Become a Volunteer

Volunteers play an important role in helping Dòchas Carers Centre support unpaid carers across Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands. Whether you can spare a few hours occasionally or volunteer on a more regular basis, your time and skills can make a real difference.

Our volunteers support a range of groups, activities and events, helping to create welcoming spaces where carers can relax, connect with others and access support.

As a volunteer, you might:

Help at groups, drop-ins and activities
Support community events and fundraising activities
Welcome and assist carers attending activities
Share a skill, hobby or area of interest
Help create a friendly and supportive atmosphere

FAQs for professionals

Carer's Support

Do you look after a relative, partner or friend who needs support because of age, physical or learning disability or illness including mental ill health?
Who is a Carer? A carer is a family member, partner, relative or friend supporting someone who needs help to manage a long-term condition, disability, physical or mental health problem or addiction.

Dochas Carers Centre is an independent charity. We help and support unpaid carers by providing information and guidance which can make life better. There are many carers who live many miles from services and access can prove difficult or impossible. We have dedicated Support Workers who provide support to carers throughout Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands.

You can call in person, phone us, request a home visit or make an appointment to speak with one of our staff during the opening hours of the centre.

Find support in other areas of Argyll & Bute

North Argyll

For adult carers and young carers in Oban, Appin, Dalmally, Kilmelford, Lismore, Kerrera, Luing and the islands of Coll, Tiree, Mull and Iona.

Phone 01631 564 422

www.northargyllcarers.org.uk

Cowal & Bute

For adult carers and young carers living in Cowal and Bute area. Please contact Crossroads Cowal and Bute and Carers Centre.

Phone 01369 707 700

www.crossroadscowalandbute.org.uk

Helensburgh and Lomond

For adult carers and young carers living in Helensburgh and Lomond area. Please contact Helensburgh and Lomond Carers Centre.

Phone 01436 673 444

www.hlcc.org.uk

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Need to talk to us?

Interested in Volunteering?

A few hours of your time can make a lasting difference to the life of an unpaid carer.

Volunteer Contact Form

Testimonials

Is there a cost for any of the services?

No. All support provided by Dòchas Carers Centre is free for eligible unpaid adult carers..

What is an unpaid carer?

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.

Who can access support?

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.

How do I make a referral?

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

✉️ enquiries@dochas.scot

I am not sure if someone is a carer. Should I still refer them?

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.

The carer doesn’t live in Mid Argyll, Kintyre or the Islands – can they still get 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.

What is an Adult Carer Support Plan?

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.

Where can I find information and resources for carers?

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.

Can Dòchas help us raise awareness of unpaid carers?

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

What is the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016?

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.

•   Emergency Care Plan
•   Emotional Support
•   Rights and Entitlement
•   Informal Advocacy
•   Power of Attorney and Guardian Ship