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 support unpaid carers through Shetland Carers.

What can Shetland Carers offer?

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

Why not arrange a time to meet our support worker who can:

• Provide a 'listening ear' to carers
• Undertake home visits throughout Shetland for those who find it difficult to make it in to Market House, Lerwick
• Provide opportunities for carers to take part in social activities which include regular support groups
• Arrange training for carers in-house and with partner organisations
• Help with advice on Respitality Breaks and Short Break grants
• Promote greater awareness of carers and their needs, and give a positive community identity to carers and those involved in caring
• Talk to carers and carers groups on issues affecting carers
• Act as a voice to promote the needs of carers through the Shetland Carers Strategy Group and other avenues

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 facilitated by Voluntary Action Shetland (VAS). 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).

If you would like to be part of this group, our Adult Carers Support Worker would love to hear from you. Tel: 01595 743980. Please note this post is currently vacant.

Meet The Team

Our Adult Carers Support Worker post is currently vacant

Amanda Brown, Admin Support Worker

I have worked part-time as Admin Support for Shetland Carers since March 2020. It’s a really interesting and varied role, and I enjoy being part of a service which helps to support unpaid carers in the community.

Laura Mackenzie, Young Carers Support Worker (currently on Maternity Leave as of January 2023)

I am looking forward to the new opportunity to provide Shetland with a service that has been needed for many families, and what an amazing reward it will be. The last 10 years I worked as a Learning Support Worker. I enjoy being active and have represented Shetland in the badminton on a number of occasions for the counties and been to a couple of Island Games.

Laura Russell, Children and Families Support Worker

I work part-time as Children and Families Support Worker for Shetland Carers. This role involves supporting families who have a child with additional support needs and fits in well with my other part time role at Befriending as ASN Development Worker. I enjoy delivering the group work for the service and building up good relationships with the young people, their families and other organisations.

Other Useful Contacts

Westside Carers' Group

Fiona Sinclair is the secretary of the Westside Carers' Group.

Contact her at the Walls Health Centre: 01595 809352
Email: fiona.sinclair1@nhs.net

The group now have their own facebook page called Westside Carers Group.

Mental Health Carers' Group

Contact: Anne Burke on 07887606205 or by email vera.anne.burke@hotmail.co.uk