both parties and raised valuable funds for the charity. LOTHIAN BUSES
Staff at Lothian Buses with caring responsibilities will have a new resource to support them thanks to the launch of a ‘Carer’s Passport,’ marking the end of the two-year partnership between the bus operator and charity Voice of Carers Across Lothian (VOCAL).
A Carer’s Passport details the flexibilities needed to support employees who have unpaid carer roles and enables the carer and their manager to have supportive, meaningful conversations about their needs. VOCAL has worked closely with the operator over the course of the two-year charity partnership to develop the workplace tool and has provided training for managers across the business to better support colleagues who provide care for another person.
The charity partnership, which launched in early 2023, has helped raise awareness of the work of VOCAL and the services the charity provides in communities across Edinburgh and the Lothians. Through Lothian Buses’ communications channels and the specially-wrapped bus, the charity says it has seen an increase in the number of referrals to its support services.
Helping to further the charity’s work, Lothian has also raised the sum of £11,500 through a variety of fundraising events including two Doors Open Days, charity challenges and a sponsored skydive. Communications Director at Lothian Gaynor Marshall said: “Our charity partnership with VOCAL has been really special. Knowing that we have helped to amplify VOCAL’s message within our operating area to promote the role of unpaid carers is confirmation that partnerships like this are vital.
“We’d like to take this opportunity, at the close of our partnership with VOCAL, to thank their team and service users for what has been an influential and inspirational two years.” Chief Executive of VOCAL Rosemary McLoughlin added: “Our partnership with Lothian Buses has been incredible. There are over 95,000 unpaid carers in Edinburgh and the Lothians and many have accessed support for the first time because of this partnership. It has encouraged conversations about unpaid care and linked carers to vital support.
“Thank you to Lothian for making such an inspiring partnership possible. While our time as Charity of Choice is coming to a close, we look forward to continuing our work together in the years to come.”
