*Last updated 11 September 2020
The current outbreak of Covid-19 (also known as Coronavirus) has caused disruption to mental health and wellbeing services in East Lothian. During this time, some information on Eastspace may be out-of-date.
We want to make sure that you are receiving up-to-date and reliable information. In light of the current situation, we recommend you contact the service provider before trying to access any face-to-face service found on Eastspace.
We are in the process of contacting service providers and will add service updates to this page. Services are listed in alphabetical order.
In the meantime, please look at our self-help section and the latest news on how to stay well during this time.
The Scottish Government’s guidance around Covid-19
www.gov.scot/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance
East Lothian Council and Health and Social Care Partnership information page
www.eastlothian.gov.uk/homepage/coronaviruscovid-19
Click on the links below to be taken to the relevant section of this page.
East Lothian Service Updates
Community Resilience Groups
Helplines/Email Support
Online Resources
East Lothian Service Updates
1st Response
Face to face support has been suspended. First Response Telephone appointments available daily. Call 07966 526 452 to book.
Aberlour Perinatal Befriending East Lothian
Aberlour provides perinatal befriending support for parents who are struggling with their emotional health and wellbeing or who have been diagnosed with a low to moderate level of perinatal mental illness. The team works with parents during pregnancy and/or up-to their child’s first birthday.
The team are currently offering support via phone and/or video call. Referrals ar being accepted from professionals, or parents can self-refer.
Phone: 01875 632055
Email: Lothian.aberlourperinatal@nhs.net
Art Therapies
The Arts Therapies Service is now offering appointments via videoconferencing, on Attend Anywhere, or by telephone. More details can be found on the main website: https://services.nhslothian.scot/ArtsTherapies/Pages/default.aspx
Referrals can be made by anyone within the East Lothian Joint Mental Health Team.
Adolescent Substance Use Service (ASUS)
ASUS is currently providing telephone consultations rather than face-to-face appointments.
Phone: 07969 200 984
Alzheimer Scotland
Support has moved to online, telephone and digital formats, due to the current circumstances. Alzheimer Scotland is doing all it can to reach out to all people living with dementia and their families; to ensure that you continue to have all the help you need when you need it.
In response to coronavirus and in anticipation of an ever-changing landscape, the Alzheimer Scotland Annual Conference scheduled for 1 June 2020 at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, has now be postponed.
Although all the Alzheimer Scotland offices are presently closed but you can still call the office, email the team and receive support through the 24-hour helpline.
Email: helpline@alzscot.org
Phone: 0808 808 3000
Anam Cara
All workshops have been cancelled until further notice. You can still contact Anam Cara if you are interested in attending workshops in the future
Email: fiona@anamcara.scot
Bridges Project
The Bridges Project office is currently closed but we are continuing to provide support to young people through other means; phone calls, FaceTime, texts and Zoom. If you would like to talk to someone you can still contact the Bridges Project team by phone and email.
Phone: 0131 665 1621
Email: mail@bridgesproject.org.uk
CAPS Independent Advocacy
The Individual Advocacy staff for East Lothian and Midlothian are working from home and regularly checking telephone messages so please get in touch on 0131 273 5118 if you need advocacy support.
The team are unable to attend appointments face-to-face at the moment but appointments are available over the phone.
Collective advocacy
Collective advocacy meetings are now being held online now. You can get in touch with the collective advocacy workers directly on:
- Ele – ele@capsadvocacy.org07948 740 158
- Fingal – fingal@capsadvocacy.org07989 402 612
- Jacob – jacob@capsadvocacy.org0791 0983 030
- Niamh – niamh@capsadvocacy.org
- Pam – pam@capsadvocacy.org07989 402 634
- Victoria – victoria@capsadvocacy.org07436 102 762
- Anne – anne@capsadvocacy.org07469 660 999
All LEARN courses have been cancelled. You can get in touch with the team by email learn@capsadvocacy.org
Carers of East Lothian (CoEL)
For a full update on what Carers of East Lothian can provide, click here – Carers of East Lothian: Safely Returning to Business
You can like the CoEL Facebook page for updates. You can also make referrals via the CoEL website: www.coel.org.uk/contact-us/online-referral-form
Phone: 0131 665 0135
Email: centre@coel.org.uk
Monday to Friday, 10.00 am to 4.00 pm
Facebook: www.facebook.com/coel92
CHANGES Community Health Project
Rebecca from CHANGES will be offering physically distanced counselling to a number of clients. To request counselling/CBT or find out more, call the office using the number below.
CHANGES are still accepting self-referrals for one-to-one CBT and counselling (being offered by telephone and video conferencing). No new groups and courses will be offered at this stage.
Weekly Mindfulness Sessions
CHANGES is running a Mindfulness Drop-in on Wednesdays from 3.00 pm to 4.00 pm on ZOOM. The sessions are suitable for beginners just curious about Mindfulness Meditation or for those with some experience wanting to continue their practice. If you would like to join, email the team to get the Zoom link – info@changeschp.org.uk
First Response remains available and is being offered daily by telephone.
Call/text 07966 526 452 to make an appointment.
Between 10.00 am and 2.00 pm, Monday to Friday, a member of staff will be answering phone calls to the main office number on 0131 653 3977.
Circle Scotland
All group work activities have been cancelled s for the foreseeable future.
Click here for a full-service update – Circle Response to Covid-19
If you have any questions, you can contact the team on –
Phone: 0131 552 0305
Email: info@circle.scot
Crossreach Counselling
CrossReach Counselling: Lothians has temporarily suspended its service. Staff are working remotely and will respond to e-mails.
For all administrative queries please email: ccl@crossreach.org.uk
Cruse Scotland
- Helpline services will continue to be available at existing opening hours.
- Adult clients who are currently in receipt of face-to-face support will be offered telephone counselling support instead
- The team will offer telephone counselling to all new clients instead of face-to-face support meantime
- We will offer additional support to clients who are on waiting lists to keep in touch meantime, via listening support by from our helpline team, many of whom have extra time to spare due to isolation.
- Children and young people’s services will be managed by offering phone or virtual support to young people age 12 or over. For younger clients, Cruse Scotland are creating supports which parents and carers can utilise and have telephone support for them
- Group support meetings have been suspended. Group leaders will be in touch with group members by telephone.
Email: south@crusescotland.org.uk
Dads Work
Dads Work has suspended face-to-face services. There will be no one-to-one, home visits, groups or counselling until further notice.
The team will be continuing to work online, text, telephone, skype, video messaging to ensure families feel supported.
If you have questions or would like further information please contact Kevin Young.
Phone: 07833741768
Email: dadswork@hotmail.co.uk
EARS Independent Advocacy Service (SCIO)
The Advocacy staff are mostly working from home and regularly checking telephone messages. Your call will either be diverted to one of the advocacy workers or the team pick up your voicemail message as soon as we can. You can also email the team.
EARS Independent Advocacy Service staff are doing their best to keep up to date with the rapidly evolving guidance and practice around the Mental Health Act, Guardianship and Adult Protection and various other guidelines.
Email: info@ears-advocacy.org.uk
Phone: 0131 478 8866
Monday – Friday, 9.00 am – 5.00 pm
East Lothian Young Carers
The East Lothian Youn Carers team are doing weekly check-ins with families to check if the family is self-isolating if they need help with shopping, picking up prescriptions etc. and how they are feeling generally.
Help is available for families who want to create an emergency plan in case a parent or the person caring for the parent is unwell or has to go into hospital.
Support is available Monday to Friday 10.00 a.m – 7.00 p.m. and the team will return phone calls/emails between 12.00 pm and 5.00 p.m on weekends
There are club support and activities online. The team can still provide young carers statements although these will be provided remotely until it is safe to meet face-to-face.
ELYC also have a new dedicated email for young carers – heretohelp@eastlothianyoungcarers.org
Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre – East Lothian Outreach
No face-to-face support, only over the phone or email
Email: support@ercc.scot
Phone: 0131 556 9437
Edinburgh and Lothian Council On Alcohol (ELCA)
Clients can phone and leave a message or email and this will be answered by ELCA staff.
With regards to service provision it is 4 stages for ELCA:
1. Offering telephone/online support to clients currently receiving counselling
2. Depending on staffing resources – telephone contact for clients who have been assessed and waiting for counselling
3. Same as 2; people who are waiting to be assessed offered a telephone call, offering advice, info etc.
4. Collating a contact/helpline resource sheet to be sent out via email if required.
Phone: 0131 337 8188
Email: elca@btconnect.com
FearFree
This service is for men and any LGBT+ person affected by domestic abuse service
Support is still available over the phone, text, and WhatsApp.
Phone: 0131 624 7266
Website: fearfree.scot
First Steps
First Steps can help you with:
- Referrals to food banks
- Over the phone emotional/mental health supports
- Over the phone parenting supports
- Linking you in with other organisations that may be able to offer you the kind of support you need (such as Woman’s Aid/Benefits advice etc.)
First Steps continue to offer virtual counselling sessions, which can either be online/over the phone. If this is something you are interested in, please contact Elena and she will be able to speak to you further about this.
The best way to contact First Steps is via text or email.
Email: (Elena) familycoordinator@firststepmusselburgh.co.uk, (Tina) projectmanager@firststepmusselburgh.co.uk
Phone/Text: 0787 4688 553
You can contact the team on Facebook page too but it is recommended that you contact the team using email or phone if there is something private you wish to discuss/seek support for.
If any current or prospective parent and would like to discuss anything regarding the playrooms or your child, then please contact Jennifer Mitchell, First Steps’ Early Years Manager, who will be happy to discuss these topics with you. Jennifer can be contacted at:
Email: (Jennifer) earlyyears@firststepmusselburgh.co.uk.
There is also a closed Facebook page for nursery parents, where staff and parents share ideas/activities to support children’s learning and play at home.
Michelle will continue to run groups online, and will regularly upload Bookbug sessions to the Facebook page. She also plans to run baby massage online for those of you who have signed up already. Please email Michelle if you wish to know any more information about groups and play resources.
Email: (Michelle) familyopps@firststepmusselburgh.co.uk
Friday Friends
Tuesday and Friday recovery cafés, F4 (Sunday afternoons) and The Jericho Youth café on Saturday evenings have been suspended until further notice.
In the meantime, the team are taking measures to offer support to our service users via social media, text and WhatsApp.
Food received from Greggs, Foodshare and food in from the freezer at the Centre is to be delivered to service users doors.
Get2gether
Get2gether are cancelling all events and meetings until at least the end of June 2020.
The team will be keeping an online presence and encourage members to send photos, poems, stories and ideas of what you are doing to keep yourself busy. Send items by email to admin@get2gether.org.uk or through Facebook messenger.
You can also phone the team on 07867 179023
Click here to read the latest Get2gether newsletter – September Newsletter
Haddington Citizen Advice Bureau
Haddington CAB is currently not able to offer any face-to-face appointments until further notice.
The team are providing a limited-service via telephone and email.
Phone: 01620 824471
Advice Direct: 0808 800 9060
Haddington Peer Project
The Drop-In Soup group which happens every Thursday from 12.00 pm to 2.30 pm at Meadowpark school is suspended for the next 12 weeks. For further updates, please go to their Facebook page – www.facebook.com/HaddPeerProject
Headway East Lothian
All Headway East Lothian meetings and outreach will be cancelled for the time being. You can still get in touch with the team by phone or email.
Phone: 07895193974
Email: headwayeastlothian@live.co.uk
Health in Mind
We are working flexibly with people and can offer support in a range of ways. If you would like to talk to someone about support or for further information please contact us. Call 0131 225 8508 or email contactus@health-in-mind.org.uk
This page includes the latest updates from our East Lothian-based services. It will continue to be updated, so please do keep checking in.
Bridge to Support
Bridge to Support is here for survivors in Scotland, of abuse by the Jesuits or their staff.
To access the service or if you have any questions, you can call us on 0131 243 0136 or email bridgetosupport@health-in-mind.org.uk.
Counselling for Survivors of Sexual Abuse (CSA)
To support people who use our services during this time, Health in Mind is currently offering telephone counselling sessions for our CSA Counselling Service.
This option isn’t suitable for everyone, and some people have opted to put their counselling on hold until face to face counselling is available but to give clients further options, we are also offering video counselling. All new clients who are ready to start counselling will be offered telephone or video counselling until face-to-face counselling resumes.
If you need any further information please contact our counselling team who will be happy to answer any of your questions. Email counselling@health-in-mind.org.uk or call 0131 225 8508 and ask to speak to a member of the Counselling Team.
Equal Access
The Equal Access service supports people from ethnic minority communities who face additional cultural and language barriers and help them develop positive mental health and wellbeing.
The Equal Access Team is working hard to ensure that support is still available to those who need it.
All matches will be offered a telephone or video call. This means you don’t need to wait until measures are relaxed to be matched with a volunteer.
Please contact Monika for further information monika.dyczko@health-in-mind.org.uk or call 0131 663 1616 and ask to speak to Monika.
Lothian Deaf Counselling Service
Lothian Deaf Counselling Service provides a free confidential counselling service for those aged 18 or over who are Deaf, deafened, hard of hearing or deafblind throughout Lothian who will benefit from a counselling service specially designed to meet their needs.
To support people who use our service during this time, Health in Mind is currently offering video counselling.
Health in Mind understands this isn’t suitable for everyone, and some people have opted to put their counselling on hold until face to face counselling is available. All new clients will also be offered video counselling until face to face counselling resumes.
If you need any further information please contact the counselling team who will be happy to answer any of your questions.
Email deafcounselling@health-in-mind.org.uk or call 0131 225 8508 and ask to speak to a member of the Counselling Team.
Trauma Counselling Line Scotland
Health in Mind’s telephone counselling service for adults who experienced abuse in childhood is continuing as normal.
Trauma Support Services
Pathway Men is accepting referrals via email and will offer initial assessment and appointments by phone at present. Please be aware that there is an extensive waiting lists.
Pathway Men
Practical and emotional support for men who are survivors of childhood sexual abuse or men who have experienced rape/sexual abuse or domestic violence as adults. Health in Mind provides support to develop coping strategies, build self-confidence and reduce stress and anxiety.
You can self-refer or be referred by someone else. The referral form, risk assessment and contact information can be found on our website here.
JobCentre Plus
The government is committed to helping those with health conditions and disabilities move nearer to the labour market and, when ready, into work.
The jobcentre has a range of services available to help people return to or move closer to work, especially those on a health journey who are unsure of what the next step is. Through its links with local and national organisations, it can also signpost to help people engage with the right support to improve their situation and remove barriers.
In the jobcentre:
- Disability Employment Advisors and Employer Advisors are able to support you and your Work Coach to get the right job or support for you.
- With the support of jobcentre Employer Advisors and Disability Employment Advisors, DWP encourage employers to employ people with health conditions and disabilities through the Disability Confident Scheme.
- DWP Work Psychologists run group discussions on managing mild to moderate depression and anxiety. They also offer one-to-one assessments to help people identify the types of job roles that may best suit their health.
- Access to Work, a free service available from DWP for people with a health condition or disability as defined by the Equalities Act. Among other things it can help with travel costs, workplace adjustments and in work support.
- Fair Start, a free service to help people with a health condition or disability, claiming DWP benefits move into work. Funded by the Scottish Government, this support is usually available for up to 12mths.
Contact details for East Lothian JobCentre –
Email: Craig Robertson craig.robertson@dwp.gov.uk
Lothian Autistic Society
All groups have been suspended. Please get in touch if you have any queries.
Phone: 0131 661 3834
Email: office@lothianautistic.org
Lothian Centre for Inclusive Living (LCiL)
Lothian Centre for Inclusive Living (LCiL) is running groups via Zoom – if you are interested in taking part in these groups, please email lisa.milburn@lothiancil.org.uk
You can keep updated on its Facebook page – www.facebook.com/LothianCIL
Lothian and Edinburgh Abstinence Programme (LEAP)
LEAP is no longer assessing patients or admitting to the programme. The LEAP team will write to all prospective patients.
Mental Health Line from East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership
This new service is for people aged 18 and over (including people over 65).
If you are feeling anxious, depressed or have other worries about your mental health, phone 01620 642 963 between 9.00 am – 4.00 pm, Monday to Friday.
When you call, will take your details and make an appointment for you to speak to a Mental Health Occupational Therapist or Nurses, who will ring you back at a time that is convenient for you within the next 36 hours.
The practitioner will assess you over the phone, and provide help and support and sometimes a referral on to other services.
This service is not designed for:
- people already being seen regularly by a Community Mental Health Nurse in the Community Mental Health Team
- people who are experiencing a mental health emergency — in this case, please phone your GP or see our Get Help Now page for emergency support.
Mid and East Lothian Drugs (MELD)
Instead of offering face-to-face support by the MELD core service, MELD is now restricted to offering telephone support. All MELD clients have been contacted and offered support over the phone. For those clients who wish to, support is available via Skype, Zoom and other video communications.
Referrals from new clients are still be accepted but as the gateway to Recovery Clinics are closed, all new referrals will be taken over the phone. People can make contact via The Esk Centre on 0131 446 4853 or directly to MELD on 07843339958
All of the groupwork previously offered has been postponed until further notice, but it is MELD’s intention to offer clients the opportunity to engage in Mindfulness via Zoom (video conferencing) regularly over the next few weeks. For more information, please email Linda Bernard at lindabernard@meld-drugs.org.uk. To sign up for this service you will be required to provide your name, telephone number and email address.
As MELD is unable to offer a Needle Exchange service from No11 or The Esk Centre, a delivery service will be provided upon request. To receive this service, please contact Elaine Elder on 07843339960.
Website: www.meld-drugs.org.uk
Musselburgh Citizens Advice Bureau
Clients in the East Lothian area and who require advice, are asked to please check the Musselburgh CAB website for self-help options. you can also send us an enquiry via the website.
If your issue is urgent i.e. you require a foodbank referral, you have a problem with a benefit claim, or you need to make a new claim for benefits, please get in touch by phone.
Website: musselburghcab.org.uk
Phone: 0131 665 1141
People Know How
For a full service update from People Know How, go to www.peopleknowhow.org/coronavirus-update
PETAL (People Experiencing Trauma and Loss)
PETAL is currently providing services:
• bereavement counselling
• emotional support
• practical support/advice
Download PETAL’s leaflet here – PETAL leaflet
Email: info@petalsupport.com
Phone Number: 01698 324502
Post Natal Mental Health Peer Support Group (PANDAS)
All groups have been suspended. Contact the group leader for more information. In the meantime, you can call the PANDAS free helpline on 0808 1961 776 Monday – Sunday between 11.00 am and 10.00 pm.
Local leader: 07735 021880
Email: info@pandasfoundation.org.uk
Safe Families
Safe Families works with families in Edinburgh, East Lothian, West Lothian and Midlothian who are isolated and struggling by linking trained and approved volunteers. Safe Families is providing virtual support from the family support staff and getting families emergency food parcels. Safe Families is currently receiving referrals.
Website: www.safefamilies.uk
Email: scotland@safefamilies.uk
Phone: 0131 603 8430
Self Injury Support
The helpline has re-opened for non-judgemental compassionate support from 7-9.30pm on Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 22nd July 2020.
Self Injury Helpline – 0808 800 8088
Text: 07537 432444
Webchat: Click for Webchat Support
Email: www.selfinjurysupportltd.rit.org.uk
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 7.00 pm – 9.30 pm
Sleep Scotland Phoneline
The Sleep Scotland team will be working remotely until further notice, in line with current government guidance. This includes the Sleep Support Line. The team can be contacted via email at enquiries@sleepscotland.org, or if you know the team you wish to contact, please use the addresses below:
Sleep Support Line – sleepsupport@sleepscotland.org
Training – training@sleepscotland.org
Finance – finance@sleepscotland.org
Starfish Recovery SCIO
The Starfish Recovery Cafe has closed until further notice.
Stepping Out
Stepping Out have suspended all face-to-face meetings and group activities. You can contact the Stepping Out team during normal working hours.
The team are unable to take any new referrals.
Phone: 01620893056
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Steppingouteastlothian
Tuesday 10.00 am – 3.00 pm, Wednesday 10.00 – 4.00 pm and Thursday 10.00 – 3.00 pm.
Substance Misuse Service – The Esk Centre
The Substance Misuse Service is currently restricting face-to-face appointments to those considered to be essential.
It is advised not to visit the Esk Centre unless a staff member has told you to do so.
People already involved with the service will have their prescriptions delivered to their usual pharmacies and will be followed up by telephone.
If people have specific difficulties and/or require additional support, they should contact the team by telephone.
If you are looking for a gateway assessment, please contact the team by phone on Mondays at 1.00 pm – 4.00 pm or on Thursdays at 11.00 am – 4.00 pm.
Phone: 0131 446 4853
The Ridge
The Ridge is currently supporting people by phone and has cancelled face-to-face support. The team are liaising with different agencies to provide emotional and practical help.
Email: info@the-ridge.org.uk
Royal Voluntary Service (RVS)
RVS is still able to provide transport to older people to essential medical appointments, but have greatly reduced volunteer numbers for this. The team of volunteers are also helping to get people food and collecting prescriptions, and setting up regular calls (to existing clients initially) to check they are well and offer some support. There is restricted capacity, but if someone needs help, they can still call the RVS team on the usual number shown below.
Phone: 01875 811 011
Venture Scotland
Venture Scotland office is closed and all staff working from home. The team are continuing to try to support the young people currently engaging with our courses through digital media. The team are unable to offer face-to-face meetings, however, referrals can still be made via email (admin@venturescotland.org.uk) and by telephone 07495 836 248.
Waverley Care
Waverley Care has released a full statement about how Covid-19 will effect its services –www.waverleycare.org/news/coronavirus-covid-19-announcement-were-suspending-person-support-services
Women’s Aid Mid and East Lothian
Staff are working from home but still available on phone and email.
Phone: 0131 561 5800
Email: info@womensaideml.org
Monday – Friday, 9.00 am – 4.00 pm
Community Resilience Groups
Aberlady
Email: hello@aberladyheritage.com
Direlton
Email: DART.coordinators@outlook.com
Website: www.dirletonvillage.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gullanedirleton.rt.9
Dunbar
Email: Dunbar.covid19@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DunbarCommunityCouncil/
Website: https://dunbarcommunitycouncil.org.uk/dunbar-community-resilience/
East Lammermuir
Stenton
Email: stentoncovid@gmail.com
Oldhamstocks Community Association in conjunction with East Lammermuir Community Council
Email: covidresponders@oldhamstocks.org.uk
Cockburnspath & Cove Community Council in conjunction with Dunglass Parish
Email: secretarycccc@live.co.uk (with Subject: Covid Helpers)
Spott Community Association in conjunction with East Lammermuir Community Council
Email: covidresponders@spottvillage.org.uk
Innerwick Parish Welfare Association in conjunction with Dunglass Parish and East Lammermuir Community Council
Email: innerwickcovid@gmail.com
Garvald and Morham
Website: www.garvald.org.uk
Gifford
Email: chairgiffordcc@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GiffordCommunityCouncil/
Gullane
Email: gullaneRT@gmail.com
Haddington
Website: www.haddingtoncc.org.uk/coronavirus
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/HaddingtonCommunityCouncil
Humbie, East & West Saltoun and Bolton
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Humbie-162537127142986
Email: humbiehelp20@gmail.com
Longniddry
Facebook: www.facebook.com/longniddrycommunitycouncil
Email: longniddrycommunitycouncil@gmail.com
Macmerry and Glasdmuir
Email: communityresilienceteam@gmail.com
Musselburgh and Inveresk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MusselburghInvereskCommunityCouncil/
Musselburgh
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lovemusselburgh
North Berwick
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/229494641777428/
Website:www.nbresilience.com/home
Ormiston
Email: ormistonrcrteam@hotmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/OrmistonCC/
Pencaitland
Email: covid19@pencaitland.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pencaitland
Prestonpans
Email: prestonpansresilience@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PrestonpansResilience/
Tranent and Elphinstone
Email: tranentemergencyresponse@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Tranent-Emergency-Response-Coronavirus-103348761300246/
Tynninghame
Wesbite: https://tyninghamevillagehall.org.uk
Helplines/Email Support
Anxiety UK
During the coronavirus pandemic, Anxiety UK has extended its helpline hours to provide additional support in the evenings until 10.00 pm and over the weekend between 10.00 am -8.00 pm.
Phone: 03444 775774
Breathing Space
Breathing Space is a free, confidential phone and web-based service for people in Scotland experiencing low mood, stress, depression or anxiety.
Phone: 0800 83 85 87
Monday to Thursday – 6.00 pm – 2.00 am
Friday to Monday – 6.00 pm – to 6.00 am
CALM
For people in the UK who are down or have hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support.
Hopeline
Hopeline is a confidential support and advice service for:
- Children and young people under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide
- Anyone concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide
Phone: 0800 068 4141
Text: 07860039967
Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org
Families Outside
Families Outside is the only national charity in Scotland that works solely on behalf of families affected by imprisonment. The team directly support to family members and friends who have someone close to them in prison.
The team are currently unable to provide face-to-face support but continue to offer phone support to family members and/or professionals.
There are training sessions available for professionals and work to improve policy and practice – see the Families Outside website for more information about these areas of our work.
Phone: 0800 254 0088
Email: support@familiesoutside.org.uk
Text: FAMOUT to 60777
Webchat: www.familiesoutside.org.uk
LGBT Health and Wellbeing Helpline
The helpline provides information and emotional support to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their families, friends and supporters across Scotland. The team also provide support to those questioning or wanting to discuss their sexuality or gender identity.
Phone: 0300 123 2523
Email: helpline@lgbthealth.org.uk
Tuesday and Wednesday between 12.00 pm – 9.00 pm
Webchat: www.lgbthealth.org.uk/services-support/helpline
Between 3.00 pm – 9.00 pm
The National Funeral Costs Advice Helpline
The National Funeral Costs Advice Helpline has been repurposed for emotional support for unattended funerals.
Phone: 03000 113 301
Website: https://www.caledoniacremation.org.uk/advice/
OCD Action
A confidential and unbiased service offering help, information and support for people with OCD, carers and anyone who is concerned that they, or their friends or relatives, may have OCD or a related disorder.
Phone: 0845 390 6232 or 020 7253 2664
Monday – Friday 9.30 am – 8.00 pm
Samaritans
Samaritans offer confidential emotional support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those that may lead to suicide.
Phone: 116 123
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Open every day, all day
Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline
Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline is for all LGBT people across the UK.
Every day, 10.00 am – 10.00 pm
Phone:0300 330 0630
Email: chris@switchboard.lgbt
Saneline
Leave your first name and a contact number, and one of the Saneline professionals or senior volunteers will call you back as soon as practicable.
Phone: 07984 967 708
Beat eating disorders
Beat support people who have or are worried they have an eating disorder, as well as others affected, such as friends and family members.
Helpline: 0808 801 0677
Student line: 0808 801 0811
Youth line: 0808 801 0711
Beat helplines are open 365 days a year from 12.00 pm – 8.00 pm during the week, and 4.00 pm – 8.00 pm on weekends and bank holidays.
If the lines are busy and you can’t get through immediately, please do try again or try the one-to-one webchat.
Domestic and Sexual Abuse
Rape Crisis Scotland
The Rape Crisis Scotland helpline offers free and confidential support and information by phone, email and text. It is for anyone aged 13 and over, of any gender, affected by any form of sexual violence, no matter when or how it happened.
Phone: 08088 01 03 02
Email: support@rapecrisisscotland.org.uk
Text: 077537 410 027
Respect
Respect Phoneline is a confidential helpline, email and webchat service for domestic abuse perpetrators and those supporting them. The team support men and women who are using abuse in same-sex or heterosexual relationships.
Phone: 0808 8024040
Email: info@respectphoneline.org.uk
Webchat: Webchat
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday – 10.00 am – 11.00 am and 3.00 pm – 4.00 pm
Website: www.respectphoneline.org.uk
Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline
The helpline supports anyone with experience of domestic abuse or forced marriage, as well as their family members, friends, colleagues and professionals who support them. The team provide a confidential, sensitive service to anyone who calls.
Phone: 0900 027 1234
Open 24/7
Email: helpline@sdsfmh.org.uk
Webchat: sdafmh.org.uk/
Survivors UK
Survivors UK supports men who have been sexually abused.
Online Helpline
A chat service for men who have experienced sexual abuse either as a child or an adult and allows you to have a confidential one-to-one chat with one of the trained helpliners.
Website: www.survivorsuk.org/
Text: 020 3322 1860
Whatsapp: 074 9181 6064
Addiction and Substance Misuse
Al-Anon
Al-Anon helpline is for anyone affected by someone else’s drinking.
Phone: 0800 0086 811
Every day, 10.00 am – 10.00 pm, 365 days a year.
Please do not leave a message as, to ensure callers’ confidentiality, the team are unable to return calls.
Email: helpline@al-anonuk.org.uk
Cocaine Anonymous (CA)
Cocaine Anonymous (CA) is a fellowship, offering information and support to people affected by addiction to cocaine and other mind and mood-altering substances.
Phone: 0800 612 0225
Email: helpline@cauk.org.uk
Drinkline
Drinkline runs a free, confidential helpline for people who are concerned about their drinking, or someone else’s.
Webchat: https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/advice/support-services/chat-with-an-advisor
Phone: 0300 123 1110
Weekdays, 9.00 am – 8.00 pm
Weekends, 11.00 am – 4.00 pm
Know the Score
Confidential drugs information and advice.
Phone: 0333 230 9468
Email: knowthescore.info/help-and-support/drugs-helpline
Scottish Families Affected by Drugs & Alcohol
If you are concerned about someone’s alcohol or drug use, contact Scottish Families Affected by Drugs & Alcohol. Available 9.oo am-11.00 pm Monday to Friday and as a call-back service on weekends.
Phone: 08080 10 10 11
Monday – Friday, 9.00 am – 11.00 pm
Call back service on weekends.
Talk to Frank
Talk to Frank for friendly, confidential drugs information and advice.
Phone: 0300 123 6600
Open every day, all day.
Email: frank@talktofrank.com
Webchat and email advice are also available, along with a wide range of online resources on the Frank website.
Older People
The Age Scotland Helpline
Information and advice for older people.
Phone: 0800 12 44 222
Monday to Friday, 9.00 am – 5.00 pm
Elder Abuse Helpline
The Elder Abuse Helpline offers free and confidential advice and support on:
- financial harm or exploitation
- physical abuse
- emotional or psychological abuse
- sexual harm or abuse
- neglect
Phone: 080 8808 8141 (press 2 for Scotland)
Monday – Friday, 9.o0 am – 5.00 pm
Email: scotland@elderabuse.org.uk
Young People
Childline
Phone: 800 1111
Webchat: www.childline.org.uk
Every day, 9.00 am – 12.00 am
For more information, go to www.childline.org.uk
The Mix
The Mix is the UK’s leading support service for young people. The team can help you take on any challenge you’re facing – from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs.
Phone: 0808 808 4994
Webchat: www.themix.org.uk/get-support
Open 24/7
Text Service
A crisis messenger text service providing free, 24/7 crisis support across the UK. The service is for people aged 25 or under, and are experiencing any painful emotion or are in crisis.
Text THEMIX to 85258
Families
Lone Parent Helpline
The Lone Parent Helpline offers emotional support and information for lone parents on a range of topics, including:
- child maintenance
- contact
- employment
- education
- welfare benefits and tax credits
- housing
- debt
Phone: 0808 801 0323.
Monday – Friday, 9.30 am – 4.00 pm
Webchat: opfs.org.uk/talk-to-us
Email: helpline@opfs.org.uk
ParentLine
ParentLine Scotland is the free, confidential helpline run by Children 1st. Its highly trained call-takers offer help, advice, information, reassurance or just a friendly listening ear to stressed parents or carers.
Phone: 08000 28 22 33
Email: parentlinescotland@children1st.org.uk
Monday – Friday, 9.00 am – 9.00 pm
Saturday – Sunday, 9.00am – 12:00pm
Online Resources
Active Travel Leaflets
Advice on how to stay active and ideas of where to stay active in your local area
- Active Travel Dunbar
- Active Travel Haddington
- Active Travel Musselburgh
- Active Travel North Berwick
- Active Travel Prestonpans
- Active Travel Tranent
ACE IT – I.T Helpsheets
With many people in isolation and not able to see family, friends or do our usual day to day activities such as grocery shopping, ACE IT has created a series of I.T helpsheets which can be accessed and used to set up key tools to help us through this difficult time.
– How to set up Facebook
– How to set up video calling
– Accessing medical advice
– Online shopping
– Shopping on Amazon
Ability Net
Ability Net has a range of resources to older people and those with disabilities to access technology.
https://abilitynet.org.uk/free-resources
Ageing Well – Staying active at home
Ageing Well has published a resource about staying active at home for older people and those who are shielded during this time.
Download the resource here – Staying active at home
Artlink Edinburgh and Lothians
Artlink Edinburgh and Lothians are creating lots of different creative resources and activities. See their website for updates and more details.
Website: www.artlinkedinburgh.co.uk
BT Skills for Tomorrow
Online courses to learn new skills for work, home and everyday life.
Coping with stress during the Covid-19 outbreak
Advice from World Health Organisation – Coping with stress
Coronavirus advice for unpaid carers
For anyone providing regular support to a vulnerable friend or relative will want to do what they can to protect their own health and that of those they look after during the coronavirus outbreak.
Download here – Carers Leaflet Covid-19
CHAYN
CHAYN is a global volunteer network addressing gender-based violence by creating intersectional survivor-led resources online.
Website: www.chayn.co
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
CAMHS have a comprehensive list of online resources for children, young people and their family/carers.
Click here to view the CAMHS online resource page – services.nhslothian.scot/camhs/Resources/Pages/Online-Resources
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Advice for professionals
People who work in health and care settings should be extra vigilant about any new or developing symptoms. Check out this webpage for more advice – www.nhsinform.scot
East Lothian Facebook Community Forums
Cockenzie and Port Seton Community Council
Fire Safety during Covid-19
Advice from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service on how to stay safe during Covid-19
Website: www.firescotland.gov.uk
Headspace
A mindful approach to helping your team through the current global crisis.
ww.headspace.com/work/mindful-approach-to-covid-19
Health in Mind
Health in Mind service updates and free resources.
www.health-in-mind.org.uk/coronavirus_covid_19
Helping children cope with stress during the Covid-19 outbreak
Advice from the World Health Organisation – Helping children cope with stress
Mental wellbeing audio guides
A series of mental wellbeing audio guides to help you boost your mood.
Coronavirus information for service users and their families from the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland
Updated on the 6 May 2020.
Mind
Mind is a mental health charity based in England but has a lot of online resources to support you during Covid-19
www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing
National Academy for Social Prescribing
The National Academy from Social Prescribing has designed a Personalised Wellbeing Plan template, which can be used by anyone who is self-isolating, family, friends, healthcare professionals and carers to summarise a person’s personal circumstances and the things that matter most to them at this time.
Public Protection in East Lothian and Midlothian
www.emppc.org.uk/violence-against-women
Royal College of Occupational Therapists
The Royal College of Occupational Therapists has put together top tips for staying well during Covid-19.
Safe Lives
Safe Lives have a collecti0n of resources to help adults and children living with domestic abuse, and the professionals working hard to support them, during Covid-19.
safelives.org.uk/news-views/domestic-abuse-and-covid-19
Scams during Covid-19
As Scottish communities deal with uncertainty and isolation, there is a rapidly increasing variety of scams related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Scottish Standards Scotland have put together a guide to help you protect yourself from scammers.
https://www.tsscot.co.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-scams/
Shelter Scotland
Scottish housing advice during Covid-19 – www.scotland.shelter.org.uk
SCVO Coronavirus Directory
Search for support in your area, including:
- Emotional/social support
- Food/grocery delivery
- Transportation
- Information and advice
Online Directory: www.covid-19.scvo.org.uk
Staying well while social distancing
NHS Lothian Occupational Therapists have developed a fantastic resource to help you stay well while you are social distancing.
Click here to download the document – Staying well while social distancing
Staying Active during Covid-19
This document has been developed by Ageing Well East Lothian to support older people and those who are shielded to stay active and healthy at home.
Resources for staying active at home during the coronavirus outbreak
Young Scot
A selection of resources for young people to find out more about what’s happening and the simple steps you can take to help prevent catching COVID-19 and spreading to others. Also find out more about what you can do if you are feeling anxious and worried, and how you can support others in your community.