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:

The Shared Care Scotland Time to Live Short Breaks Fund helps unpaid carers take a break from their caring responsibilities and invest in their own wellbeing. Grants can be used for things like hobbies, leisure activities, fitness classes, subscriptions, equipment or a short getaway.
If you care for someone and live in Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands you can learn more about the eligibility criteria and apply online here.
Funding is limited and subject to availability.
The Carers Trust Grant provides financial support to unpaid carers aged 16+ and over whose caring role is having an impact on their wellbeing, finances or daily life. Grants can help carers access items, services or activities that make a positive difference to their caring role or help reduce some of the additional pressures they may face.
Funding may be available for a wide range of purposes, including:
• Household items such as fridges, freezers, beds and washing machines
• Short breaks for carers, with or without the person they care for
• Short-term replacement care
• Essential home repairs
• Courses, training and related materials
• IT equipment, mobile phones, software and data packages
• Transport costs related to caring responsibilities
• Driving lessons and driving tests
If you would like to find out more or discuss an application, please speak to your Adult Carer Support Worker.
The Connected for Good Fund provides financial support to people experiencing hardship across Argyll and Bute. As well as helping with immediate daily living costs, the fund connects individuals with specialist advice and support services that can help improve their financial wellbeing.
Working in partnership with local organisations, including Citizens Advice, ALIenergy and the Community Food Forum, the fund offers an initial payment to eligible households on low incomes with little or no savings. A second payment may be available for those who engage with the support services offered.
Visit the Connected for Good Fund website to find out more and apply.
Family Fund provides grants to families on a low income who are raising a disabled or seriously ill child or young person. Funding can help with a wide range of items and services that improve family life, support wellbeing and ease some of the additional pressures that families may face.
Grants may be available for household items, technology, family breaks, clothing, play equipment and much more.
Find out more and apply through Family Fund Scotland.
Take a Break Scotland provides grants to parent carers of disabled children and young people to help fund a short break from their caring responsibilities. Funding can be used in a variety of ways, including holidays, days out, leisure activities, sports equipment and other opportunities that support wellbeing and family life.
The fund aims to give families time to relax, recharge and enjoy meaningful experiences together.
Find out more and apply through Take a Break Scotland.
A range of benefits, grants and financial support may be available to help you in your caring role. Argyll and Bute Council's Benefits and Grants webpage provides information on local and national support, including Carer's Allowance, Council Tax Reduction, Scottish Welfare Fund assistance and other grants you may be entitled to.
Visit the Argyll and Bute Council website to explore available benefits and grants and check your eligibility.
Disability Grants is an online directory of charitable funding that can help disabled people, carers and families access financial support. The website brings together information on a wide range of grants, including funding for equipment, home adaptations, mobility aids, household items, holidays and other essential needs.
It can be a useful starting point for exploring additional sources of financial support and identifying grants that may be relevant to your individual circumstances.
Visit Disability Grants to search for available funding opportunities.
The Turn2us Grants Search is a free online tool that helps people find grants and other sources of financial support. By answering a few simple questions, you can search thousands of charitable funds and identify grants that may help with everyday expenses, care-related costs, household items, education, wellbeing and more.
It can be a useful way to explore additional financial support that may be available to you and your family.
Visit Turn2us Grants Search to find funding opportunities and check your eligibility.
The Carers Card UK scheme offers unpaid carers access to a range of discounts, special offers and useful services from participating organisations across the UK. It is designed to recognise the valuable contribution carers make while helping them save money and access additional support.
The card can be used to access a variety of benefits, making everyday life a little easier for unpaid carers.
Visit Carers Card UK to find out more and apply.

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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.

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

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

For adult carers and young carers living in Helensburgh and Lomond area. Please contact Helensburgh and Lomond Carers Centre.
Phone 01436 673 444

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Need to talk to us?
A few hours of your time can make a lasting difference to the life of an unpaid carer.
Contact us on 01546 600022 or volunteer@dochas.scot to find out more, complete the Volunteer Contact Form below.
Volunteer Contact Form









