VOCAL is Lothian’s new Charity of ChoiceLothian Buses announces new charity partnership

People from VOCAL and Lothian Buses stand of the steps of VOCAL's office for a photo, holding signs with their logos up.
Back row, from left to right: Cammy Addison (Lothian Buses driver), Peter McLeod (Lothian Buses Assistant Depot Engineer), Sebastian Fischer (VOCAL). Middle Row, from left to right: Andrew Warburton (VOCAL Partnership Development Officer), Jan Vettraino (VOCAL), Lora Vernon (VOCAL Head of Digital and Communications), Amanda Laurenson (Lothian Buses driver), Lindsay Wilson (Lothian Buses CCTV Manager). Front row, left to right: Ricé Melrose (VOCAL) and Karen Melrose (VOCAL).

Lothian Buses is delighted to announce that VOCAL – Voice of Carers Across Lothian – has been chosen as its new Charity of Choice partner for the next two years.

The charity has been named Lothian’s new Charity of Choice after the company’s 2500+ strong workforce chose VOCAL during a staff vote across all of the company’s sites.

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/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 shine a light on unpaid carers and link those who need support to VOCAL’s dedicated carer support teams.

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.”

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.”

For more information visit: www.lothianbuses.co.uk / www.vocal.org.uk.