Lothian announces VOCAL as Charity of Choice
Lothian Buses has announced that VOCAL (Voice of Carers Across Lothian) has been chosen as its new Charity of Choice partner for the next two years.
The charity was selected after winning a vote by the company’s 2,500-plus workforce across all of the its sites.
(L to R) Cammy Addison, Lothian Buses driver; Peter McLeod, Lothian Buses Assistant Depot Engineer; Lindsay Wilson, Lothian Buses CCTV Manager and Amanda Laurenson, Lothian Buses driver
VOCAL supports over 10,000 unpaid carers per year, in all caring situations and relationships, from their Edinburgh and Midlothian Carer Centres and throughout local communities. From one-to-one support and counselling, to specialist information and advice and breaks from caring, VOCAL helps carers to maintain their health and wellbeing and have a life alongside caring.
The partnership, which will run until the start of 2025, will raise awareness of unpaid carers and link those who need support to VOCAL’s dedicated carer support teams.
“Lothian is proud to be a part of the communities we serve and recognise that many of our customers and colleagues are unpaid carers in their everyday lives” – Gaynor Marshall, Communications Director for Lothian
Gaynor Marshall, Communications Director for Lothian, said: “We are delighted that our people have chosen VOCAL to be Lothian’s charity partner for the next two years.
“Lothian is proud to be a part of the communities we serve and recognise that many of our customers and colleagues are unpaid carers in their everyday lives. We welcome the expert support, advice and guidance that VOCAL can provide and look forward to the part Lothian can play in raising wider awareness of this incredibly worthy cause.”
“This unique opportunity will have a lasting impact for carers and VOCAL” – Rosemary McLoughlin, CEO for VOCAL
Rosemary McLoughlin, CEO for VOCAL, said: “Our partnership with Lothian will highlight the vital work undertaken by unpaid carers across our communities, and connect local carers to relevant supports and services, as early as possible in their caring role.
“This unique opportunity will have a lasting impact for carers and VOCAL. We are very grateful to the Lothian staff for their support and look forward to working together over the next two years.”