There is a Citizens Advice Bureau in almost every community in Scotland, across 300+ locations, helping more than 171,000 people each year.
Useful Numbers
Our handy list of useful and helpful numbers for when you need information and support. Each category has phone numbers, email addresses and links to each of the organisations listed.
Breathing Space is a free, confidential, phone and webchat service for anyone in Scotland over the age of 16 experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety.
Phone and speak to a Breathing Space advisor on 0800 83 85 87 (Opening Hours - 24 hours at weekends (6pm Friday – 6am Monday). 6pm to 2am on weekdays (Monday – Thursday).
Use a textphone to contact Breathing Space on 18001 0800 83 85 87, or use the Relay UK app.
Chris’s House stands for ‘Centre of Help, Response and Intervention Surrounding Suicide’ and has been set up to offer a safe environment where people in, or approaching, suicidal crisis can have a safe place to go and get professional support. This will help them to begin to recover from their current mental ill health. At Chris’s House, they call anyone using their service a “Guest” and offer an individually tailored programme for each Guest.
Their guests will be assigned to a volunteer who will develop a strong rapport to help them through the crisis and support them to counter depression, negative and despairing thoughts and exchange reasons for dying with reasons for living. They listen to their guests and offer them appropriate therapies to aid them in their recovery journey. They will work in partnership with other established agencies to offer the best possible ongoing care.
You can contact Chris's House on: 01236 766755
Cruse Scotland is the nation’s expert in bereavement counselling, listening services, information, advice and training. We aim to create a compassionate country where grief is properly discussed, understood and supported.
The National Bereavement Helpline is open to anyone in Scotland. It is the first point of contact, where you can talk in confidence about your grief. Specially trained volunteers listen, provide information and reassurance, and guide you towards further support from Cruse Scotland and other organisations. 0808 802 6161 (Open Weekdays 9am-8pm and Weekends 10am-2pm)
If you are struggling with bereavement and would like to chat online with someone about how you are feeling, please you can use their GriefChat service which is available to anyone over the age of 18. It is open Monday to Friday, 9am-9pm within those hours a chat box will appear at the bottom of your screen and invite you to talk. You will have instant access to a qualified and professional bereavement counsellor who will help you with your grief.
Alternatively, you can email them.
Papyrus is a national charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people. Suicide is the biggest killer of people aged 35 and under in the UK.
Today, they are a leading youth suicide prevention charity in the UK. Their suicide prevention helpline, HOPELINE247, is staffed by trained suicide prevention advisers, who work with young people – and anybody concerned for a young person – to help keep them safe from suicide.
HOPELINE247 advisers want to work with you to understand why thoughts of suicide might be present. They also want to provide you with a safe space to talk through anything happening in your life that could be impacting on your or anyone else’s ability to stay safe.
If you are having thoughts of suicide or are concerned for a young person who might be you can contact HOPELINE247 for confidential support and practical advice.
- Call: 0800 068 4141
- Text: 07860039967
- Email Papyrus
Opening hours: Lines are open 24 hours every day of the year (Weekends and Bank Holidays included)
Whatever you’re facing, a Samaritan will face it with you. Every 10 seconds, Samaritans respond to a call for help. They’re here, day or night, for anyone who’s struggling to cope, who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure.
116 123 (Open 24 hours a day)
Email Samaritans - (Response time: It may take several days to get a response by email)
Got a question about mental health? SAMH can help. The SAMH Information Service provides information and support on mental health. Whether you’re seeking support, looking for more information for you or someone you love, or just want to have chat about mental health, SAMH is here.
Here are ways you can talk to the SAMH Information Team (Open 9am-6pm, Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays)
SANEline is a national out-of-hours mental health helpline offering specialist emotional support, guidance and information to anyone affected by mental illness, including family, friends and carers.
Their helpline is here to support you – particularly if you feel you have reached a moment of crisis. We know that moment of crisis is different for everybody – some people can reach that point daily, and for some people it is a rare occurrence.
SANEline's trained helpline volunteers aim to be empathic and non-judgemental, providing space and time for you to talk about your mental health, or the mental health of someone close to you.
Anybody is welcome to call them if they need to talk, or want support. The helpline is a confidential service for anyone aged 16 or over. If you’re under 16, there are specialist services for people your age who would be better suited to talk with you – you’re welcome to email them to get more information.
Call the SANEline on: 0300 304 7000 (They are normally open every day of the year from 4pm to 10pm.)
Shout is the UK's first and only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging service for anyone who is struggling to cope. They have taken more than two million conversations with people who are sad, worried, lonely or suicidal and who need urgent, in-the-moment support.
Shout is a free, confidential and 24/7 text messaging service for anyone in the UK who needs support. If you are struggling to cope and need to talk, their trained Shout Volunteers are here for you. To start a conversation, text the word ‘Shout’ to 85258.
If your life is at imminent risk, please call 999 for immediate help.
The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) are taking a stand against suicide. That means standing against feeling hopeless, standing up to stereotypes and standing together to show life is always worth living. Every week 125 people in the UK take their own lives. CALM exists to change this - by offering life-saving services, provoking national conversation, and bringing people together to reject living miserably.
CALM’s helpline and livechat are open from 5pm to midnight every day. 365 days a year. If you or someone you know needs help right now, call 999. CALM's helpline and livechat are for everyone over the age of 15. If you’re under 15 and need support, you can find more information here.
Contact CALM on: 0800 58 58 58
Lanarkshire Rape Crisis (LRCC) are the Rape Crisis Centre for Lanarkshire. Their specialist service delivers emotional, practical and justice advocacy support to women and girls (12ys+) who have been subjected to any form of sexual violence no matter how long ago it happened. They can also offer individual crisis support and advocacy services to all survivors (12yrs+).
If you’d like to arrange a support call to find out how they can help, call: 01698 527003
You can refer yourself by visiting their Website, or you can email them: support@lanrcc.org.uk for help and advice.
Monklands Women’s Aid and Cumbernauld and District Women's Aid merged in April 2025 to provide specialist Women’s Aid services supporting women, children, and young people in Airdrie, Coatbridge, Cumbernauld, Kilsyth, and the surrounding areas.
You can contact Monklands Women's Aid on: 01236 432 061/ 01236 730992 . (Mon - Thur 9am - 4pm, Fri 9am – 1:30pm.)
Motherwell & District Women’s Aid (MDWA) is a grassroots, community-driven support platform and network for women and children at risk of domestic abuse.
You can contact Motherwell & District Women's Aid (MDWA) on: 01698 321 000
Rape Crisis Scotland is Scotland run a national helpline with support and information for anyone affected by sexual violence.
Rape Crisis Scotland's helpline helpline offers confidential short-term, crisis and initial support by phone, email, webchat and text. Their phone, email and webchat support is free and texts will be charged at your normal network rate. Calls to them do not show on your bill.
They support people of all genders living in Scotland aged 13+ who have been affected by sexual violence. It doesn’t matter what happened or how long ago, and you don’t have to talk about anything you don’t want to. They support survivors, as well as family, friends and supporters.
They can also put you in touch with local Rape Crisis Centres or other services if you need longer-term support, and can arrange for free language interpreters, including British Sign Language, to access support if your first language is not English. More information on Deaf access to support.
Call: 08088 01 03 02
Text: 07537 410 027
Email: support@rapecrisisscotland.org.uk
(Open daily from 5pm – midnight, 365 days a year)
Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone with experience of domestic abuse or forced marriage, as well as their family members, friends, colleagues, and professionals who support them. The helpline team have a specialist understanding of the dynamics of domestic abuse and forced marriage, and the options available for support in Scotland. If you are experiencing domestic abuse, think that you might be, or are concerned about someone else, Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline is here for you.
They welcome calls from everyone and support people of all ages, genders, abilities, sexual orientations, nationalities and backgrounds. If English is not your first language, they can speak to you through a confidential telephone interpreting service.
They are here 24/7, and you can contact them by phone call, WhatsApp or text, through web chat, or by email.
You can call them on the helpline: 0800 027 1234
Email (They will reply as soon as possible and within two days)
The National Stalking Helpline is a service set up to provide advice and advocacy to residents from across the United Kingdom.
You can call the National Stalking Helpline on: 0808 802 0300. (9:30am - 8pm, Monday and Wednesday, 9:30am - 4pm, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday)
Women’s Aid South Lanarkshire and East Renfrewshire are set up to provide support to women, children and young people with experience of domestic abuse. They work towards a world free from violence against women we are a feminist organisation that recognises domestic abuse as a cause and consequence of gender inequality.
You can contact them on: 01355 249897 / 0141 404 0015 (Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm)
Amina - The Muslim Women's Resource Centre (Amina MWRC) is an intersectional organisation, based in Scotland, that empowers and supports Muslim and BAME women by serving as a vital link between them and the barriers they face every day.
You can contact Amina's helpline on: 0808 801 0301 (Monday - Friday, 10am-4pm)
If you have any enquiries, please complete their online enquiry form or you can email them.
Hemat Gryffe Women’s Aid aims to provide culturally sensitive support to women, children and young people primarily from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities who have experienced domestic abuse in any form which can be physical, emotional, financial or sexual abuse; including forced marriage, honour based abuse and cultural oppression.
Telephone: 0141 353 0859 for information and support.
Karma Nirvana are here to listen and to help anyone who is affected by Honour Based Abuse. If you are in an emergency situation, please call 999.
Honour Based Abuse is a form of domestic abuse. It can come in many forms, and although it is a problem in certain communities, cultural traditions do not make it OK. Abuse is abuse. No one; not even your family, has the right to control you or to harm you emotionally or physically. Many women are affected by Honour Based Abuse. You are not alone.
Help is available. Safe, confidential, free services exist for you.
You can contact Karma Nirvana's National Honour-Based Abuse & Forced Marriage Helpline on: 0800 5999 247 (Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm)
Migrant Help exists to protect people affected by displacement and exploitation, helping them thrive as individuals and recover from their trauma. They support those most in need and least likely to find support elsewhere, whilst aiming to bridge community gaps and bring services and support together. Their services include:
Asylum Support
Those seeking asylum in the UK can come to Migrant Help to seek help with applying for accommodation and financial support, to report issues with asylum accommodation, and any other advice needed during their asylum journey. They also provide support during the post-decision period, whether the decision has been positive or negative.
You can contact Migrant Help's free Asylum Helpline on: 0808 8010 503 (Open 24/7/365)
Email addresses for various queries can be found here.
You can also contact them via their webchat or via an online enquiry form.
Victims of Slavery and Human Trafficking Support
Migrant Help provides specialist support and accommodation to victims of human trafficking and modern slavery, and their dependants. Their dedicated casework teams provide safe accommodation, develop support plans and facilitate access to key services in order to empower clients as they recover from trauma.
If you think you, or someone you know, are a victim of human trafficking, you can contact them on:
Phone: 0141 8847900 / Out of Hours: 0141 2128553
EU Settlement Scheme
EU citizens living in the country must apply for settled or pre-settled status to guarantee their rights after the UK leaves the European Union. They are committed to advising and supporting vulnerable people in this process, including those who are part of Gypsy, traveller or Roma communities, homeless, elderly, disabled, adults who have left care or victims of domestic abuse, modern slavery or human trafficking.
OPOKA aims to help women and children in the Polish community improve health, well-being, financial stability, and happiness by stopping domestic violence and abuse.
You can contact OPOKA's helpline on: 0300 365 1700 (Helpline is answered in the Polish language) / 0117 427 0012 (English) (Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays, 10am to 1pm)
The Scottish Refugee Council can provide you with advice about your rights and help you find out more about the services and support available in Scotland. Please ask for an interpreter if you need one.
Who is the helpline for?
- Refugees and people seeking asylum who are living in Scotland
- Individuals and organisations looking for information to help them support people seeking safety
What can The Scottish Refugee Council help you with?
You can give them a call if you need someone to:
- Listen to you and find out how they can help
- Provide information and advice on money, housing, education, healthcare, learning English and building social connections in Scotland
- Connect you with other services in Scotland that can provide you with help and support
- Provide you with useful information about your local area
- Refer you to specialist organisations, like Freedom From Torture, Trafficking Awareness Raising Alliance or Rape Crisis Scotland
- Let you know where you can access practical support, including digital devices like mobile phones
You can contact the Scottish Refugee Council on: 0808 1967 274 ( Open Monday - Friday, from 9am to 5pm. *Please note: Their helpline is closed every Wednesday morning for staff training and will reopen at 1pm.)
For information and advice relating to the crisis in Ukraine, you can also contact them by email at: ukraine@scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk
Looking for immigration advice?
The Scottish Refugee Council is registered with the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) to give legal advice on asylum and refugee protection matters. However, they may need to signpost you to other legal representatives working in asylum law in Scotland for further legal advice on asylum and immigration laws.
You can find legal representatives in Glasgow here, and in Edinburgh here.
Shakti Women’s Aid helps women, children, and young people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities experiencing, or who have experienced, domestic abuse from a partner, ex-partner, and/ or other members of the household.
You can contact Shakti Women's Aid on: 0131 475 2399
Unseen is a UK charity that provides safehouses and support in the community for survivors of trafficking and modern slavery. They also run the UK Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline which provides information, advice and guidance about any modern slavery issue.
You can contact the UK Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline on: 08000 121 700
The Galop helpline is for LGBT+ people experiencing abuse or violence, such as hate crime, domestic abuse, sexual violence, conversion therapy or any other kind of abuse. The Galop Helpline is here to offer you emotional support, provide information and can help you to explore your options, depending on your needs.
You can contact the Galop LGBT+ National Helpline on: 0800 999 5428
LGBT Health and Wellbeing provide 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 LGBTQIA+ umbrella.
You do not need a label to use their helpline. They will support you if you are questioning or exploring your sexuality and/or gender identity. They are also here for the families, partners, friends and supporters of LGBTQ+ people.
You can bring anything to their helpline. Whatever issue you have, they can support you or help you find support.
You can contact the LGBT+ Helpline on: 0800 464 7000 (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, 12pm - 9pm) Sundays, 1pm - 6pm)
Livechat: When one of their team is available, a red chat box will appear in the bottom-right corner of their Website
Are you a deaf BSL user who is also LGBTQ+ or questioning or exploring your sexuality or gender identity? You will be able get support from their helpline in British Sign Language (BSL).
The helpline's BSL pilot project will run every Thursday between 6pm and 9pm. You will be able to reach them by making a WhatsApp video call to one of these 2 numbers: 07522 057987 / 07522 058204 ( Please be patient as they may be on another call. Please try both numbers or call back later.)
LGBT Foundation are a national charity with LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing at the heart of everything they do. LGBT Foundation provide a friendly, non-judgemental service that understands that no matter where you are on your journey, from taking that first step forward or to the times when it feels like you are taking two steps back. Whatever you may be currently experiencing, you do not have to navigate this alone, there is always support available should you be in need of it.
Their helpline and Email Support service provide brief interventions, advice, emotional support and signposting. Their team will spend time with you to explore your current situation and work with you to identify potential next steps for support.
You can contact the helpline on: 0345 330 30 30 (Monday – Friday, 9am –9pm. Weekends, 10am – 6pm. Excluding bank holidays and religious festivals)
LGBT Youth Scotland are Scotland’s national charity for LGBTQ+ young people, aged 13-25.
LGBT Youth Scotland can be contacted via their website's Live Chat which is an easy way to chat with a youth worker about whatever is on your mind.It’s text-based so you don’t need to speak over voice or video. From questioning your sexual orientation, to coming out and relationship issues to bullying and sexual health – Live Chat is designed for you to chat confidentially.
Sessions run at the following times:
- Monday, 4pm to 6pm
- Tuesday, 4pm to 8pm
- Wednesday, 4pm to 8pm
- Thursday, 4pm to 8pm
You access their Live Chat by visiting: https://lgbtyouth.org.uk/get-support/live-chat/
Mermaids supports transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse children and young people, as well as their families and professionals involved in their care. Transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse children and teens need support and understanding, as well as the freedom to explore their gender identity. Whatever the outcome, Mermaids is committed to helping families navigate the challenges they may face.
Mermaids provides a helpline and web chat service supporting transgender people as well as offering support for parents of trans kids. The helpline and web chat service offers emotional support, a gateway to the parents and teens forums, information about current legislation and protections under the law, plus signposting to the training and legal departments, as well as resources.
You can speak to a trained member of the Mermaids team on: 0808 801 0400 (Monday – Friday, 9am – 9pm)
Scottish Trans is the Equality Network project to improve gender identity and gender reassignment equality, rights and inclusion in Scotland. The Equality Network is a leading Scottish lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) equality and human rights charity.
You can contact Scottish Trans on: 0131 467 6039
Switchboard is the national LGBTQIA+ support line. For anyone, anywhere in the country, at any point in their journey. We can discuss anything related to sexuality and gender identity. Whether it’s sexual health, relationships or just the way you’re feeling. This is your space – to explore, talk and be truly heard.
You can contact Switchboard's support line on: 0300 330 0630 (10am -10pm every day)
Email (They aim aim to reply within 5 days)
Switchboard Online Chat (Please click the icon in the bottom right corner of their website)
AMIS is Scotland’s leading charity and helpline for male domestic abuse.
You can contact AMIS's helpline on: 0808 800 0024 (Monday - Friday, 9am - 4pm)
The Mankind Initiative is the principal, expert and specialist charity in the UK focussing on male victims of domestic abuse. The charity collaborates and works in close partnership with other organisations and practitioners to support these victims too.
The Mankind Initiative's confidential helpline is available for male victims of domestic abuse and domestic violence across the UK as well as their friends, family, neighbours, work colleagues and employers.
They provide an information, support and signposting service to men suffering from domestic abuse from their current or former wife, partner (including same-sex partner) or husband. This can range from physical violence or object throwing to abuse such as constant bullying or insults.
You can contact the Mankind Initiative's helpline on: 01823 334244 (Monday – Friday, 10am to 4pm)
Respect is a pioneering organisation in the domestic abuse sector. They lead on the development of safe, effective work with perpetrators, male victims, and young people using violence in their close relationships.
The Men’s Advice Line is a team of friendly Advisors who will listen and believe you. Their team are available to offer you non-judgmental support, practical advice and information. Their focus is to increase the safety of men experiencing domestic abuse (and the safety of any children) by providing confidential support.
You can contact the Men's Advice Line on: 0808 801 0327 (Monday – Friday, 10am - 5pm)
Email (Monday – Friday, 9am - 5pm)
Webchat Support Service (Wednesday 10 - 11:30am & Thursday 2 - 4pm)
Age Scotland provide information, advice and friendship, support older people’s groups, promote age and dementia friendly workplaces and communities, deliver health and wellbeing programmes, and campaign on the issues that older people tell them are important.
Age Scotland's helpline is a free, confidential phone service for older people, their carers and families in Scotland. As we get older, we can face new challenges and opportunities. You may need to know about rights, organisations and services that are unfamiliar to you. Their skilled advisers provide information and advice on a range of topics from money matters and benefits entitlements, to social care, housing, energy and legal issues. They also provide friendship for when you just need a chat.
You can contact Age Scotland's helpline on: 0800 12 44 222
Hourglass Scotland is the national voice for older people at risk. Previously Action on Elder Abuse, Hourglass is proud to represent older people across the United Kingdom by combining our experience and expertise across the four countries.
The Hourglass confidential Helpline provides information and support to anyone concerned about harm, abuse or exploitation of an older person. This might include physical, financial, psychological, sexual or neglect.
The helpline is operated by trained staff and volunteers, who can provide information, advice and support to help you make the best choices about keeping safe and put you in touch with appropriate local agencies.
You can contact Hourglass Scotland's helpline on: 0808 808 8141 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.)
Text (Available Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm)
Independent Age is the national charity focused on improving the lives of people facing financial hardship in later life. Their helpline and expert advisers offer free, practical support to older people without enough money to live on.
They use the knowledge and insight gained from their support services and partnerships to highlight the issues experienced by older people in poverty and campaign for change. They believe no one should face financial hardship in later life.
You can contact Independent Age's helpline on: 0800 319 6789 (Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm)
Email: helpline@independentage.org
The Silver Line Helpline run by Age UK is a free, confidential telephone service for older people. We provide friendship, conversation and support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Age UK's Silver Line Helpline gives anyone aged 55 or over the opportunity to exchange a friendly word, access support, or enjoy a long enriching conversation.
You can contact The Silver Line on: 0800 4 70 80 90
Alzheimer Scotland is Scotland’s national dementia charity. Their 24-hour freephone Dementia Helpline provides information, signposting and emotional support to carers, family members or people living with Dementia.
The Helpline is staffed by trained volunteers supported by staff at Alzheimer Scotland. Many of the volunteers have had personal or professional experience of caring for people with dementia. Volunteers on the Helpline can provide information right away if you have any questions or concerns, as well as send out free information to carers, family members or people with Dementia. The Helpline can offer information on any of the following topics, and more:
- Understanding the illness
- How to get help locally
- Maintaining independence
- Financial and legal matters
- Rights and entitlements
- Coping with behaviour
- Community care
- Long-stay care
- Anything else to do with dementia
Helpline volunteers also have a panel of expert advisers who can help answer more complex enquiries. The 24-hour Dementia Helpline is confidential, and you don't have to give your name if you would prefer not to. You can the helpline on 0808 808 3000.
Asthma + Lung UK is a charity that focuses on respiratory health, in particular asthma and lung disease. The organisation was formed in January 2020 as a result of a merger between Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation.
For independent, confidential advice and support, contact their Respiratory Nurses and Health Care Advisors:
- Call on 0300 222 5800 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
- Email: helpline@asthmaandlung.org.uk
Their specialist nurses can offer support with any aspect of your lung condition. They can answer your questions and give you the information you need to live well.
BEAT are the UK’s eating disorder charity. Founded in 1989 as the Eating Disorders Association, their mission is to end the pain and suffering caused by eating disorders.
Their national helpline exists to encourage and empower people to get help quickly, because they know the sooner someone starts treatment, the greater their chance of recovery. You can contact them by phone on 0808 801 0432 (Monday - Friday from 3pm - 8pm).
Brainstrust is a UK-based brain tumour support charity. They provide personal 24/7 support from the point of diagnosis onwards, and build resources that help people living with a brain tumour and their carers.
Phone: 01983 292 405
The British Heart Foundation is the UK's leading heart charity, funding research into heart & circulatory diseases. If you have any questions about heart or circulatory conditions, you can contact their Heart Helpline which is staffed by experienced cardiac nurses.
Their experienced cardiac nurses can help with lots of queries and concerns about heart and circulatory diseases, and their risk factors.
Some of their most common calls are about:
- Understanding medications and their side effects
- Improving your diet and lifestyle
- Understanding test results
- Managing a new or existing diagnosis
- Financial concerns
Call 0808 802 1234 (Freephone, Monday - Friday: 9am to 5pm, excluding bank holidays.)
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland are Scotland’s largest health charity working to help people with chest, heart and stroke conditions live life to the full.
No problem is too big or too small. Whatever your question or concern, they’re here to help. From finding support after a diagnosis to managing your condition well and living life to the full, their Advice Line practitioners are here to support you every step of the way.
Feeling worried about your health, want to find out more about how to access support, or just need a friendly, listening ear? The Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland Advice Line practitioners are here to help people living with chest, heart, stroke and Long Covid conditions, as well as their families, carers and healthcare workers.
You can contact the advice line on: 0808 801 0899 (Opening Hours:Monday – Friday: 9am – 4pm)
Text: NURSE to 66777 (standard rates apply)
Diabetes UK is the UK's leading diabetes charity who can provide you with specialist information and advice on all aspects of living with diabetes.
Their helpline is a dedicated diabetes helpline for all people with diabetes, their family or friends, and people who are worried they might be at risk. Call their confidential helpline to talk to their highly trained advisors; they have counselling skills and an extensive knowledge of diabetes. They can provide information about the condition, take the time to talk things through and explore emotional, social, psychological or practical difficulties.
Call: 0141 212 8710 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm.)
Email: helpline.scotland@diabetes.org.uk
Epilepsy Scotland has been providing support for people living with epilepsy in Scotland since 1954.
Whether you have just been diagnosed, have specific questions about epilepsy, or just need to talk, Epilepsy Scotland are here to help. When you phone their confidential helpline, you will be guaranteed a friendly welcome. They can offer a safe and non-judgmental space for anyone who wants to talk. There is no time limit on a call, so you can talk to them for as long as you need to.
Their free information covers a wide variety of epilepsy topics suitable for anyone affected by epilepsy, their families, carers, friends, colleagues, as well as professionals. They can signpost to other agencies or health professionals, if this is appropriate, to ensure you get the help and support you are looking for.
They can also offer follow-up calls if you feel you would benefit from speaking to them again.
To contact the Epilepsy Scotland Helpline, please call: 0808 800 2200
If you prefer to see someone you can make an appointment with one of their helpline officers at their Glasgow office. You can also request a helpline call via Zoom from anywhere in Scotland. Simply email them and ask for a Zoom link to be set up at a time that suits you.
Macmillan Cancer Support's cancer information and support specialists offer a listening ear. They can talk about whatever matters to you. They can also offer guidance and help you find the right information and support.
You can contact the Macmillan Cancer Support line on 0808 808 00 00 (Open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm)
If you would like to send them an email please complete their online form. They will reply within two working days.
The Marie Curie Support Line is a confidential helpline for people living with a terminal illness, and their family, friends and carers.
Calls are answered by trained advisers who can offer practical information and emotional support. The Team can help with a range of issues, including day-to-day care for a family member or friend who has a terminal illness, to managing financial matters or coping with a bereavement.
Call: 0800 090 2309 (8am – 6pm Monday to Friday, and 11am – 5pm on Saturday's)
MND Scotland is the only Scottish charity dedicated to people with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), their families, friends and carers. They provide a wide range of services, information about MND, and funding for research.
If you have any questions about Motor Neuron Disease (MND) or the support that MND Scotland can offer, please get in touch.
Call MND Scotland: 0141 332 3903 (Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm)
Multiple Sclerosis Society (MS Society UK) fund world-leading research, share the latest information and campaign for everyone's rights.
Their helpline gives emotional support and information to anyone living with MS.
You can contact the MS Society Helpline on: 0808 800 8000 (Monday - Friday, 9am to 7pm except bank holidays.)
You can send them a direct private message on Facebook messenger between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday. They also have a confidential email service which will get back to you within five working days.
Parkinson's UK is the main Parkinson's support and research charity in the UK. They can help if you're living with the disease and let you know about support groups in the area.
Find out more about support groups in your local area from the Parkinson's UK website.
You can contact them by calling their free helpline on 0808 800 0303 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm, and 10am to 2pm on Saturdays)
You can also talk to others about your experiences of Parkinson's on the community forum on the Parkinson's UK website.
RNIB Scotland, the Royal National Institute of Blind People, works on behalf of all people in Scotland with sight loss. They offer practical and emotional support to blind and partially sighted people, their families and carers. They raise awareness of the experiences of blind and partially sighted people and campaign for change to make our society more accessible for all. They want to change our world so there are no barriers to people with sight loss.
RNID, the Royal National Institute for Deaf People, is the national charity supporting the 18 million people in the UK who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus.
Many areas of life are impacted by hearing loss, deafness and tinnitus. So are many people. Hearing loss alone affects 1 in 3 adults.
You can contact the RNID from 8:30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday:
- By Phone
- By Email
- Text your question to 07360 268 988. Texts are charged at your standard network rate.
- If you can’t hear or speak on the phone, you can type what you want to say. Call 18001 followed by 0808 808 0123. You can use Relay UK with an app or a textphone. Relay UK is charged at your standard network rate.
- Online Enquiry Form
- Website
Sight Scotland is a national charity providing support, care & education for vision-impaired people of all ages in Scotland.
At Sight Scotland, they understand the challenges that sight loss can present and are here to support anyone with sight loss, as well as their families, loved ones and carers. Their friendly community team can provide information on a range of topics, including:
- Sight loss conditions;
- Adapting to and coping with sight loss;
- Maintaining independence;
- Benefits and financial support;
- Where to get more support locally.
You can contact their free support helpline by phone: 0800 024 8973 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
If you prefer not to call or their lines aren't open, you can reach them by completing their contact form, and they will be in touch as soon as possible.
Relationship counselling helps people with their relationships. This can help you to work through problems in current relationships, explore the effects of past relationships or look at how to improve and enrich relationships for the future.
Relationships Scotland also supports parents, children, young people and the wider family through family change and disruption, particularly where this has occurred as a result of separation, divorce, civil partnership dissolution or family restructuring. The aim of family mediation is to improve communication, reduce conflict and to agree on practical, workable arrangements for the future, taking into account children’s views, needs and feelings.
Child Contact Centres can play an essential role in helping children affected by family breakdown to maintain relationships with the parent they no longer live with, or with other family members.
You can call Relationships Scotland's Info-Line on 0345 119 2020 for more information or visit their website at www.relationships-scotland.org.uk
The Spark provides counselling and mental health support services for individuals, couples, families, children and young people in Scotland. They are also one of the largest providers of school-based counselling services in the country, supporting thousands of children and young people each year with counselling.
For further information and to make a referral, visit their website.
Children 1st offers emotional, practical, and financial support to help families to put children first and campaign to uphold the rights of every child. They support the whole family when they need it, for as long as they need it. They offer help to prevent families reaching crisis point, to keep children safe and to support children and families to recover from trauma and harm.
You can call Children 1st's Parentline on 08000 28 22 33 (Monday - Friday, 9am to 9pm, Saturday - Sunday, 9am to 12pm)
Contact is the only UK-wide charity providing advice, information and support to the parents of all disabled children - no matter what their disability or health condition.
Contact can provide advice for parent carers by calling their free confidential helpline on: 0808 808 3555 (Monday to Friday, 9:30am-5pm)
Email (They aim to respond within 10 working days.)
FASD Hub Scotland provides a support service for all parents/carers across Scotland who live with children, young people and young adults who have a history of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), with or without an FASD diagnosis.
FASD Hub Scotland's Advice Line is open to all parents and carers in Scotland parenting a child or young person with a history of prenatal alcohol exposure.
Their FASD Advisors are on hand to offer advice and a listening ear. No problem, and no question is too big or small.
Call 0300 666 0006 (option 2)
The Advice Line is open: Tuesday - Thursday 10am - 2pm, and Friday 10am - 1pm. (Outside of these times you can leave a voicemail and they will call you back)
The helpline is a UK-wide confidential telephone service which provides emotional support to parents and carers of autistic children (which includes grown-up children). The service is provided by volunteers who are all parents of autistic people. Because of their experience with their own families, they can relate to what parents are going through. They offer empathy, understanding and an opportunity to talk through feelings and experiences. They are unable to provide face-to-face support, scheduled appointments, or clinical advice about autism, diagnosis or behaviour.
The helpline is available to parents and carers of autistic children (including grown-up children) who are living in the UK. We are here to give emotional support to parents and carers whose children have a diagnosis of autism, are awaiting a diagnostic assessment and those with identified signs of autism, for whom a diagnostic assessment may be helpful.
Parents receive a one-off call from a volunteer which normally lasts up to 45 minutes. Calls take place between 9.00 am and 8.00 pm, Monday to Friday. They are unable to schedule calls.
Volunteers send all parents a follow-up email with links to resources and information from the NationalAutistic Society on topics such as anxiety, bullying or sensory issues. The volunteer and parent will discuss what information may be useful to the family.
If you would like a call, please click here and fill in your details. The waiting time for a call is up to 20 working days.
One Parent Families Scotland (OPFS) is the leading charity working with single-parent families in Scotland. We provide expert advice, practical support and campaign with parents to make their voices heard to change the systems, policies and attitudes that disadvantage single-parent families.
You can contact One Parent Families Scotland's Lone Parent Helpline on: 0808 801 0323 (Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4pm)
Lanarkshire Service Contact Details
One Parent Families Lanarkshire Facebook Page
You can contact the Lanarkshire office on: 01698 239961
The PDA Society is the only specialist PDA charity in the UK. They provide information, support and training about PDA for individuals, families and professionals. They aim to increase acceptance and understanding of a PDA profile and to improve outcomes for individuals and families by focusing everyone involved on ‘what helps’.
You can contact the PDA Society Enquiry Line by clicking here. ( They aim to answer your enquiry within 3-5 days, however, there may be a further delay during school holidays.)
Scottish Autism is an organisation dedicated to enabling autistic people to lead happy, healthy and fulfilling lives. Established in 1968 by a group of parents, they are now the largest provider of autism-specific services in Scotland and a leading authority and advocate for good autism practice.
You can contact Scottish Autism on: 01259 222022 (Tuesday – Friday, 10am - 4pm, closed at weekends.)
You can also use our online contact form and an advisor will be in touch in as soon as they can. (Please note that currently it might take slightly longer than normal for an advisor to respond to your enquiry.)
Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs is a national charity which supports anyone affected by someone else’s alcohol or drug use in Scotland. They give information and advice to many people and help them with confidence, communication, general wellbeing, and link them into local support.
If you are affected by someone else's alcohol or drug use, you can contact Scottish Families on: 08080 10 10 11
Shared Parenting Scotland supports and provides information to separated parents to share parenting. They run a helpline, provide group support and training for separated parents.
You can contact Shared Parenting Scotland Helpline on: 0131 557 2440
You can contact Alcoholics Anonymous on: 0800 9177 650
Al-Anon Family Groups UK & Eire is for anyone whose life is or has been affected by someone else’s drinking. Al-Anon members provide one another with mutual support, by sharing their experiences with each other at an Al-Anon meeting. Al-Anon meetings are a safe place where you can talk about your own concerns and feelings.
Their Helpline is manned by a team of volunteers who are also members of Al-Anon. They will listen and be happy to answer your questions.
You can contact the Al-Anon Helpline on: 0800 0086 811
Drinkline is the national alcohol helpline. If you're worried about your own or someone else's drinking, you can call this free helpline in complete confidence.
You can contact Drinkline on: 0300 123 1110 (Monday - Friday, 9am–8pm & Weekends 11am–4pm)
Drugfam provides support to families and friends affected by a loved one's substance abuse. Their helpline is for those affected by someone else’s drug or alcohol use, including those bereaved by addiction.
You can contact the DrugFam Helpline on: 0300 999 1212 (9am - 9pm, 7 days a week, 365 days a year)
You can contact Gamblers Anonymous on: 0370 050 8881
Liber8 Lanarkshire is a grassroots counselling and support organisation. We provide a wide range of community-based services and counselling services to adults and young people throughout Lanarkshire. Our reputation has been established over 18 years of working with individuals, groups and families requiring support in their recovery from poor mental health, alcohol misuse or substance use
You can contact Liber8 Lanarkshire on: 01698 533035 (9am-5pm, Monday - Friday)
You can contact Narcotics Anonymous on: 0300 999 1212
GamCare operates the National Gambling HelpLine, funded by GambleAware. The HelpLine provides information, advice and support for anyone affected by problem gambling, including family and friends. GamCare’s Advisers can also make referrals for a range of treatment options across Great Britain.
To contact the National Gambling Helpline, please call: 0808 8020 133
Advice Direct Scotland is Scotland’s largest digital advice agency, providing free and independent advice to the citizens of Scotland.
moneyadvice.scot provides free information and support on a wide range of debt-related issues and are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Their specialist debt advisers can work with you to assess your current situation, look at your income and outgoings, and consider what to do next. Approximately half a million people across Scotland are not claiming the financial support they are entitled to.
Contact moneyadvice.scot by phone on 0808 196 2316 (Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm)
Citizens Advice Scotland offers free and confidential advice and information whoever you are and whatever your problem.
Call Scotland’s Citizens Advice Helpline free on 0800 028 1456 , you’ll reach an interactive service which will connect you to your local Citizens Advice Bureau or one of their other advice services.
National Debtline is a debt advice charity run by the Money Advice Trust. They are a free and confidential debt advice service for people in England, Wales and Scotland and have helped millions of people deal with their debts.
Their team of expert debt advisers care about improving your situation and will help you to take control of your debts.
Contact Debtline on 0808 808 4000 (Monday to Friday: 9am - 8pm, Saturday: 9:30am -1pm)
South Lanarkshire Council's Money Matters Advice Service is a free and confidential service that helps people living in South Lanarkshire or working for South Lanarkshire Council claim benefits and deal with debt.
The Pension Wise service is currently delivered across Scotland by Citizens Advice Scotland's network of Citizens Advice Bureaux (CAB) members operating in around 80 CAB offices and local service points.
Since April 2015 people with Defined Contribution pensions have been able to access their saving in more ways. Pension Wise can help you to make your decision on which option(s) are suitable for you.
Pension Wise is free, impartial and backed by the Government. Pension Wise is a service from MoneyHelper.
The Pension Wise appointment is a conversation between you and a fully trained Pension Wise Guidance Specialist and lasts between 45 to 60 minutes. You’ll get personal guidance on:
- your pension options, tailored to your own circumstances
- how each option can affect your tax and benefits
- other trusted sources of information and help
- how to shop around and avoid scams
- what you can do next
Appointments are over the phone or face-to-face. You will get a summary of the pension options and the next steps you need to take after your appointment. Appointments are available to anyone aged 50 or over who has a defined contribution pension.
Pension Wise guidance specialists are impartial – they don't recommend any products or companies and won’t tell you how to invest your money.
For more information or to book an appointment visit the Pension Wise website or phone Pension Wise on 0800 138 3944.
Social Security Scotland is an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government. It’s responsible for managing the benefits that are devolved to Scotland, to make sure the people who need them get them correctly and fairly.
You can contact Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222. Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm.
North Lanarkshire Council's Tackling Poverty Team can help residents throughout North Lanarkshire with welfare benefits and money advice. Their team includes a combination of welfare rights staff and debt advisers.
Lanarkshire Carers Centre: Hamilton
Ground Floor Left
Princes Gate
60 Castle Street
Hamilton
ML3 6BU
Monday - Friday:
9:00am to 4:30pm
Lanarkshire Carers Centre: Airdrie
Airdrie Locality Support Services
92 Hallcraig Street
Airdrie
ML6 6AW
Monday - Friday:
9:00am to 4:30pm