Helplines for Professionals

National Services & Unions

We’ve compiled a list of contact details and support services that are available across Scotland. Click on the relevant service below for more details.

Health and Wellbeing Support

The National Wellbeing Helpline is available for everyone working in health and social care services. It is a compassionate listening service which you can access whenever you need it – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by calling 0800 111 4191.

The National Wellbeing Helpline is operated by NHS 24. Your call will be responded to by a trained Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) who will provide you with a range of support including some of the resources available through the National Wellbeing Hub. If needed, and only with your consent, the PWP can also refer you on to your local staff support service for further support.

Q&A:
Who is this Helpline for?
Everyone working in health and social care services in Scotland.
What does the Service offer?
The Helpline offers a compassionate and empathetic listening service based on the principles of Psychological First Aid. This is provided by trained Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners within NHS 24’s Mental Health Hub. These practitioners can also provide advice, signposting and onward referral to local staff services if required. You can choose to be referred to support services outwith your employing Board, if you prefer, as reciprocal arrangements have been put in place between Boards.
How will my confidentiality be preserved?
This is a completely confidential service. No information will be passed on without your consent. Only when there are immediate concerns for your welfare, will information be passed onto local urgent care providers but this will be discussed with you at the time of your call.
Will my GP, local Health Board or employer be informed?
No. Any contact with your GP, local Health Board or employer would only be with your consent. However, as above, if we are concerned for your immediate welfare, we may need to contact local urgent care providers (out of hours GP, emergency services) to assist you locally. This will be discussed with you at the time of your call.
What personal information will I have to provide?
a return telephone number
your first name and surname
your date of birth
the first line of your home address and post code
Is there an option for me to speak to a PWP completely anonymously, ie without giving any personal contact information?
Yes – you’re welcome to call the helpline anonymously. You are asked to provide your personal details to allow an onward referral to be made for additional support if that’s required. If you would like to remain anonymous, the PWPs will provide a compassionate listening service, but it will not be possible for the helpline to refer you to local staff support services.
What happens if I don’t wish to be referred for support to the Board in which I work?
You can choose to be referred to support services outwith your Health Board area. Reciprocal arrangements have been put in place between Health Boards to accommodate this. This can be discussed with the call handler and they will make all the arrangements for you. No contact will be made with your local Board in order for you to access this support, except if urgent care is required.
What about staff working in Scotland, but living in England?
The wellbeing line is accessible by staff living in England and working in Scotland. Staff living in England will be able to call from their homes or local areas.

 

For people feeling low, anxious or depressed.

Tel:  0800 83 85 87       (Mon-Thur 6pm-2am, Fri 6pm – Mon 6am)

Visit Website

Supporting those affected by poor mental health or mental illness. Change Mental Health were previously known as Support in Mind.

Visit Website

Promoting positive mental health and wellbeing

Visit Website

For general information & advice, including a collection of resources relating to Covid-19.

Visit Website

The UK’s leading charity for everyone’s mental health

Visit Website

Urgent health advice out-of-hours.

Tel:  111

Visit Website

Workforce guidance for NHS staff & managers (e.g infection control, PPE).

Visit Website

Free resources on maintaining good metal health.

Visit Website

Struggling to cope? Call Samaritans’ free helpline.

Tel: 116 123 (any time, day or night)

Email: jo@samaritans.org

Visit website

Scotland’s Mental Health Charity

Visit Website

Resources to help challenge mental health stigma, including practical steps for protecting your mental health.

Visit Website

Debt, Financial and Consumer Advice

Advice and information on employment, housing, debt, benefits and consumer issues like energy bills.

Tel: 0800 028 1456

Visit Website

Scotland’s money charity – for help with debt and money worries.

Visit Website

Email: info@moneyadvicescotland.org.uk

Help with debt and money worries.

Tel: 0808 808 4000

Visit Website

Housing advice.

Tel: 0808 800 4444 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)

Visit Website

Free online debt advice.

Visit Website

Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence

For black minority ethnic women, children and young people experiencing, or who have experienced, domestic abuse.

Tel:  0131 475 2399 (Mon 9.30am-4pm, Tue 1-4pm, Wed-Fri  9.30am-4pm)

Email: info@shaktiedinburgh.co.uk

Visit Website

Support for anyone with experience of domestic abuse or forced marriage, as well as their family members, friends, colleagues and professionals who support them.

Tel: 0800 027 1234

Email: helpline@sdafmh.org.uk

Visit Website

Supports survivors of domestic abuse.

Tel: 0808 2000 247 (24 hours a day)

Visit Website

A national LGBT specific domestic abuse helpline.

Tel: 0800 999 5428
Email: help@galop.org.uk
Visit Website

For anyone aged 13 and over, affected by any form of sexual violence.

Visit Website
Tel: 08088 01 03 02 (Mon-Sun, 6pm – 12am)
Text: 07537 410 027
Email: support@rapecrisisscotland.org.uk

Support for male survivors of domestic abuse.

Tel: 0808 802 0327

Email: info@mensadviceline.org.uk

Visit Website

Support for Carers, families, and those bereaved

Children 1st provides parenting help, advice and support for families.

Tel: 08000 28 22 33 (Mon-Fri, 9am-9pm and Sat/Sun, 9am-12)

Visit Website

For older people, their carers and families in Scotland.

Tel: 0800 12 44 222 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)

Visit Website

Practical or clinical information and emotional support if you’re living with or caring for someone who has a terminal illness.

Tel: 0800 090 2309 (8am-6pm, Mon-Fri; 11am-5pm, Sat)

Find more information here

National helpline for people over 18 who have been bereaved by suicide.

Visit website

Tel: 0300 111 5065 (Mon-Fri, 9am-9pm)

Email: admin@uksobs.org

tide is a UK-wide involvement network for carers and former carers of people living with dementia. They aim to provide a safe and welcoming space for you to connect with other carers or former carers who share similar experiences and who understand what you’re going through. You will also find opportunities to enhance your skills or develop new skills.

The network is free to join and you can have as much involvement as you want. To join the network follow this link and click on Join our network.

tide have also produced a booklet for carers of people with dementia which you can find here

Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care

Spiritual Care for Care Home and Care at Home staff.

Click here for more information 

A Christian organisation offering a listening ear, pastoral and spiritual support to workers irrespective of faith or no faith, race, gender, age, sexuality, status or position. The service is provided to any worker going through various life issues, from bereavement to stress and conflict, and is in the strictest confidence. Meetings with Chaplains can be held by phone or by video as appropriate.
Contact : Paul Wilson, Lead Chaplain
Tel: 07703 585987
Email: paul.wilson@wpcscotland.co.uk

Trade Unions and workplace support

Support for cyber-bullying and bullying in the workplace.

Tel:   0845 22 55 787 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)

Visit Website

The GMB union represent workers across public and private sector organisations. For further information, or to join, follow the link below.

Visit Website

For UNISON members experiencing financial or emotional difficulties.

Visit Website

UNITE the Union

Visit Website

Additional Services for Specific Groups

Offers a listening ear and signposting service for Muslim women across Scotland.

Tel: 0808 801 0301 (Mon- Fri, 10am-4pm)

Visit Website

Provides information and emotional support.

Tel: 0300 123 2523 (Tue 12-9pm, Wed 12-9pm, Thur 1-6pm, Sun 1-6pm)

Email: helpline@lgbthealth.org.uk

Visit Website

Information, guidance and resources for local government in Scotland.

Tel: 0131 474 9200

Email: info@cosla.gov.uk

Visit Website

Welcome to the Hub. We hope you’ll find the support you’re looking for. To help us improve the site and make it relevant to you, please take a minute to answer a few quick questions. Thank you.

Give us feedback