LGBTQ+ Carers
Confidential support for LGBTQ+ carers in Edinburgh and Lothian, to help you look after yourself and your loved ones.
LGBTQ+ carers support
One‑to‑one support and group activities delivered by a team who understands LGBTQ+ identities and experiences. We can also help you look at your finances, and signpost you to sources of support (if you’re eligible), like apply to the Turn2Us Edinburgh Trust.
One-to-one support
A flexible space to talk about anything relating to your wellbeing.
Sessions can help with:
- anxiety, stress or low mood
- identity, or coming out
- self-care
- finances, or benefits
- anything you’d like support with
Cost: free.
Where: email, phone, online, or in-person in Edinburgh.
How to start: contact Diane at diane@lgbthealth.org.uk or 0131 564 3970.
Group activities
Community spaces where you can connect with other LGBTQ+ carers and build connections.
Activities include:
- outdoor walks
- peer support group
Cost: free.
Where: online or in-person in Edinburgh.
How to join: see our upcoming activities.
Financial help
Money worries are common for carers. We can help you find support with:
- Grants: we are a referral partner for Turn2Us Edinburgh Trust. If your income is under £16,000 a year, we may be able to refer you for a payment of £1,500.
- Benefits and advice: we are a partner of VOCAL Carers Centre, who offer lots of help and support.
- Voucher scheme with VOCAL: if there’s something in Edinburgh you’d like to try (like go for afternoon tea, or get a massage, or anything at all you fancy), we may be able to get a voucher so you can access it free of charge.
- Wee Breaks: grants to fund activities or support that gives you time out from caring.
How to start: contact Diane at diane@lgbthealth.org.uk or 0131 564 3970.
Other resources
- Know Your Rights: a guide for carers
- Best Practice Guide to support LGBTQ+ carers
- Liddell Lions Lunch Break: weekly lunch group for people with dementia and their carers by the Eric Liddell Centre in Morningside
Here’s what’s happening soon in our carers group activities, or explore our full programme of events for more ways to connect.
Queer Carers Group
Queer Carers Group
Other support available
Is your support for me?
Our support is for anyone 16+ who is LGBTQ+*.
Whether you’re out, not sure, exploring or don’t use any particular labels, we welcome you as you are.
You don’t need to be a registered carer to access our support. If you’re supporting a family member, partner, child, or friend of any age with a long-term condition, disability, mental or physical health issue, or addiction, we welcome you.
*We welcome the entire diversity of the LGBTQ+ community including lesbian, gay, bi+, trans, non-binary, intersex, ace people and all identities under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella.
Helpline
If you need someone to talk, our LGBTQ+ helpline is here for you by phone, live chat, or email.
Carewell Partnership
Proud to be part of the Carewell Partnership with other organisations in Edinburgh, providing support and information to carers. Our fellow partners include:
- VOCAL Carers Centre, providing a wide range of services, information and support for carers.
- Health in Mind, offering peer support and courses to support carer’s mental health and wellbeing.
- MILAN Senior Welfare, delivering services to older people and unpaid carers from South Asian communities.
- The Eric Liddell Community, a care charity and community hub based in Morningside.