The Princess Royal Trust North Argyll Carers Centre

Home | Staff | Services | News | Publications

Through Argyll and Bute Council, the Princess Royal Trust for Carers and United Distillers and Vinters funding, the vision of a Centre for Carers in Oban became a reality in April 1998.

Initially based in the Social Work Department, a Manager (Ruth Moody)and partime administration assistant (Isla Coleman) were employed. These were joined by an experienced and enthusiastic volunteer (Christine Hammond)

In 1999 a suitable building, owned by the Council, was identified in Albany Street. Quarriers supplied funds for the extensive refurbishing neccessary ie wheelchair access, insulation and new windows. Subsequently a five year rent free period was negotiated for this outlay.

Ruth canvassed extensively through presentations and at organised events. Carers were accessed and their needs assessed. It soon became evident that home-based respite was priority, followed by someone to confide in and receive information from, in a format that carers could utilise readily.

Ruths long-term ideal of a Crossroads service in Oban was realised and this was set-up within the Carers Centre.

As more and more Carers registered for support and refferals came from other agencies, extra staff were employed and the Young Carers project commenced.

Carers from all walks of life and with a variety of carer needs are welcome to access support from the Centre by phone, email or our open-door policy.

In March 2009 Quarriers announced their intention to withdraw from the management of the project. To maintain the service a new company with charitable status ie. North Argyll Carers Centre Ltd, was formed. This company took over operation of the service on the first of August 2009.

Centre staff and the Board of Trustees were very much heartened by the support from the local communities and the Centres aim to provide a needs led quaility service to all carers in North Argyll can continue.