Support for carers

How can we help?

The Scottish Spina Bifida Association recognises the valuable contribution that carers make in supporting and caring for relatives and friends with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus. The impact of caring for someone with a long term condition can be both challenging and stressful for carers.

We provide a range of services for carers that aim to encourage, enable and empower carers to continue in their caring role. In providing these services we also aim to minimise the impact that caring has on carers' health and emotional wellbeing.

The Family Support Service provides the following support for carers:

Information and Advice

We can provide up to do date information and advice on spina bifida and hydrocephalus and related conditions as well as advice on resources that can support you in your caring role. We also provide events and conferences to enable you to access information

Emotional Support

We can provide 1:1 support via telephone, at our Centre in Cumbernauld or by visiting you at home in times of need. We can also help you develop coping strategies and link you with your local Carers Centre

Benefits

A member of staff can advise you of the benefits you are entitled to apply for as a carer and any other financial assistance that you may apply for on behalf of the cared for person

Advocacy

You may require support in the form of advocacy in relation to your caring role eg. at meetings, school reviews, social work reviews or hospital appointments

Social Needs

Many carers feel socially isolated and may benefit from meeting others in a similar position. Family Groups are held monthly in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Dundee and Cumbernauld which enable parents to meet others in the same situation. We can also provide details of other general support groups in your area