In our Spring/Summer 2026 Newsletter...
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.
The team at In Control Scotland are excited to announce the launch of our new toolkit, the result of 16 months of collaborative learning, testing and development.
This resource has been co-produced with unpaid carers and those working in roles that support carers. Through a series of action learning sets, participants shared experiences, challenged assumptions, and worked together to develop practical approaches that reflect what matters most to carers.
The toolkit has been further strengthened through testing with local carer organisations, ensuring that the content is practical, relevant and grounded in real-world experience.At In Control Scotland, we know that the best solutions emerge when people with lived experience are equal partners in designing change. This toolkit is an example of that principle in action, and we are proud of what has been created collectively.
You can download the toolkit here: https://www.in-controlscotland.org/.../fd9368...
Aberdeenshire Note: While this toolkit describes carers' rights and Self-directed Support across Scotland, local processes can vary. In Aberdeenshire, Adult Carer’s are supported to complete an Adult Carer Support Plan by VSA Carer Advisor’s. Access to Adult Carer SDS Budgets is subject to local eligibility criteria, assessment, approval and review processes. Carers should seek local advice to understand how support is arranged within Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership.
Updated: Friday 28th August
We have a loads of events taking place in North, South, and Central Aberdeenshire this month.
Unpaid carers are warmly invited to drop in to learn about local support, speak with staff, and find out more about their rights.
For further details, please contact - carersupport@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
For more information click HERE
Unpaid carers are warmly invited to join our experienced Carer Advisors at our monthly carers café, where carers come together to provide support, information, and advice to one another.
It's the first Wednesday of each month from 10:30am - 11:30am.
Updated: Thursday 23rd July 2026
To view the latest carers events around Aberdeenshire, please visit our Aberdeenshire Carers Events page.
The Torry group will meet at the Greyhope Community Hub on Tuesdays (commencing 18th August) and the Northfield club will meet on Wednesdays (commencing 19th August).
The group is free to attend and aims to provide a welcoming social space for local residents to chat about sport.
Stonehaven, Inverurie, and Peterhead are holding monthly support groups for Unpaid Carers. This is a great opportunity to connect with other unpaid carers and gain support.
Applications for Time to Live (TTL) Creative Breaks 2026/27 are now open.
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.
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.
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.
Spring/Summer 2026 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.
