Mental health unscheduled care services: resources

1 Resources to support and improve people’s mental health and wellbeing

1.1 Introduction

This section provides mental health and wellbeing advice, support and signposting to support or resources to improve people’s mental health and wellbeing. These can be used in addition to support, assessment and treatment being offered in the unscheduled care setting.

1.2 NHS Inform

NHS inform provides online guides to mental wellbeing and self-help guides from clinicians for a wide range of mental health concerns. Advice on dealing with low mood, anxiety, phobias, stress and where to get help or find support groups.

Details of health and wellbeing services in Scotland. Includes GP practices, dental services and support groups can be found at Scotland’s Service Directory.

The “Mental Wellbeing” section links to existing, updated and new online resources including mental health content and Self Help Guides. This resource was developed to provide enhanced care information in relation to making a plan for care (advance care plan). The resources are intended to be accessible for all demographics the website includes audio content and translated BSL content.

The core website is split into:

• Content on Mental Health conditions
• Content on Mental Wellbeing
• Mental Health Self Help Guides

1.3 Mind to Mind

Mind to Mind is an online library of lived experience mental wellbeing advice, created by members of the public for members of the public. It offers short video and audio clips around common mental wellbeing concerns, offering advice to help people cope or improve their resilience.

Topics covered by Mind to Mind are: anxiety, panic, low mood, stress, coping with money worries, grief, trouble sleeping and social isolation and loneliness.

Mind to Mind signposts to helpful websites, apps and organisations if further support is needed, including Sleepio, Daylight and Silvercloud.

Information is available in multiple languages including Polish, Punjab and Urdu.

1.4 NHS 24 Mental Health Hub at 111

The NHS 24 Mental Health Hub (the Hub) is accessible through the 111 service and provides a compassionate 24/7 response to anyone requiring mental health support or those experiencing distress. It can be accessed for urgent support when a person’s GP Practice or usual mental health service is closed.

A team of Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners supported by Mental Health Nurses will triage people using a psychosocial assessment to either help manage their needs or direct them to the most appropriate form of support such as their GP, community psychiatric nurse, the 999 service, or local emergency department.

People being supported in an unscheduled care setting may have been referred there from the Hub but it may be helpful for them to know it remains available to them in future, for example, if their symptoms deteriorate.

1.5 Breathing Space

Breathing Space is an out of hours confidential telephone support and webchat service. Breathing Space is for adults aged 16 and over, and provides a listening ear, support and signposting to those experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety.

Helpline number: 0800 83 85 87 Opening hours: Weekdays: Monday–Thursday 6pm-2am Weekend: Friday 6pm–Monday 6am

Information on how to contact Breathing Space using BSL, Language Line or Relay UK is available on the Breathing Space website, including information on contacting the service via a range of other languages.

1.6 Distress Brief Intervention

Distress Brief Intervention (DBI) is a non-clinical intervention, which can provide support to people who present to some frontline services in distress:

• aged 16 years and over
• in distress/emotional pain
• who do not need urgent medical or clinical treatment and are assessed as appropriate for referral to DBI.

DBI consists of two interrelated parts. Level 1 allows trained front-line staff, from A&E, NHS 24, Police Scotland, Scottish Ambulance Service, Primary care and some unscheduled care services to offer a referral to DBI level 2 – where the Level 1 staff are trained in DBI and the person is assessed as appropriate for DBI support. Level 2 is provided by trained third sector staff who will contact the person, within 24 hrs of referral, and provide problem solving, wellness and distress management planning for a period of up to around 14 days; and signposting to local supports, where required.

Following launch as a pilot in 4 areas in 2017, DBI has gradually been rolled out in local areas; as at the time of writing (September 2024) DBI is live in 29 of the 31 Health and Social Care Partnership areas, with the remaining 2 committed and preparing to go live in Autumn 2024.

The NHS 24 Mental Health Hub have a direct national referral pathway to DBI; this pathway complements the regional expansion of DBI at a local level. NHS 24 Mental Health Hub staff may offer this pathway for those who contact them in distress (again where assessed as appropriate for DBI). NHS 24 will continue to use the current clinical pathways for those who require a clinical response. This enables more people across Scotland to benefit from the connected compassionate support DBI has created.

In addition call handling centres operated by Police Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) can refer people for DBI support, again where the caller is assessed as appropriate for referral. This has the additional benefit of freeing up Police and SAS staff on the ground for other tasks.

If mental health unscheduled care staff wish to link with the DBI leads in their local area, they should in the first instance enquire with the DBI Central team dbicentral@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk, who will be able to signpost to the relevant local DBI lead.

1.7 Suicide Prevention and Self-harm

1.7.1 Surviving Suicidal Thoughts

NHS Informs Surviving Suicidal Thoughts web-pages provide up to date information and links to resources and support for people experiencing suicidal thoughts, as well as those around them. This includes links to:

• ways to seek urgent help
• national helplines and sources of confidential support for adults, children and families
• sources of support for specific communities (e.g. Switchboard LGBT+)
• a range of practical resources
• video stories from people who have been there and come out the other side of suicidal thoughts and behaviours

1.7.2 Samaritans

Samaritans provide free, confidential, non-judgemental support for anyone affected by distress or crisis Samaritan’s trained volunteers can be contacted day or night, 365 days a year. They can be emailed at jo@samaritans.org and called for free on 116 123 and the number won’t show up on a phone bill. Their website provides more information and a range of information on support groups and practical resources.

1.7.3 Self-Harm Network Scotland

Self-Harm Network Scotland (SHNS) provides reliable and accessible information, advice and resources via their website for anyone who is affected by self-harm. The website provides support through their webchat, and is open 7 days a week from 6pm to 10pm. The webchat is a confidential service, staffed by peer practitioners and trained volunteers who can offer immediate support, to anyone aged 12 and over across Scotland. The website also allows people aged 12 and over to self-refer for free one-to-one online support sessions with a peer practitioner.

SHNS have also developed specific Loved Ones Group Sessions for those who care for someone who self-harms to get advice, information and a safe space to get support for their experiences.

Most recently SHNS have been working in collaboration with the British Deaf Association (BDA) which has resulted in the development of a BSL Hub for the Deaf Community, with video translations of the main website content.

Self-harm learning and development

1.7.4 Cruse Bereavement Scotland

Cruse Bereavement Scotland provide support for bereaved adults, children and families across Scotland, including those bereaved by suicide. They run a free helpline Monday to Friday, 9am–8pm and weekends 10am–2pm on 0808 802 6161. Their GriefChat service is also available for anyone over the age of 18, Monday to Friday 9am–9pm. The Cruse Scotland website provides information, self-care advice and practical resources for adults, children and families, young people, employers and schools.

1.7.5 Papyrus UK

Papyrus provide support for young people (under the age of 35) experiencing thoughts of suicide, and anyone concerned about a young person who might be feeling suicidal. A Papyrus advisor can be contacted by phone 24/7 on 0800 068 4141, by text on 88247 and by email at pat@papyrus-uk.org. Practical help and advice resources, including BSL support, are available through the Papyrus website.

Suicide Prevention Learning Resources and Appendix 1

1.8 Waiting Well

The Waiting Well Hub is available on NHS Inform, to support people who may be waiting to see a healthcare specialist or to get health and social care services. The Hub aims to provide access to better information to support people to proactively manage their health and wellbeing, to think about what matters to them and what health improvements they could make during this time.

People can benefit from taking a proactive approach to their waiting period and this site can give information and tools needed to look at their own health and wellbeing in this waiting time, to think about what matters to them and what health related areas they can focus on such as managing pain, poor sleep, anxiety, stopping smoking etc.

The Waiting Well Hub has been delivered through the Preventative and Proactive Care Programme, part of Scottish Government’s Care and Wellbeing Portfolio.

1.9 Dementia Support

A number of organisations such as NHS Education for Scotland, Scottish Social Services Council, Alzheimer Scotland (Scotland’s national dementia charity), About Dementia (part of Age Scotland) and Healthcare Improvement Scotland have produced online digital publications and resources.

These publications and resources are aimed at providing a wide range of information relating to dementia including care and support for the condition, transport, housing, human rights and technology with people living with dementia, their families and carers, health and social care staff and the general public.

A key area of support for all people living with dementia in Scotland is post diagnostic support, which is provided for up to one year following a formal diagnosis.

1.9.1 Rethink Dementia

Rethink Dementia is a new national Scottish Government and COSLA campaign. Developed in collaboration with the members of the National Dementia Lived Experience Panel, the campaign encourages people to ‘Rethink Dementia’ as evidence shows social contact can help alleviate some symptoms commonly associated with dementia and help them stay well for longer. By maintaining contact with friends or loved ones living with a dementia diagnosis and doing the things we’ve always done with them, we can all make a difference.

1.9.2 NHS Education for Scotland

NHS Education for Scotland provide educational resources and training for staff working at the Informed, Skilled, Enhanced and Expertise Practice Levels as outlined in Promoting Excellence: A framework for all health and social services staff working with people with dementia.

This framework was developed by NES and the Scottish Social Services Council to outline the knowledge and skills required of all staff who come into contact with people living with dementia, their families and carers, within their role.

1.9.3 Scottish Social Services Council

Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) are the regulator for the social work, social care and children and young people workforce in Scotland. They also help support dementia learning in the workforce by developing and delivering different learning resources and activities.

Making use of the Promoting Excellence framework, SSSC help staff in social services understand the framework and how they use it to support dementia learning and practice by embedding it into their organisation’s learning culture.

SSSC work closely with NHS Education for Scotland and organise events, masterclasses, dementia specialist improvement leads, Dementia Champion programmes and provide training resources through their learning zone.

1.9.4 Alzheimer Scotland

Alzheimer Scotland is Scotland’s national dementia charity, providing support and information to people with dementia, their carers and families.

Alzheimer Scotland have Dementia Resource Centres in 25 different locations across Scotland. Those centres provide a safe and friendly environment for people with dementia and their carers to visit and take part in a wide variety of activity groups.

The charity also provide a 24 hour Freephone Dementia Helpline which provides information and emotional support to people with dementia, carers, families, friends and professionals. Additionally, there is a network of Dementia Advisors employed by Alzheimer Scotland who work in local communities to support people with a diagnosis by giving advice and information.

1.9.5 Age Scotland About Dementia

Age Scotland About Dementia offer a range of services for people who want to increase their awareness of dementia and how to support people living with it, understanding and realising rights as a carer, and getting involved in shaping policy and campaigns.

About Dementia launched in 2019, following funding from the Life Changes Trust. Since then, they have been working alongside people living with dementia, unpaid carers and partner organisations to make a meaningful impact in influencing policy and practice.

Since 2022, About Dementia has worked in partnership with the Scottish Government, receiving funding to deliver multiple grant programmes aimed at supporting grassroots activity and peer-to-peer grant funding. This includes to deliver funding to support Dementia Friendly Communities and Meeting Centres across Scotland. The Meeting Centres strand of funding was set up to facilitate the development of a national network of Meeting Centres across Scotland.

1.9.6 Healthcare Improvement Scotland

Healthcare Improvement Scotland have been working with health and social care dementia services to deliver dementia improvement programmes since 2016. Their work sets out to support the New Dementia Strategy for Scotland: Everyone’s story.

Healthcare Improvement Scotland have a number of Dementia Improvement Programmes which set out to improve access to and quality of post-diagnostic support, care co-ordination in the community and hospital care for people living with dementia.

1.9.7 Other Dementia Support organisations

There are also several support organisations which can provide practical and emotional support to those who care for someone living with dementia, including Carers Scotland, Carer Positive the standard for employers in creating supportive working environment for carers, Shared Care Scotland and Supporting Carers in Scotland | Carers Trust Scotland.

1.10 Menstrual Health and Menopause

NHS Inform uses the term Women’s Health, not only those who identify as women require access to women’s health and reproductive services. For example, some transgender men, non-binary people, and intersex people or people with variations in sex characteristics may also experience menstrual cycles, pregnancy and the menopause.

1.10.1 Menstrual Health

Changes in a woman’s hormone levels before their period can mean that some women experience mood changes or tiredness before and during their period. This is known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and for some women these symptoms can affect their daily life. More information on PMS symptoms can be found on the NHS inform website.

Additionally, living with the symptoms of conditions like endometriosis, adenomyosis or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can have an impact on peoples mental wellbeing. You can find out more about periods, period symptoms and mental health conditions by visiting NHS Informs Premenstrual Syndrome page.

This NHS inform self-help tool outlines some of the things women can do to improve their mental wellbeing around the time of their period.

The Health and Social Care Alliance also host a suite of resources to support improved understanding and positive conversations on a range of women’s health topics, including menstrual health and menopause Resources - Policy and research (alliance-scotland.org.uk).

1.10.2 Menopause

During menopause, the changes in women’s hormone levels can impact both physical and mental health. Women may experience feelings of anxiety, stress or depression. Most women will experience symptoms of menopause and many women will experience early symptoms while still having periods.

More information on menopausal symptoms and menopause and mental wellbeing can be found on the NHS inform website.

This NHS inform self-help tool outlines some of the things women can do to improve their mental wellbeing during menopause (peri-menopause) and after (post menopause).

1.10.3 Menopause and Menstrual Health in the workplace

Supporting women and those who menstruate to positively manage their menopause and menstrual health at work is crucial. The National Wellbeing hub hosts a range of resources for women, and their line managers to support good mental health and menopause awareness in the workplace.

1.11 Unpaid carers

Supporting carers in their own right improves outcomes for them and the person for whom they are caring. Sustaining caring relationships in this way has major benefits for our health and social care system.

The Carers Act is fundamental to carers’ rights. The Act gives all unpaid carers rights to an adult carer support plan or young carer statement to identify each carer’s personal outcomes and needs for support. This reflects a general preventative approach, which also underpins the duty on local authorities to provide information and advice services to unpaid carers.

The Scottish Government’s Carers’ Charter tells carers more about their rights under the act and there are a range of organisations on hand to give them any information or support they may need.

Local authorities or carers centres carer centres usually have peer support groups where they can connect with other carers or take part in social activities or training to further develop their skills. Local carer centres can be found at Care Information Scotland.

The National Wellbeing Hub provides advice for unpaid carers, with information and resources to support carers to look after their mental health and wellbeing.

Unpaid Carers learning and training

1.12 Substance and Alcohol Use Support

1.12.1 Alcohol and Drug Partnerships

Services in local authority areas are commissioned through Alcohol and Drug Partnerships. These are multi-agency groups tasked by the Scottish Government with tackling alcohol and drug issues through partnership working.

Councils will have a list of all services (Appendix 5) in their areas, search ‘drugs and alcohol’ in the relevant council’s website to find out what is available locally.

1.12.2 Know the Score

Know the Score provides up to date information on drugs and the laws around substance use. They run a dedicated helpline which individuals can contact for advice on what support is available near them.

Helpline: 0800 857 5879 Website: www.knowthescore.info

1.12.3 Alcohol Focus Scotland

Alcohol Focus Scotland works to reduce alcohol harm and the impact of alcohol on individuals, families, communities, and Scotland. To find an alcohol service in your area.

Drinkline helpline: 0800 7 314 314 Opening hours: Weekdays 9am–9pm Weekends 11am–4pm

1.12.4 Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs

Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs support families across Scotland who are affected by someone else’s drug or alcohol use, and raise awareness of the issues affecting them. One way in which this support for families is provided is through a family’s helpline which can be contacted by individuals if they are concerned about some else’s drug or alcohol use.

Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs can also provide naloxone to anyone living in Scotland who is over the age of 16 (for injection kit) and 14 (for nasal kit). Further details on how to request a kit and the training available on how to use it are available on their website.

Helpline: 08080 10 10 11 Opening hours: Weekdays 9am–11pm Out of hours call back service and chat function on website Email: helpline@sfad.org.uk

1.12.5 The Scottish Drugs Forum

The Scottish Drugs Forum is a drugs policy and information agency which is working to reduce drugs harm in Scotland and provide a wide range of training and support to people who use substances and people working in the sector.

To find a local drugs service and to access further information and resources.

Scottish Drugs Forum Learning

1.12.6 Narcotics Anonymous

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a community of people who support each other to achieve and maintain a drug free life. The only requirement for participation in NA is a desire to stop using drugs. To find a current list of Narcotic Anonymous meetings.

1.12.7 Crew

Crew is a national Scottish charity that aims to reduce the harm and stigma associated with psychostimulant drug use. Crew provides educational drug information and are staffed by a team of qualified counsellors, delivering person-centred counselling in Edinburgh.

Text service: 07860047501 Opening times: Monday – Saturday 1pm – 5pm Thursday 3pm – 7pm

1.12.8 The Scottish Recovery Consortium

The Scottish Recovery Consortium is a recovery-oriented charity that supports, represents and connects people in recovery across Scotland.

1.12.9 With You

We are ‘With You’ is a charity which provides free confidential support to people who are experiencing issues with drugs, alcohol, or mental health. They have a range of services across Scotland, and an online chat service.

Chat service opening times: Monday – Friday 9am – 9pm Saturday – Sunday 10am – 4pm

1.12.10 Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous is an international mutual aid fellowship dedicated to abstinence-based recovery from alcoholism through its spiritually inclined Twelve Step program.

Helpline: 0800 917 7650 Email: help@aamail.org To find a Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.

Addiction Support Resources

1.13 Gamblers Anonymous Scotland

Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop gambling. To find a Gamblers Anonymous meeting.

24 Hour Helpline: 0370 050 8881

Money and Debt Advice

1.14.1 Money Advice

Money Advice provide clear, practical advice and support for people experiencing issues with mental health and money.

The Mental Health and Money Toolkit is a resource to help people understand, manage, and improve their mental and financial health. It can be used to help guide conversations with relevant healthcare workers about a person’s mental health and money. It can also be taken to any money or debt advice appointments.

1.14.2 Debt and mental health evidence form

The debt and mental health evidence form helps creditors understand any mental health issues people are experiencing. The form can only be completed by health and social care professionals and can often make a real difference to the individual’s health and financial situation. It will give the organisation they owe money to information that may change the way they are collecting a debt, and this can have a positive effect on the individual’s wellbeing and financial circumstances.

1.15 Violence Against Women and Girls

The phrase violence against women and girls is used to describe violent and abusive behaviour directed at women and girls because they are women and girls. It can include:

• physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, and financial abuse occurring in the family, within the general community, and in institutions in both physical and digital spaces and places
• domestic abuse/coercive controlling behaviours, stalking, rape, incest, sexual harassment, bullying, and intimidation
• commercial sexual exploitation (CSE), including prostitution, lap dancing, stripping, pornography
• human trafficking, including for the purposes of domestic servitude, sexual exploitation and child criminal exploitation, which may include gangs and organised criminal networks
• child abuse occurring within family settings, including domestic abuse, and sexual abuse by male family members including siblings
• child sexual abuse and exploitation including the production and sharing of indecent images of children
• honour-based abuse, including forced marriages, female genital mutilation (FGM), dowry abuse and ‘honour based’ coercive control and killings.

It is important for all staff to respond compassionately and appropriately to any disclosure made and where to refer survivors for specialist support. A trauma informed response includes:

• Listen without blaming.
• Remember that it takes trust to share experience of abuse, don’t push the person for details of the abuse.
• Acknowledge the wrong done and let them know no-one deserves to be abused.
• If they have suffered physical harm, accompany them to get medical assistance.
• Help them report any assaults to the police, if they so choose.
• Allow them to make their own decisions about what to do next.
• Be ready to share the support contacts below:
  • Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline on 0800 027 1234. www.sdafmh.org.uk.
  • For those affected by sexual violence there is the Rape Crisis Scotland Helpline 08088 01 03 02. www.rapecrisisscotland.org.uk.

For further information:

• Safer Scotland provides guidance and signposting to support on Domestic.
• Abuse, Spiking, Intimate Image Abuse, and Commercial Sexual Exploitation.
• Public Health Scotland provides an overview of Gender based violence and details of local GBV contacts.

Domestic Abuse Awareness Raising Tool & Trauma Informed Practice Training and Support

1.16 Eating Disorders

1.16.1 NHS Inform

NHS inform provides reliable and trustworthy health information about Eating Disorders support and treatment in Scotland.

1.16.2 Medical Emergencies in Eating Disorders (MEED)

The MEED Guidance on recognition and management (CR233) has been developed by the Royal College of Psychiatrists for frontline staff so that people with eating disorders who need urgent care can be identified and treated earlier. To aid decisions on emergency management, the document provides an eating disorders risk assessment tool using a “traffic light” system.

1.16.3 Psychological Treatment for Eating Disorders

The Psychological Treatment for Eating Disorders matrix, has been designed to support the evidence-based proactive of psychological therapies and interventions across the age range.

1.16.4 Beat

Beat provides a range of support services for children and adults with an eating disorder or disordered eating. They also provide support to parents and carers of those with an eating disorder. This includes telephone support programmes, weekly peer-to-peer support groups, and workshops. They also have a dedicated helpline for Scotland, 0808 801 0432, where individuals can speak to a trained support worker.

Helpline: 0808 801 0432
Opening hours: 24/7

1.16.5 CARED Scotland

CARED is a website funded by the Scottish Government which provides information and resources for parents and carers of young people (aged up to 25) in Scotland who have recently received a diagnosis of an eating disorder and are about to or have just started treatment. Developed by NHS clinicians, carers and young people.

1.16.6 Families Empowered & Supporting Treatment for Eating Disorders (F.E.A.S.T)

F.E.A.S.T is a global organisation which provides information & support to parents and carers of people with eating disorders.

1.16.7 SupportED

SupportED work in communities across Scotland to support people with an eating disorder, their families and carers. They provide information and resources and offer support groups and befriending.

1.16.8 Eating Disorders – SIGN

The SIGN guidelines was published in 2022 and provides recommendations based on current evidence for best practice in the management of people with eating disorders of all ages, and gender groups in health or social care settings.

Eating disorders covered are:

• Anorexia nervosa
• Bulimia nervosa
• Binge eating disorder
• Eating-disordered psychopathology occurring in the context of type 1 diabetes mellitus.

1.17 Sensory Impairment

1.17.1 Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB)

The RNIB Scotland works on behalf of all people in Scotland with sight loss. They offer support to blind and partially sighted people to find the right assistive technology to support them in work, home and in education

1.17.2 Macular Society

The Macular Society offers information and counselling services within the field of sight loss.

1.17.3 Eye Scot

Eye Scot Support Workers/Eye Care Liaison Officers are available in many areas to provide emotional support to people affected by sight loss.

1.17.4 Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID)

The RNID works on behalf of people in Scotland and the UK with hearing loss.

Sensory e-learning modules

1.18 NHS Education for Scotland Learning Disability website

People with learning disabilities and their families and carers, can access a number of support resources from local and national charities operating in Scotland.

A refresh of the NHS Education for Scotland Learning Disability website, is currently underway and will be continuously updated with further training, support and signposting for both professionals and individuals. This will also include resources, training and guidance to assist with the annual health check process for people with learning disabilities.

Resources on Turas are free to access for anyone. Some require an account to access, but anyone can register using any email address. You can register for Turas Learn here.

1.18.1 ENABLE Scotland

Enable Scotland is a national Scottish charity that offers support to people with learning disabilities, their families, and carers. They provide a variety of work programmes, training and resources to help people with learning disabilities. Through Enable Scotland’s Personal Assistant (PA) Model they support people to live the life they choose.

1.18.2 Promoting a More Inclusive Society (PAMIS)

PAMIS is a national Scottish Charity that offers support and advice to people with Profound or Multiple Learning Disabilities and their families.

Email: https://pamis.org.uk/contacts

Local offices:
Dundee (Head Office): 03308181081
Grampian & Clackmannanshire: 01382 755 391
Greater Glasgow & Clyde: 01382 755 392
Lanarkshire: 01382 755 393
Tayside: 01382 755 394
Fife: 01382 755 390

1.18.3 Self-directed Support Scotland

Self-directed Support Scotland (SDSS) represents organisations run by and for disabled people; their members support thousands of people across Scotland with their social care choices. Together they work to ensure the Self-Directed Support is implemented successfully so that people have full choice and control over their lives.

The SDSS website enables people to find local information and support with Self-Directed Support. This can be accessed at Find Local Information and Support

More information on Self-Directed Support can be found on the Scottish Governments website.

1.19 Autism

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world. More than one in 100 people are on the autism spectrum and there are around 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK. There are a number of national organisations that offer support to autistic people and their families.

1.19.1 National Autistic Society

The National Autistic Society has advice and guidance section which includes information on benefits and health. Please be aware the National Autistic Society does not offer a crisis or emergency service.

1.19.2 Different Minds Website

The Different Minds website was launched in 2020 to provide clearer information on autism and aims to deliver a better understanding of autism and dispel myths surrounding it, leading to greater acceptance and increased awareness of autism.

The site has been co-produced with autistic people and features autistic people in its lived experience and frequently asked questions sections. Advice on where to get support is also available on the site. There is also a directory of useful support services, including Autistic People-led Organisations operating across Scotland.

Learning Disabilities and Autism Lived Experience Resources

1.19.3 Scottish Autism

Scottish Autism is a national Scottish charity which operates an Autism Advice Line staffed by advisors who are trained and experienced in working with autistic people and their families.

1.19.4 Autism Services Directory

The Autism services directory details services and supports for autistic people in their local area.

1.19.5 Autism Understanding Scotland

Although no longer available as an in-person support service, the Autism Understanding Scotland website remains live and hosts an Autism Information Hub, which contains information on topics such as autistic rights, employment, wellbeing, autistic communication and much more, all written by autistic people.

1.19.6 SWAN

SWAN supports women, girls and non-binary people who identify as autistic and has information on attending health care appointments, daily living and wellbeing. SWAN Places and Spaces organise in-person social meet-up groups in locations across Scotland. They are safe and confidential spaces, facilitated by autistic volunteers.

1.20 Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Support

1.20.1 LGBTQI+ Support Organisations

A number of organisations such as Equality Network, Scottish Trans, Stonewall Scotland, LGBT Health and Wellbeing, LGBT Youth Scotland, and LEAP Sports Scotland have online digital publications and resources to support the LGBTQI+ community, inform community allies, and provide guidance and support on personal issues relating to sexual orientation or gender identity.

For individual advice or support about personal issues relating to sexual orientation or gender identity, we recommend contacting the following organisations.

LGBT+ Helpline Scotland

LGBT+ Helpline Scotland provides emotional support and information to the entire diversity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community across Scotland. This includes queer, intersex, asexual people and all identities under the LGBTQI+ umbrella. They also support the families, partners, friends and supporters of LGBTQI+ people, as well as health and social care professionals who want to be more inclusive. To find out more:

Phone: 0800 464 7000
Opening hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays (12–9pm) and Sundays (1–6pm)
Email: helpline@lgbthealth.org.uk
Livechat is also available on the LGBT+ Health and Wellbeing website.

LGBT Youth Scotland

LGBT Youth Scotland can provide support or guidance to young people who have personal issues relating to their sexual orientation or gender identity. To find out more:

Live Chat is available on the LGBT+ Youth Scotland website.
One to one support from a youth worker can be requested here
Email: info@lgbtyouth.org.uk

1.20.2 Conversion Practices Support

‘Conversion practices’ or so called conversion therapy refers to a wide range of approaches that aim to change or suppress someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Conversion practices do not work. They are harmful, abusive, and can be seriously damaging to the LGBT+ person subjected to them. It can be carried out by family members, religious leaders or organisations, community members, therapists, counsellors, health workers, or other practitioners.

If someone is worried about conversion practices and to find out more:

Phone: 0800 464 7000 Opening hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays (12–9pm) and Sundays (1–6pm) Email: helpline@lgbthealth.org.uk Livechat is also available on the LGBT Health and Wellbeing website.

1.21 Veterans

1.21.1 Veterans First Point

Scottish Veterans are able to access support from a NHS veteran specific mental health and well-being provider Veterans First Point (V1P).

V1P has locations in Tayside, Lothian, Ayrshire & Arran, Lanarkshire, Fife and the Scottish Borders. V1P can be contacted at Veterans First Point or at 0131 220 9920. V1P is a service designed by veterans for veterans. It works in partnership to meet the needs of veterans whatever they may be. If veterans would like to speak to someone who has also been in the services, V1P employ peer support workers who are able to help veterans and their family members get appropriate help.

1.21.2 Combat Stress

Combat Stress provides care and treatment to veterans with complex mental health issues across Scotland; this includes PTSD, complex PTSD, moral injury and anxiety and depression. Support can be provided in the form of residential programmes, face to face interventions, or via digital means.

Referrals can be made either by professionals or the veteran themselves. The 24-hour helpline will provide access to services and a point of immediate support.

Combat Stress can be contacted on:
0800 138 1617
Email: helpline@combatstress.org.uk
Text: 07537 173683

1.22 Other sources of support

1.22.1 Citizens Advice Scotland

Citizens Advice Scotland provide free, independent, confidential, impartial advice, available to everyone. They also provide information and guidance on a range of issues including benefits, work, housing and homelessness, immigration, and debt and money advice.

You can get advice online, by contacting their helpline on 0800 028 1456, or through your local citizens advice bureau.

1.22.2 National Physical Activity Pathway

Public Health Scotland (PHS) provides support for health and social care professionals in discussing physical activity with people who might benefit from being more active, as well as new Physical Activity Referral Standards Physical activity referral standards - Publications - Public Health Scotland.

1.22.3 Supporting a Mentally Healthy Workplace

The Supporting a Mentally Health Workplace platform signposts employers to a wide range of free mental health and wellbeing resources and information. The platform aims to support employers of all sizes in Scotland – from large scale companies to Small Medium Enterprises and the self-employed – but it will be a useful tool for employees too.

1.22.4 Power of Attorney

A Power of Attorney is a legal process giving someone you trust the power to make decisions that will protect you, your family and those you care about should you ever lose capacity to make decisions for yourself. It has never been more important to plan your future care – no matter what age you are, a Power of Attorney safe-guards your financial and health wishes. Visit My Power of Attorney Scotland, the Scottish Government’s code of practice for continuing and welfare attorneys and the Office of the Public Guardian’s guidance for Power of Attorneys, for more information.

1.23 Farmstrong Scotland

Farmstrong Scotland is an initiative to help farmers, crofters and their families to cope with the ups and downs of farming and crofting by sharing things they can do to look after themselves and the people in their business.

It is a peer-to-peer led programme, driven by scientific information and real-life stories, so together farmers, crofters and their families can share, learn and support their wellbeing.