Supporting people who care for family and friends
CoEL 
This week is Carers Week. Carers Week is a national campaign held each year to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face, and recognise the incredible contribution they make to families and communities across the UK. It also encourages those who may not yet identify as carers to recognise their role and … Read more
My name is John. I’m 76 years old and I care for my wife Jane who is 81. I’ve been caring for Jane for 22 years. I was on the lorries working as an HGV driver. I was going up and down the road and she fell in the back yard on a really wet … Read more
Today is the first day of Dementia Awareness Week. The theme this year is the power of friendship to support people with dementiaAs the condition progresses, emotional connections and social interactions remain deeply significant. Friendship provides comfort, reassurance, and a sense of belonging, helping to combat feelings of isolation and loneliness, and can empower and … Read more
My name is Kathlyn. I am 81 years old and I care for my husband. He started off last year with rheumatoid arthritis and was in the Royal and he was transferred to the community hospital. When he came out, he couldn’t walk. A care package was set up, but it was really just the … Read more
Earlier this year, you may remember that we were in the customer vote for Tesco Stronger Starts. It’s a scheme which gives funding to community projects like us. Customers voted in Tesco North Berwick store between January and March. We are absolutely delighted that we came second in the customer vote, and we will receive … Read more
East Lothian Rehabilitation Service are reviewing how easy it is to access their services. At present, a single point of contact telephone service for advice and onward referral if appropriate is offered. Please follow the link below if you would like to complete their survey and support them in shaping their future. East Lothian Rehabilitation … Read more
At Carers of East Lothian, we undertake an annual survey of unpaid carers. Results from the survey help us to ensure our services are responsive to the needs of carers and help us to deepen our understanding of unpaid care. If you are an unpaid carers and you would like to complete the survey to share your views, please click on … Read more
If you are an unpaid carer who is struggling to pay for food or fuel, or cover other essential bills, please apply to our financial insecurity fund by calling 0131 665 0135 or emailing centre@coel.org.uk. We are able to support carers facing financial insecurity with small grants of up to £100.00 and sometimes more in … Read more
We are delighted to announce that the Scottish Government and East Lothian Council have confirmed continuation funding for CoEL to deliver Time for Me grants programme throughout 2025 and up to April 2026. The Time for Me grants programme enables unpaid carers in East Lothian to apply for financial support to take a break from their … Read more
We are currently recruiting for an administrative assistant at CoEL. We offer very flexible working and 6% matched pension. We are a Carer Positive Exemplary employer, as well as being Disability Confident Committed and a Living Wage employer. We have an excellent reputation, recently gaining recognition through the Carers Trust ‘Excellence for Carers’ Award and … Read more