Useful links
On this page you can find links to other organisations or information that we think you will find useful.
Crisis support
The Samaritans
Samaritans is a confidential emotional support service. The service is available 24 hours a day for anyone who is struggling to cope
http://www.samaritans.org/ Phone: 116 123 (UK) Freephone
You can also email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.
Phone the single national minicom number 08457 90 91 92 * if you are deaf or hard of hearing text 07725 909090 for support.
Breathing Space
Breathing Space is a free and confidential phoneline service for anyone in Scotland who is experiencing low mood or depression and needs someone to talk to.
Trained specialist advisors will listen to your problems and offer advice, guidance and support underpinned by empathy, warmth and understanding.
Phone: 0800 83 85 87 (free phone)
24 hours at weekends (6pm Friday – 6am Monday).
6pm to 2am on weekdays (Monday – Thursday).
You can also call Breathing Space if you need support with helping someone you’re worried about.
Adult Support and Protection Guidelines
Edinburgh Council Adult Protection Guidelines
Many of the individuals we support are vulnerable adults. These guidelines are essential knowledge and reference points for our staff, volunteers and the individuals themselves.
https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/protect-someone-harm/adult-protection
Turn2us
Turn2us is a national charity that helps people in financial hardship gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and support services.
Guides and factsheets
The Art of Conversation: A Guide to talking, listening and reducing stigma surrounding suicide
http://www.healthscotland.com/documents/2842.aspx
Recovery app (available for iPhone and Android)
Has information on local personal and peer support groups and organisations and a built in diary to keep track of appointments.
Personal and Peer Support
Edinburgh Drugs and Alcohol Recovery HUBS
https://www.edinburghadp.co.uk/information-advice-support/about-professionally-run-services/
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
AA is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
Helpline on 0845 769 7555.
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
SMART Recovery Meetings
http://www.smartrecovery.org.uk/
Edinburgh Council
Alcoholics Anonymous
National Helpline: 0800 917 7650 / 0845 769 7555.
Drinkline
Helpline: 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am–8pm, weekends 11am–4pm)
Crew (Substance use and harm reduction)
0131 220 3404 for support or information Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm
Information for friends and families
Scottish families Affected by Alcohol
http://www.sfad.org.uk/index.php
VOCAL
Supports and empowers unpaid carers in Edinburgh and Midlothian through individual support, information, training and access to services.
Nacoa
Providing information, advice and support for everyone affected by a parent’s drinking
Al-anon
Friends and families of problem drinkers find understanding and support at Al-Anon and Alateen meetings.
Confidential Helpline 0207 4030888 (open 10am-10pm)
Mental health support
Mental Health Information Station
http://www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk/Services/A-Z/MentalHealthInformationStation/Pages/default.aspx
Health in Mind
Mental Health information service
http://www.health-in-mind.org.uk/services/information-services.html
Local Activities
The List
What’s on in Edinburgh
Living it up
Local activities for the over 55’s.
General Resource databases
Lifeline
Below is an extensive list of help organisations supporting the needs of anyone affected by drug and alcohol problems.
http://www.lifeline.org.uk/looking-for-help/
Citizens Advice
Free, confidential, impartial and independent advice helps people resolve their problems with debt, benefits, employment, housing, discrimination, and many more issues. It is available to everyone.
Advice may be given face-to-face or by phone. Most bureaux can arrange home visits and some also provide email advice. A growing number are piloting the use of text, online chat and webcams.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/
Shelter
Advice and information on housing
http://scotland.shelter.org.uk/?_ga=1.63853615.1254641406.1464169656
Access Point
The Access Point offers a holistic housing, health and social care service to people who are experiencing homelessness.
17-23 Leith St, Edinburgh Phone: 0131 529 7438