Continuing and welfare attorneys: code of practice

Annex 2 - Useful Addresses

Enquiry line: 01324 678300
Email: OPG@scotcourts.gov.uk
www.publicguardian-scotland.gov.uk

For information and advice about matters covered by the Act. The OPG's focus is primarily on financial matters. If they cannot assist directly with queries on other matters relating to adults with incapacity ( e.g. welfare, health, care) they will point you to other agencies who will be able to help. The OPG does not provide legal advice. All OPG publications, including forms and guidance notes can be downloaded. Hard copies are available on request.

Helpline: 0800 389 6809 (service users & carers only)
Helpline: 0131 313 8777 (professionals)
Email: enquiries@mwcscot.org.uk
www.mwcscot.org.uk

The Commission provides advice on welfare matters in relation to AWI and free good practice guides – see website for further information.

Enquiry line: 0131 244 3581
Email: AdultsIncapacity@gov.scot
www.gov.scot/Topics/Justice/law/awi

Adults with Incapacity Act Codes of Practice and other publications are listed on, and can be downloaded from, the website. Information about obtaining hard copies of these documents is available on the website or by calling 0131‑244 3581.

Local Authority

To contact your local authority on matters relating to welfare/personal care issues and the Act you should ask for the social work department or community services department at the local council offices in the area where the adult lives. Local authority addresses can be found online or in the phone book.

Sheriff Courts

The address and telephone number of the local sheriff court where the adult lives can be found on the Scottish Courts website, www.scotcourts.gov.uk/ or in the phone book.

Department for Work and Pensions

You will find useful information and guidance for disabled people and carers on the Department for Work and Pensions website – www.dwp.gov.uk. From the local authority you can also get details of the local welfare rights office that will give you advice and help with benefits.

Enquiry line: 0345 600 9527
Email: enquiries@careinspectorate.com
www.careinspectorate.com

The Care Inspectorate is an independent body which regulates care services in Scotland. It inspects and investigates complaints in relation to care homes; short break/respite care services; housing support; adult placement schemes; support services; care at home; nursing agencies; and hospice care. There are national care standards for all these services.

Enquiry line: 0131 226 7411
Email: lawscot@lawscot.org.uk
www.lawscot.org.uk

The Law Society is the governing body for solicitors. It provides information to the public on where to find and what to expect from solicitors.

0131 226 7061
Legal Aid Helpline: 0845 122 8686
Email: general@slab.org.uk
www.slab.org.uk

Provides advice and information on entitlement to legal aid.

Citizens Advice Bureau – you will find the address of your nearest CAB in your phone book or at the website of Citizens Advice Scotland www.cas.org.uk

Enquiry line: 0131 524 1975
Email: enquiry@siaa.org.uk
www.siaa.org.uk

This website will provide information to find an advocacy organisation in your local authority area.

Office: 0131 243 1453
Freephone 24hr Dementia Helpline: 0808 808 3000
Email: helpline@alzscot.org
www.alzscot.org

Provides a free guide for carers and people with dementia in Scotland: 'Dementia: Money and Legal Matters'. The website also provides information about the different kinds of powers of attorney and how to set them up.

Enquiry line: 01698 737000
Email: enabledirect@enable.org.uk
www.enable.org.uk

Supports people with learning disabilities of all ages by campaigning, providing information, legal advice, training and other services.

Enquiry line: 0131 337 9876
www.capability-scotland.org.uk

Provides advice and information and local services for people with a range of disabilities, their families and carers.

Enquiry line: 0141 530 1000
Email: enquire@samh.org.uk
www.samh.org.uk

Provides information, legal advice and support to people with mental health issues.

Enquiry line: 0300 330 9292
Email: info@sensescotland.org.uk
www.sensescotland.org.uk

Works with children and adults who have communication support needs because of deafblindness, sensory impairment, learning and physical disabilities.

Enquiry line: 01382 385 154
www.pamis.org.uk

PAMIS works with people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, their family, carers and professionals who support them.

Headway Scotland
Helpline: 0808 800 2244
Email: enquiries@headway.org
www.headway.org.uk

Headway provides: support and help to people affected by brain injury through a network of local groups and branches; information and advice; carer support; and a range of services (which vary from area to area).

Adviceline: 0808 801 0899
Email: webmaster@chss.org.uk
www.chss.org.uk

CHSS aims to improve the quality of life for people affected by chest, heart and stoke illness through medical research, advice and information and support in the community.