Carers' group wins charity service title

A CHARITY which supports volunteer carers in the Lothians has won an award.

Voice of Carers Across Lothians (VOCAL) has become the first charity in Scotland to gain the Charities Evaluation Service level two prize.

Officials said the recognition was given not just for the work VOCAL does with carers in the area, but its partnership working with local authorities and the NHS.

Patrick Layden, QC, VOCAL's chairman, said: "Our motto has always been 'only the best is good enough for carers'.

"Today this is more important than ever. At times when public services are being cut, unpaid carers - who are already the largest careforce in Scotland - need the best support they can get.

"VOCAL needs to evidence high quality services to get the funding we require to support carers."

Edinburgh Central MSP Sarah Boyack has also tabled a motion at the Scottish Parliament praising the charity.

It is the second welcome boost for the group, which earned the Centre of Excellence title from the Princess Royal Trust for Carers last month.