We have delighted to have been awarded a small grant from VOCAL Carers to deliver from 16th August until the end of March 2026 a cafe ‘breather’ for unpaid carers in Gorebridge.
We’ll be working closely with VOCAL Midlothian and The Breather Cafe will be available to anyone who identifies as an unpaid carer on a Saturday afternoon 12:30 until 2pm at the Gorebridge Beacon.
Are you an unpaid carer?
An unpaid carer is someone who supports a family member, partner, relative or friend, of any age who needs help to manage a long-term condition, disability, physical or mental health condition, ‘if you spend time caring for someone who relies on your help, you’re an unpaid carer.’
Why the Breather Cafe?
Many people who are unpaid carers may not identify or recognise themselves as such, that means they may be not receiving (or even aware) of all the different types of support available to them. Midlothian has one of the largest increase of unpaid carers. Over the months the Breather Cafe will invite individuals, groups and other services to informally ‘be in the space’ should anyone want to ask anything.
Unpaid carers need support. It’s been identified (Midlothian Carers Survey 2023) that unpaid carers would like:
- Having time away from the caring role
- Understanding of legal rights and entitlements
- Emotional and wellbeing support
- Pursuing hobbies and interest
- Speaking to other carers
- Building social networks
The Breather Cafe is not a service, we wanted to create a space where you can come along, out from your caring role, chat and once a month (to be arranged/decided) maybe take part in an activity. You don’t need to attend every week, it’s there for you, should you want it.
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