Voluntary Action Shetland

Voluntary Action Shetland (VAS) is a registered charity SC017286, and our role is to support the needs of the local Shetland Community. We provide support to local carers by providing the below:

What can Shetland Carers offer?

From 1st April 2025 VAS will be supporting the distribution of the Short Break Grants and Respitality Breaks. For more information on these please contact Rachel McIntosh (Mon-Fri 9am to 2pm) on 01595 743923 or by e-mailing : carers@shetland.org

*Please note: Short Break Grants for 25/26 are not open yet for applying, we will update in due course.

For other help available and organisations who can support you in your caring role please click HERE

We can offer information, advice and signposting to local carers and carers groups to help make life a little easier for carers and the people they care for.

We offer:

• Signposting to relevent support agengies
• Information about Emergency Planning
• Advice on how to apply for Short break 'Time to Live' grants and Respitality breaks for carers
• Support in the Development of the Shetland Carers Strategy

Shetland Carers Strategy

You can have your say locally through the Shetland Carers Strategy Group.

The Shetland Carers Strategy Group (SCSG) is a multi-agency group. It is carer led and brings together representatives from the Council, NHS Shetland and the Voluntary Sector. The group monitors progress against the objectives of the Carer Information Strategy and supports the needs of unpaid carers. Jim Guyan is the carers representative on this group and you can contact him with any issues you would like raised on your behalf. He is contactable at jim.guyan@shetland.org

The Shetland Carers Strategy Group produces the Shetland Carers’ Strategy, in consultation with Carers and using EPiC principles (see within the document).