Do you look after someone who needs help and support due to an illness, disability, mental health problem, or substance misuse? If they could not manage without your support, and you’re not employed to do this, then you are a carer.
The advantage of our information and support is that we are a local based organisation. We have an in-depth understanding of the people of Aberdeenshire and take a localised approach to all our information and carers services.
We are also network partners with the National Carers Organisations, Carers Trust and Coalition of Carers which keeps us briefed with all matters relating to unpaid carers.
Updated: Friday 20th March 2026
From this week, carers who look after more than one person for at least 20 hours a week will be able to claim the new Carer Additional Person Payment, worth over £500 a year for each additional cared-for person.
Other improvements include extending Carer Support Payment following the death of the cared-for person from 8 to 12 weeks and replacing Carer's Allowance Supplement with Scottish Carer Supplement which will be paid alongside Carer Support Payment rather than in two annual payments as it is currently – meaning carers receive extra support more consistently and regularly.
We’re promoting the changes through our networks, as well as through radio and social media advertising, to let carers know about the additional support now available.
For further information on this please use the following link -https://www.socialsecurity.gov...
Updated: Monday 9th February 2026
To view the latest carers events around Aberdeenshire, please visit our Aberdeenshire Carers Events page.
Updated: Monday 9th February 2026
We have a loads of events taking place in North, South, and Central Aberdeenshire this month.
Updated: Monday 9th February 2026
Join Social Security Scotland's information event on Wednesday 4 March.
Do you know of someone who is a carer or are you a carer that needs support?
If you are a young or adult carer or referring a young or adult carer, please follow the link below to complete our online form.
Updated: 19/3/26
Applications for 2025/26 are currently closed and will reopen in May 2026/27.
Time to Live (TTL) is a funding programme that provides microgrants to unpaid carers so that they can take a vital break from their caring role - this can take the form of:
Whatever you deem as a break for you - TTL can provide this support.
VSA are working with Shared Care Scotland as their delivery partner, with funding being provided by the Scottish Government.
To be eligible for Time to Live funding you must be:
Applications are currently closed. The TTL Creative Break funding for 2026/27 will reopen in May 2026.
Please note: Re-applying is only eligible after 12 months from the date you previously received funding.
Carefree is a multi-award-winning digital charity with a mission to offer every full-time unpaid carer in the UK the chance of an annual short break.
Breaks consist of 1–2-night hotel stays, plus breakfast at the cost of a £38 admin fee. To be eligible, you must be 18+ and a full-time unpaid carer (30+ hours per week).
Please note: The break is for the carer only. You are welcome to take a companion but not the person(s) you care for. Carers may book up to two breaks per calendar year. 1 break between January - June & 1 break between July and December.
Request a referral by completing our form HERE. Alternatively, you can find out more by contacting: carers.shire@vsa.org.uk or pamela.mccready@vsa.org.uk
A range of resources and information for anyone who has an unpaid caring role.
Summer 2025 Newsletter now available!
Our carer magazine, where you can find out what activities we have upcoming and also read stories from fellow carers.
National charity Family Fund provides a wide range of grants to families living in Scotland raising a disabled or seriously ill child, or young person, on a low income.
You could be eligible to apply for items such as a washing machine, fridge or oven; a piece of furniture including beds and bedding, sensory or play equipment, technology like an iPad or tablet or a family break.
This support could make a big difference to your child and family.
