Do you need some support?
We have been hearing from people all over the country about their Covid experience and we know that many people are still struggling to process the loss and change they have experienced. We have compiled links to some services that are available in Scotland with the input of our Advisory Group. Some of these are also offered as a free service. You can find the list below.
Kim’s mum made a “Jar of Love” with messages to help her when she was unwell
Covid has affected all of us in different ways and we have experienced changes in our life that we are still figuring out. When my physical and mental health crashed at the start of 2021, I had to ask for so much help from people in my life and from different support services to help me get back on my feet. Feeling anxious, depressed or not knowing what you need after something as disruptive as Covid is very normal! I hope people will be able to ask for what they need to make sense of what we’ve all been and continue to go through, and as the world tries to recover.
Kim Simpson, Programme Manager
Accessing support in Scotland
Have we missed something? Let us know.
Age Scotland
Later life may bring changes and opportunities to your life and you may need to know about rights, organisations and services which are unfamiliar to you.
That's why Age Scotland provide free information and advice to help you on diverse topics ranging from claiming benefits and Power of Attorney, to care at home and care homes.
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/scotland/information-advice/
Breathing Space
Free, confidential, phone and webchat service for anyone in Scotland over the age of 16 experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety.
0800 83 85 87
Clear your Head
Resources from NHS Scotland with ideas and tips to better cope with changes, clear your head and connect with others.
Counselling Directory
Directory of Counsellors and therapists
https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/county/scotland
Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland
Whatever stage of grief you’re at, or however recent or long ago the bereavement occurred, if you would like additional support, Cruse Scotland has a range of free, specialist services available to you
https://www.crusescotland.org.uk/how-can-we-help/bereavement-support-for-adults/
Health in Mind
Health in Mind promotes positive mental health and wellbeing in Scotland by providing a wide range of services and courses to support people and enable them to make a positive difference in their lives.
https://www.health-in-mind.org.uk/
Edinburgh office: 0131 225 8508
Midlothian office: 0131 225 8508
West Lothian office: 01506 637 572
Scottish Borders office: 01896 807000
Other areas available through the website
LGBT Health and Wellbeing
Established in 2003, LGBT Health and Wellbeing works to improve the health, wellbeing and equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Scotland.
LGBT Health and Wellbeing provide support services, social events and develop resources so LGBT people can address the health issues that impact their lives and connect with their local communities. They address health inequalities with a wide range of partners to ensure LGBT people have access to quality healthcare that is inclusive of their needs.
https://www.lgbthealth.org.uk/services-support/
Living Life
The Living Life service offers support to people in Scotland through guided self-help and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
https://www.nhs24.scot/our-services/living-life/
0800 328 9655
Mind
MIND have a great range of resources on their website including advice and information on a variety of mental health problems.
Unfortunately, Mind only offer direct support to people in England, but their website offers a lot of beneficial information, including information on different types of mental health problems. The Mind website also has resources that are specifically related to Covid-19 and your mental health, both for adults and young people.
My Body Remedy
A creative resource for black people and people of colour (BPOC) who identify as women and/or non-binary. We recognise the power of movement and the body as resource for learning, navigation that can contribute to your to journey well-being. Body Remedy has also collated a list of BPOC therapists and wellbeing practitioners across the UK which can be found on the Services List on the site.
National Wellbeing Hub
The National Wellbeing Hub is a partnership between national, local and professional bodies with a shared passion for looking after the emotional and psychological wellbeing of the country’s health and social services workers.
NHS Inform
NHS inform is a great website if you are looking for information on identifying, treating and managing mental health problems and disorders. The website also contains mental health self-help guides.
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mental-health
Open Counselling
List of counsellors providing free or low-cost services.
https://www.opencounseling.com/scotland/
Samaritans
Samaritans can help both, individuals who need support, and individuals who are concerned about someone. They can be contacted if you are having a difficult time, experiencing suicidal thoughts, going through a bereavement, or struggling to cope for any reason.
There are 19 branches in Scotland, find your nearest branch here.
Call 116 123 There is no cost to the caller, and you can call anytime day or night.
Email jo@samaritans.org - The wait time for a response is 24 hours.
Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH)
SAMH works with adults and young people providing mental health social care support, services in primary care, schools and further education, among others.
0141 530 1000
Stop.Breath.Think
Provides access to free 1-1 counselling sessions for young people, aged 21 or younger, No wait times and available nationally, Stop.Breathe.Think provides vital support to those who need it right now.
https://www.stopbreathethink.org.uk/
Support in Mind Scotland
Support in Mind Scotland provides unique support to people with severe and enduring mental ill health. They believe people affected by poor mental health and illness deserve the highest quality of support in the community and that every person has the right to be valued and to share in the opportunities, challenges and joys of everyday life.
https://www.supportinmindscotland.org.uk/
Information Line: 0300 3231545
The Spark
Counselling and mental health support services for individuals, couples, families, children and young people in Scotland. This includes a free and confidential helpline.
0808 802 2088
Wellbeing Scotland
Voluntary organisation with services across Scotland providing a wide range of holistic services for individuals and families whose life experiences have impacted negatively on their wellbeing
https://www.wellbeingscotland.org/
01324 630 100