	CARERS of WEST LOTHIAN The Princess Royal Trust Carers of West Lothian Carers Centre

BACKGROUND AND HISTORY

Carers of West Lothian was started in 1990 by a small group of dedicated carers who recognised the need carers had for information and support. They were concerned about the lack of support for carers in West Lothian and were determined to do something positive to address this. At first they offered their own experience and commitment to make sure that carers had a listening ear. They offered information, support and their understanding of caring situations.

Initially Carers of West Lothian met in the members own homes and held meetings in different parts of West Lothian. Members also became involved with Lothian wide carers groups, which formed into Voice Of Carers Across Lothian (VOCAL).

The first Annual General Meeting of Carers of West Lothian was held in May 1992 at the Business Centre, Bathgate, and was attended by over 30 people. It was noted that the organisation had set up three carers support groups - in Bathgate, Polbeth and Livingston - and that more were planned.

In following years with the support of West Lothian District Council and Lothian Regional Council (and later in 1996 West Lothian Council) the organisation continued to grow. In 1993 Carers of West Lothian moved to the Dovehill Carers Centre, Uphall, and in 1994 it employed its first member of staff. Ann-Marie Ross joined the organisation in 1995 as Administrator/Information Worker and retired in 1999.

The organisation has always maintained a strong carer focus and has always been carer led. It has relied for a great deal of its work on the voluntary efforts of carers themselves. Frances Hunt, who became Secretary in 1994 and remained in this role up to her sudden and untimely death in 1999, had a strong influence on the organisations development and growth.

Carers of West Lothian are grateful and have benefited from the support they have received from individuals - such as Councillor Alex Davidson, Barbara McKenzie (formerly with West Lothian Council) and Seb Fischer from VOCAL - and from the many carers who have given their time on a voluntary basis to serve on the Management Committee and to carry out work.

In 1999 Carers of West Lothian began negotiations with Lothian Health, West Lothian Healthcare NHS Trust (now NHS Lothian), West Lothian Council and the Princess Royal Trust for Carers for increased core funding. In 2000 this led to the employment of a Development Manager and a Centre Co-ordinator and the establishment of the Dovehill Carers Centre as The Princess Royal Trust Carers of West Lothian Carers Centre.

In 2002 Carers of West Lothian moved to our current offices in the Broxburn Partnership Centre - a unique multi-agency project bringing together health services, community services, housing and other services.

Carers of West Lothian now has regular contact with 2,000 carers and provides a wide range of services to carers.