Hello. Thank for coming here to look for support. This page is really quite long, but there’s a lot of help out there. Please, take time to scroll down and see some of the great support there is for all. Or use some of the quick links below:
Apps for your mobile phone: Apps
Children and Families: Children
Older people: Older-adults
Gender specific advice, including sexual and other violence: Gender-specific
NHS Inform
General health information with a searchable database of local and national support organisations. Main source of updated health information on Covid 19. Access to information tools and resources for health conditions
- medical conditions
- injuries
- symptoms
- tests and treatments
- healthy living topics – such as stopping smoking, alcohol, food and nutrition and mental wellbeing
- health news and events
- national health campaigns
- services provided by GPs, pharmacies and dental surgeries in Scotland
- your rights when using these services
There is also a number of interactive tools:
- self-help guides for common illnesses and injuries
- Scotland’s Service Directory containing health and wellbeing support organisations and thousands of NHS services in Scotland
- an Info for Me tool that helps you to gather, save, publish and share your own health information
Website: https://www.nhsinform.scot/ and https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/mental-wellbeing
NHS24
Health Information and self care advice, breathing space, national services directory, Quit your way
Self help guides https://www.nhsinform.scot/self-help-guides
Helpline: 111 open 24hrs a day
Website: http://www.nhs24.scot/ and https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/mental-wellbeing
Breathing Space Scotland
A free and confidential phoneline service for any individual, who is experiencing low mood, anxiety or depression, or who is unusually worried and in need of someone to talk to. Also information on living life and a new web chat option
The website gives information
Helpline: 0800 83 85 87 Open weekdays: Mon-Thurs 6pm – 2am weekend: Fri 6pm – Mon 6am
Website: http://breathingspace.scot/
Samaritans
24/7 emotional support by phone or email for anyone in the UK. Recently launched self help app that helps track how people feeling and gives recommendations of things that can help people to cope, feel better and stay safe
Website: https://www.samaritans.org/about-samaritans.aspx
Helpline: 116 123 24hrs X 7 days a week
Living life
Access to telephone guided self-help or online self-help at no cost. Living Life is available to anyone over the age of 16 experiencing:
- low mood
- mild to moderate depression
- symptoms of anxiety
- a combination of these symptoms.
Living Life will help by
- support regularly and directly through a series of telephone appointments with a self-help coach or therapist over 4-9 sessions
- assisting with helpful resources
- additional coping skills
- referring on to other services where appropriate.
Helpline: 08003289655
Website: http://www.lltf.com and https://www.breathingspace.scot/living-life/
Clear Your Head
Useful information and advice toolkitto help get people through Covid19with links to various support organisations.
Website www.clearyourhead.scot
Beating the Blues
Online CBT therapy for people with low to mild depression. Referral by GP or Community Mental Health Team.
Mind Infoline
Information and advice on a range of mental health issues there is also a toolkit to support people needing urgent help
- mental health problems
- where to get help
- treatment options
- Advocacy services.
Helpline: 0300 123 3393 Open 9am – 6pm (Mon – Fri)
Website: https://www.mind.org.uk/ and https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/?ctaId=/need-urgent-help/using-this-tool/slices/using-this-tool/
Scottish Association for Mental Health
Provides help, information and support for people with mental health problems. With specific information and advice on increased anxiety related to the current pandemic
Helpline: 0800 917 34 66,
Email: info@samh.org.uk.to access support
Website: https://www.samh.org.uk/ and https://www.samh.org.uk/about-mental-health/self-help-and-wellbeing/coronavirus-information-hub
Anxiety UK
Access support, therapy at reduced cost and self-help. Also offer subscription to Headspace app for members.
During the coronavirus pandemic, they will be extending the helpline hours to provide additional support in the evenings until 10pm and over the weekend between 10am -8pm so that they can offer support to as many people as possible who need our help.
Helpline: 03444775774
Text service: 07537416905
Website:www.anxietyuk.org.uk/ and www.anxietyuk.org.uk/coronanxiety-support-resources/
No Panic
No Panic is a registered charity which helps people who suffer from Panic Attacks, Phobias, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders and other related anxiety disorders. Offering support, relaxation techniques and information.
Crisis Number Recording of a Breathing Technique: 01952 680835 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Helpline: 0844 967 4848 Open 10am-10pm everyday
Email: info@nopanic.org.uk
Website: https://nopanic.org.uk/
Papyrus
Aimed at Children and Young People under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide. If you, or a young person you know, not coping with life? For confidential suicide prevention advice contact HOPELINEUK. They are open Weekdays 9am–10pm, Weekends and Bank Holidays 2pm–10pm
Hopeline: 0800 068 4141
Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org
Website: https://papyrus-uk.org/
DRUGS AND ALCOHOL
We Are With You
Formerly Addaction. Phone support with substance issues information and online chat on website. National.
Helensburgh, Oban, Dunoon, Islay 0800 206 1460
Website www.wearewithyou.org.uk
Alcoholics Anonymous
AA helps with the personal recovery and continued sobriety of individual alcoholics who turn to the Fellowship for help.
Covid19- offering online zoom meetings and continued support through the helpline and email.
Helpline: 08009177650
Email: help@aamail.org
Website: www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
Narcotics Anonymous
N.A. is a non-profit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. They are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean. This is a program of complete abstinence from all drugs. There is only ONE requirement for membership, the desire to stop using.
Covid19- currently holding online meetings to offer support
Helpline:
0300 999 1212 10.00am – midnight
Website: https://ukna.org/
GAMBLING ADVICE
National Gambling HelpLine
Call Free: 0808 8020 133
Live chat via www.gamcare.org.uk
BeGambleAware – https://www.begambleaware.org/
Gamblers Annoymous – https://www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk/
The Gambling Therapy app – https://www.gamblingtherapy.org/en
The Gambling Therapy app; it is a free app that is designed to help those struggling with problem gambling by providing easy access information and support tools. The aim of the app is to help you identify and overcome problem gambling. Some features of the app are:
- Self-assessment questionnaire
- Live support
- Mindfulness and self-help exercises
- Links to blocking software
GENDER SPECIFIC ADVICE
CALM- Campaign against living miserably
Helpline aimed at supporting mens mental health wellbeing
Helpline: 0800585858 Helpline 5pm-midnight 365 days a year,
Web chat: www.thecalmzone.net/help/webchat Web chat 5pm-midnight
Website: www.thecalmzone.net
DOMESTIC ABUSE
Confidential support and information on domestic abuse
Office: 0870 2413548
Email: argyllwomensaid@btconnect.com
Scottish Women’s Aid – National Domestic Abuse & Forced Marriage Helpline
Free confidential information and support on domestic abuse
- Helpline: 0800 027 1234 available 24/7
- Website: sdafmh.org.uk
Email: helpline@sdafmhs.org.uk
RAPE AND SEXUAL ABUSE
Support and information for people who have suffered sexual abuse
Helpline: Women: 0800 1214685
Helpline: Men: 0800 0320399
Email: info@rapecrisiscentre-argyll-bute.org.uk
or support@rapecrisiscentre-argyll-bute.org.uk
RELATIONSHIPS
RELATE
Relationship support, 1 to 1 phone and web counselling, and online chat option. Also new relationships, young people, bereavement, mental wellbeing links to other services, advice information and videos.
During Covid19 they have increased webcam counselling and helpline support
Helpline: 03000030396
Website: www.relate.org.uk/relationship-help/covid-19-advice-and-information
The Spark
During Covid19, The Spark have a dedicated team providing online counselling service either by phone or video through ZOOM. Also providing extended hours on counselling and relationship helplines.
Counselling Helpline: 0808 802 0050 (Free) Mon-Wed 9am-9pm, Thurs 9am-8pm, Fri 9am-3pm.
Relationship Helpline: 0808 802 2088 (Free) Mon-Thurs 9am-5pm (extended hours due to Covid19)
Website- www.thespark.org.uk/coronavirus-service-update/
BEREAVEMENT AND GRIEF SUPPORT
Cruse Bereavement Care
Support and practical advice for bereaved people.
Helpline: 0808 808 1677 (Free)
The helpline is open Monday-Friday 9.30-5pm (excluding bank holidays), with extended hours on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, when they are open until 8pm.
E-mail: helpline@cruse.org.uk
Website: www.cruse.org.uk
Marie Curie
Support and information on bereavement and coping with grief. Information on planning funerals. Bereavement support. Support Line is open 8am – 6pm Monday to Friday and 11am – 5pm Saturday to Sunday. On bank holidays they are open 10am – 4pm.
Helpline: 08000902309
Website: https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/help/support/bereaved-family-friends
Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland
Coping with grief phone support. Information but more information on the national Cruse website
Helpline: 08456002227 (calls cost 5p per minute plus mobile provider charges)
Helpline open Mon to-Thurs 10am to 8pm, Fri 10 am to 4 pm
Email: support@crusescotland.org.uk
Website: www.crusescotland.org.uk
CARERS
Care Info Scotland
Information advice and support for carers and for people planning care. Information and signposting on carers support including young carers
Helpline: 0800 0113200 (Helpline currently closed as staff helping on Covid19 helpline)
Website: www.careinfoscotland.scot
Carers Scotland
Information and advice for carers, advice on benefits
Helpline: 0808 808 7777
Website: https://www.carersuk.org/scotland/help-and-advice
Scottish Autism
Providing advice, support and guidance for anyone affected by Autism.
During Covid19 they have extended opening hours on the helpline.
Helpline: 01259 222022
Email: advice@scottishautism.org
Website- www.scottishautism.org
OLDER ADULTS
Age UK/Scotland
Information and advice on a range of matters relating to older people. Legal, POA, Funerals, wills, care at home, care homes, advice for carers, dementia, mental health and wellbeing, housing energy, general money matters and benefit advice
During Covid19, they are delivering food, providing home from hospital support and friendship service in addition to the helpline
Age Scotland Helpline– 0800 1244222
Age UK Advice Line– 0800 0556112
Website– www.ageuk.org.uk/scotland/
Web page www.ageuk.org.uk/scotland/information-advice/health-and-wellbeing/coronavirus/
The Silverline
The Silver Line is the confidential, free helpline for older people across the UK offering advice information and befriending.
Helpline 24 hour free helpline: 0800 470 8090
Website http://www.thesilverline.org.uk
Email: info@thesilverline.org.uk
Support for Children and families
Childline
Support and information. Toolkit, tips and confidential counselling service
- Information and tips on
- Domestic abuse
- Anxiety
- Feelings
- Body image
- Relationships
- School
Helpline: 0800 1111
Website: www.childline.org.uk
Cool2talk
A safe space for young people over 12 years old, Information for young people and one to one online chat service with a counsellor.
Website- https://cool2talk.org/ or
https://cool2talk.org/services/ access to a list of A&B services.
Young people, parents and carers of young people
Telephone support service with access to one to one counselling support from A&B educational psychologists
Mondays 9.30am until 12.00noon
Wednesdays 4.30pm until 7.00pm
Fridays 9.30am until 12.00noon
Call 01546 605524
Please select Education and then Parent and Carer Support Line
NSPCC Online Hub for parents and carers during Coronavirus outbreak
The NSPCC has created an online Hub providing advice and support for parents and carers during the coronavirus outbreak. Content includes: information on keeping children safe from abuse; tips and advice to help parents working from home; and ways to talk to a child who is anxious or worried about coronavirus.
Website: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/coronavirus-advice-suppport-children-families-parents/
Support for Deaf Children
The National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) has published information for parents, carers and families and information for professionals to support d/Deaf children and young people during the Coronavirus outbreak.
https://www.ndcs.org.uk/covid-19-coronavirus-support-for-deaf-children/
Support for parents and carers supporting children and young people with autism
The Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (ACAMH) has released a podcast for parents and carers about supporting children and young people with autism during the Coronavirus outbreak. The National Autistic Society (NAS) has also published resources for people with autism of all ages.
https://www.acamh.org/podcasts/cornavirus-autism-a-parents-guide/
Online Safety Guide for Parents
Thinkuknow has published guidance for parents and carers to support children who may be spending more time online at home while they do their school work and socialise with friends. Suggestions to help parents keep children safe online include: chatting to find out how they use online technology and what it means to them; reminding children to report anything worrying, and how they can do this; and setting up or reviewing parental controls.
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/support-tools/support-your-child-at-home
Family Mediation
- Oban : Telephone: 01631 570 101
- Dunoon – Telephone: 01369 701 408
National Info line 013451192020
Email enquiries@relationships-scotland.org.uk
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Citizens Advice Scotland
Specific Coronavirus section with support and advice on benefits, paying bills, council tax, where to find local food banks, advice for self-employed, energy suppliers, mortgage and rent advice. With links to other agencies to get support, crisis grant from welfare fund information. General advice for older people, scams, armed forces support, housing and legal advice
Helpline– 0800 028 1456
Website- https://www.cas.org.uk/
LOCAL CARERS CENTRES ACROSS ARGYLL AND BUTE
Cowal and Bute
Crossroads
During Covid 19 Telephone and email support only.
(During Covid 19 for those requiring PPE contact Christine, centre manager on 01369 707700)
Young carers contact Mags- 01369 704492
Tel: 01369 70 7700 or 07827 772 358
Email: deby@crossroadscowalandbute.org.uk
Website: Crossroads Cowal & Bute
Mid Argyl/Islay & Kintyre
(Covid 19, Centre currently closed but staff working from home, make general enquires via phone or email) Also a link on the site for help and support during pandemic for carers and PPE for carers.
Tel: 01546 60 0022
Email: enquiries@dochasfund.org.uk
Website: Dochas Carers Centre
Helensburgh and Lomond
Helensburgh and Lomond Carers
(Covid 19- Currently centre is closed but they are offering telephone support, all staff have mobile numbers listed on website, but if a person calls the main numbers they are diverted to a worker)
Young carers number- 07483 36 33 82
Tel: 01436 673444 or 01436 670555
Email: hello@hlcc.org.uk
Website: Helensburgh & Lomond Carers Centre
Oban Lorn and Isles
Covid19- Support and advice for carers, listening ear or counselling for carers call number below.
(Specific PPE advice 01631 564543)
Tel: 01631 564422 or 074453666642
Email: info@northargyllcarers.org
Website: North Argyll Carers
Full details >> LOCAL SUPPORT
MS Centre and Outreach,
Support and advice for people with long term conditions
(Covid 19- The Centre building is currently closed, but staff working online at home delivering a virtual centre- classes, groups and activities all still being offered) go to the website and on the news page it gives the link for the facebook group.
Jeans Bothy Helensburgh
Support, group activities for mental health and wellbeing. Membership required, free, call to register.
Covid 19- Jean’s Bothy is closed but people can phone 01436 679718, text to 07542226390 or visit the Jean’s Bothy Facebook, Twitter and Instagram page as these will all continue to be managed and responded to should anyone need to get in contact. Staff are putting in place ways members can continue to stay in contact with each other, continue to access activities to support their mental health and wellbeing just through virtual/online methods instead. They are open to new referrals should anyone come across someone who could benefit from joining as a member. They are keen to ensure members and new members are supported with their mental health through this challenging time.
Visit the Jean’s Bothy Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Telephone- 01436 679218
Website-https://www.jeansbothy.org
Helensburgh & Lomond Foodbank
Covid19, Will continue to provide a drop-in Foodbank on Monday & Friday mornings from 10.00am until 12 and on a Thursday evening from 6pm until 8pm at the Red Cross Hall. Also at Howie Pavilion, Rosneath on a Wednesday from 1pm until 3pm and an outreach service in Arrochar. No referral necessary the Foodbank is for those with no food and no money to buy food. They will be limiting the number of people inside the Hall at any one time so people may have to wait outside. They are unable to provide tea, coffee or advice services to reduce contact time. A ‘Give and Go’ walk-through service is being provided to allow pick up of a pre-packed bag of non-perishable food for 3 to 5 days.
Also have a Facebook page.
Email. helensburghfoodbank@gmail.com
Kirkmichael Community Development Group, Helensburgh
Kirkmichael Community Development Group is a network of people living in Kirkmichael who give voluntarily of their time to help others. They are offering support to the community to help with shopping, medical supplies, befriending or posting mail.
Email- simpson957@btinternet.com
Tel- 01436-675451 (Liz Simpson)
Email- allan.j.forsyth@gmail.com
Tel- 01436-674403 (Allan Forsyth)
Lorn and Oban Healthy Options–
Centre closed due to Covid19.
During Covid 19, providing online support, advice, activities, online workouts, Pilates, meditation.
Telephone- 01631 565113
Parentline
Help, advice and information for families of children and teenagers. Also web chat available on the website. Advice on talking to children about Coronavirus.
Helpline- 08000 28 22 33 Mon-Fri, 9am to 9pm Sat-Sun, 9am to noon
Website- https://www.children1st.org.uk/help-for-families/parentline-scotland/
A&B Council Coronavirus Support
A range of information on accessing support, helpline number, accessing food information on shielding, services available
Website- https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/coronavirus-help-and-advice
Financial support- https://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/about-scottish-welfare-fund
Coronavirus Helpline 01546 605524 – open 9am to 5pm, Mon-Fri
DWP/Job Centres/Benefits
Job centres remain open to support a very limited number of people who are unable to access online support to complete applications for benefits only. Information on what benefits are available and how to apply for them. A range of extra support and measures are in place to help workers, benefit claimants and businesses affected by Coronovirus.
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-work-pensions
https://www.gov.uk/browse/benefits
https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance/how-to-claim
https://www.gov.uk/apply-universal-credit
Helpline –0800 328 5644
Home Energy Trust
Help to reduce energy bills, tips to save money and advice if struggling to pay energy bills.
Helpline– 0808 808 2282
Website- https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland
TEXT SERVICE FOR CRISIS SUPPORT
SHOUT
Get 24/7 help from the team of Crisis Volunteers– Shout is the UK’s first 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help.
Text: Shout to 85258
Website:www.giveusashout.org
Mobile Apps
Calm Harm–
This app can be used to help the user manage urges to self-harm. It’s a private app and can be password protected. The help and advice provides suggestions of 5-15 minute categorised activities that can help the user ‘ride the wave’ of an urge to self-harm. The user is signposted to resources that the app determines may be helpful. These suggestions are based on the users answers to questions about what triggered their urge to self-harm.
Headspace – mindfulness app with some free content available to help cope with all that is going on. The app is a great choice if you want to learn the essentials of meditation and mindfulness, with a free 10-part “basics” course and whimsical animations to help you find your feet: Free for the unemployed.
Calm – app for Sleep, Meditation and Relaxation. Open the Calm app and you’ll immediately be greeted with the gentle sound of the outdoors. As well as guided Daily Calm sessions, which help you unwind and refocus your attention, there are also programmes for intermediate and advanced users
MyLife Meditation Stop, Breathe & Think – Unlike many other apps on the market, Stop, Breathe & Think asks you to “check in” before meditating. Using a choice of adjectives to describe how you’re feeling, both physically and mentally, this is a great way to get into the right mind set after a busy day in the office or on your feet. https://www.stopbreathethink.com/
Stay Alive
Stay alive is a free suicide prevention app that helps its users to stay safe from acting on their thoughts of suicide. Downloading this app means that the help and information someone may need when managing thoughts of suicide is easily accessible, helping them to stay safe.
Home
Self-help Anxiety Management
This app is helpful for helping the user manage their anxiety. The anxiety tracker can help the user better understand things that make them feel anxious, whilst the self-help toolkit allows them to learn new skills around anxiety management. Some people have found this app helpful to use whilst waiting to access further long-term support or to build on their existing anxiety management skills
Moodnotes
Is a mood diary, this app can be helpful in identifying triggers that can impact on low mood and also suggest ways to lift your mood.
Grief: Support for Young People
This app was created by Child Bereavement UK and bereaved young people. It targets young people aged between 11-25 years old who have been bereaved and are in need of support. It provides the user with information and real life experiences about feelings such as grief that people may experience following a bereavement. It also offers information about where users can access further support if needed.
10% Happier –
The 10% Happier app bills itself as “mediation for fidgety sceptics.” https://www.tenpercent.com/
The Mindfulness App –
This app does what it says on the tin. With a free download, not only do you get a five-day introduction to mindfulness, but there is also a range of guided and silent timed sessions to choose from – from a three-minute refresher, to deeper half-hour sessions
https://themindfulnessapp.com/
Buddhify –
Buddhify boasts that it is the “only meditation app designed to fit into a busy modern lifestyle”. It’s certainly unique in its design, with a daily wheel divided into segments, from waking up, to going to bed. Costs £4.99
Insight timer
A free app with lots of meditations, guided and unguided.
YOUTUBE
Yoga with Adriene – hugely popular Yoga with Adriene YouTube series (which has over 6.2 million subscribers) https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene
The Body Coach – free home workouts to everyone, no matter what their fitness levels. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAxW1XT0iEJo0TYlRfn6rYQ
Podcasts
Feel Better Live more – Listen to stories from leading health expert and exciting personalities who offer easy life hacks and tips to revolutionise how you eat, sleep, move and relax. https://drchatterjee.com/blog/category/podcast/
Surprising Christianity 