	CARERS of WEST LOTHIAN Providing Support, Information and a A Voice for Carers in West Lothian

3 Years Funding for Outreach Project Extension

West Lothian Courier Article

Charity Windfall

A Charity that helps support people who care for loved ones has been given a lottery cash boost. Carers of West Lothian received almost £120,000 to help identify carers living in the county.

The money will help the group, based at Broxburn's Strathbrock Partnership Centre, to bring people who look after friends or family out of isolation, help them access health services and help address their needs.

The £119,733 comes from a £3 million charity pot from the Big Lottery Fund, which doles out cash to good causes throughout the country.

Carers of West Lothian was started in 1990 by a small group who were concerned about the lack of support for carers but were determined to do something about it. Since then it has mushroomed into a county-wide group offering a whole range of support for carers.

The voluntary group now deals with around 2000 carers in West Lothian and provides a wide range of services.

The services include a carer's information pack, regular newsletter, training courses and an advice shop.

Its manager, Mary-Denise McKernan, said that so far, the charity had helped identify 1,200 carers in 14 GP practices throughout the county and was now putting their spotlight on 11 more. "We are delighted that we have received this money," she said. "Our aim is to identify the hidden carers in all 25 GP practices and St John's Hospital and to also build networks and partnerships with healthcare and social work staff."

Dharmendra Kanani, Big Lottery Fund director for Scotland, said she was happy to be able to help worthy causes. "We want to build strong, dynamic communities in which people feel they belong," she said. "Today's projects are wonderful examples of how our funding can achieve real social change and benefits for people and communities most in need. We look forward to building on this legacy with our future working plans."