1. Home
  2. >
  3. Resources
  4. >
  5. Useful links

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.

https://www.turn2us.org.uk/

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.

http://www.arcapp.co.uk/index.html#one

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

http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/20081/health_and_well_being/241/recovery_from_alcohol_and_drug_problems

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

www.mindaltering.org.uk

www.crew2000.co.uk

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.

https://www.vocal.org.uk/

Nacoa

Providing information, advice and support for everyone affected by a parent’s drinking

http://www.nacoa.org.uk/

Al-anon

Friends and families of problem drinkers find understanding and support at Al-Anon and Alateen meetings.

http://www.al-anon.org/

Confidential Helpline 0207 4030888 (open 10am-10pm)

 

Local Activities

 

The List

What’s on in Edinburgh

https://www.list.co.uk/

 

Living it up

Local activities for the over 55’s.

https://www.livingitup.scot/

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

 

Information for volunteering when on benefits

http://www.volunteeredinburgh.org.uk/organise/