East Lothian offers a good mix of practical, financial, and wellbeing support for carers, with help available through Carers of East Lothian and the council’s health and social care services. The main supports include advice, assessments, breaks from caring, and support with money, rights, and work.
| Support available | What it includes | Where to go |
|---|---|---|
| Advice and information | Free, confidential support for carers, including welfare benefits, health and social care advice, housing concerns, adaptations, counselling and legal advice | Carers of East Lothian |
| Adult Carer Support Plan | Support to think about the impact of caring and what would make a difference to your situation | Carers of East Lothian / social work |
| Assessment and support from East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership | Assessment of needs, advice on options, and support if eligibility criteria are met | Contact your social work department |
| Breaks from caring / respite | Help to arrange time away from caring, including day support, personal budgets, shared lives, care home respite, sitter services, and other flexible breaks | East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership |
| Financial support and benefits help | Support to understand financial options, claim benefits, complete forms, maximise income, and discuss giving up work to care | Carers of East Lothian; financial inclusion team |
| Carer Support Payment | Payment for eligible carers in Scotland who meet the criteria listed by the council | Find out more and apply |
| Employment support | Carers’ leave rights and information about balancing work and caring | Carers (Scotland) Act / Carers Leave Act information |
| Support for young carers | Advice and information for carers under 18 | East Lothian Council’s Young Carers service |
| Share the Care support | Social worker support, out-of-hours phone support, carer payment, mileage, refreshments, activity costs, and learning opportunities | Share the Care service |
If you’re looking for help, East Lothian says support is available at whatever stage you’re at, and getting in touch early can help make caring more sustainable. You can also call Carers of East Lothian on 0131 665 0135 for local advice and support.