FAQs for professionals
No. All support provided by Dòchas Carers Centre is free for eligible unpaid adult carers..
An unpaid carer is someone how provide care, help or support to a family member, friend, or neighbour who could not manage without their assistance due to illness, disability, frailty, mental health or addiction.
Many people do not indentify themselves as carers, even when they provide significant support on a regular basis.
Dochas Carers Centre supports unpaid adult carers aged 18 and over who live in Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands.
Support is available regardless of the number of hours spent caring.
To make a referral please download the referral form here. Once completed, email the form to: enquiries@dochas.scot
The carer should beware of and consent to the referral being made before you submit the form.
If you would like to discuss a referral before submitting it, please contact our team:
📞 01546 600 022
Yes. Many carers do not identify themselves as carers. If you believe someone is providing regular support to another person, we would encourage you to contact us or submit a referral. We can help determine whether they would benfit from carer support.
Yes. If the person being cared for lives in Mid Argyll, Kintyre or the Islands, we can provide support to their adult carer even if they live outwith the area. However, they will not be able to access locally deliverd events, activities and training which are reserved for carers living within our local area.
An Adult Carer Support Plan (ACSP) records a conversation between an adult unpaid carer and a Support Worker. It focuses on the impact of caring on the carer's life, identifies the outcomes that matter to them, and explores any support, information or services that may help them maintain their health, wellbing and quality of life alongside caring.
The For Carers and Resources sections of our website contain a wide range of informatio on support services, carers' rights, grants and funding, self-directed support, wellbeing, local services and regional and national organisations.
Yes. We are happy to discuss opportunities to work with organisations to increase awareness of unpaid carers, share information about our services and support professionals to identify and signpost carers.
For partnership, training and awareness enquiries please contact: manager@dochas.scot
The Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 gives carers important rights and places duties on local authorities and health boards to provide support. The Act aims to help carers maintain their health and wellbeing and continue in their caring role where appropriate.
You can find further information on carers' righst and the Carers (Scotland) Act through our Regional and National Information page.