For over three decades, VOCAL (Voice of Carers Across Lothian) has been supporting unpaid carers across Edinburgh and Midlothian. From our two main carer hubs we provide direct, person-centred support to individuals who care - often without recognition or breaks from caring - for family members, friends or neighbours who live with physical disabilities, long-term illness, mental health challenges, drug or alcohol dependency issues.
Through a mix of practical help, training, benefits advice, breaks from caring planning, and therapeutic support, we enable carers to balance their caring responsibilities with their own life goals. Our approach is holistic, trauma-informed, and designed to prevent crisis rather than respond to it.
Treasure Tree
Treasure Tree is a social enterprise owned and operated by VOCAL, which sells discounted second-hand mobility items, including motorised scooters, electric and manual wheelchairs, rise-and-recline chairs, walkers, commodes, hoists, beds and much more.
The initiative was launched around 10 years ago, primarily as a support service for carers, who often find themselves with unwanted mobility equipment during periods of stress, change and grief. Treasure Tree offers the opportunity for those donating items to receive up to 50% of what said item sells for. This is just one part of a unique four-way win model, which functions as follows:
They have an eBay store and ship nation wide, check it out here : https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/treasuretreeforvocalcarers
- Those donating an item are able to receive up to 50% of the sale price.
- Those purchasing an item are receiving an item in excellent condition (with new batteries and parts fitted where required) for a heavily discounted price.
- Any profit made by the Treasure Tree service goes back into supporting unpaid carers.
- All donated items are rescued from their usual final destination of landfill sites, benefitting the environment and contributing significantly to the circular economy at a local level.
Treasure Tree has a physical shop, based at Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre in Leith, Edinburgh. The Treasure Tree team of staff and volunteers includes a former Occupational Therapist who is able to advise and assist with ensuring that customers are choosing an item that will suit their needs correctly.
Key contacts:
Andrew Warburton, Partnership & Business Manager – awarburton@vocal.org.uk
Debbie Greenough, Business Development Manager – dgreenough@vocal.org.uk
