots available, offering face-to-face meetings, telephone consultations, and online Teams calls. This flexible approach meant carers could get the help they needed in the way that suited them best.
But we didn’t stop there. We also handled urgent referrals for crisis interventions, providing immediate help to those who couldn’t wait for the regular Financial Wellbeing sessions. Plus, we assisted with general enquiries, even if they didn’t lead to direct referrals. Our goal was to support carers in every way possible.
Impressive Financial Gains
The impact of our efforts is clear. During Q4 alone, we managed 109 referrals, resulting in financial gains of £392,486.81. Over the entire year, we supported 410 clients through 362 referrals, securing a total financial gain of £1,181,473.00.
That’s a 20% increase in referrals compared to the previous year and a 45% increase in financial gains. These figures show just how crucial our clinics are in helping carers access the benefits and financial opportunities they’re entitled to.
Addressing Deprivation in West Lothian
Our data for 2024/25 reveals that 48% of unpaid carers, young carers, and disabled people live in areas impacted by deprivation in West Lothian. This makes our work even more important. By securing these funds, we’re helping carers live their lives with greater choice, opportunity, and dignity.
“Teamwork has been at the heart of our success this past year. By working closely with The Advice Shop, we’ve been able to secure significant financial gains for unpaid carers, helping to reduce some of the inequalities they face. Our collective efforts have made a real difference, ensuring that unpaid carers in West Lothian can live with greater choice, opportunity, and dignity. Continuing this important work will help to uplift our community”
Looking Ahead
Reflecting on the achievements of the past year, we’re inspired to keep pushing forward. Our partnership with The Advice Shop has been invaluable, and we’re committed to maintaining and expanding these clinics to reach even more carers in need.
The success of 2024/25 is a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved. We’re proud of the difference we’ve made in the lives of unpaid carers in West Lothian and look forward to continuing this important work.
“We’re pleased with the outcomes achieved through this partnership working. This adaptable approach ensured that carers could receive support in the most convenient way for them.”
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