HEALTH

Scotland’s Health and Wellbeing Service Directory

Scotland’s Service Directory is a comprehensive, up-to-date listing of health and wellbeing services across Scotland, hosted by NHS Inform. It lets people easily find names, addresses, opening hours and other details for services including GP practices, dentists, pharmacies, opticians, sexual health clinics, A&E/minor injury units, and more.

Whether someone needs local mental health support, help with long-term conditions, or in-person care, the directory helps connect them to the right service quickly. For more information and to search for services near you, visit: Scotland’s Service Directory – NHS Inform

Text-Based Mental Health Support via Shout in North Ayrshire

North Ayrshire Council, in partnership with the Health & Social Care Partnership and the Education Service, has launched a free, confidential, 24/7 text-based mental health support service with Shout.

Residents of all ages can access support for issues like anxiety, depression, panic attacks, loneliness, or suicidal thoughts by texting SUPPORTNA to 85258. Conversations are overseen by trained volunteers and clinical supervisors, and the service ensures people aren’t left alone in high-risk situations. There’s no app needed, and the service is anonymous.

Breathing Space

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. You can contact Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87 or click here for more information.

Mind to Mind - Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH)

Around since 1923, SAMH is Scotland’s national mental health charity Mind to Mind is the place to find real peoples’ experiences of dealing with common emotional problems. Watch, listen and read tips and ideas for ways to manage your mental wellbeing. Click here for more information.

Heather Lodge – Holistic Health & Wellbeing Centre in Brodick

Heather Lodge is a holistic health and wellbeing centre located in Brodick, Isle of Arran. The centre offers a wide range of therapies aimed at treating the whole person, including physical, emotional, and social aspects.

Services provided include various forms of massage (such as sports, deep tissue, and oncology massage), reflexology, craniosacral therapy, cancer care support groups, sound therapy, homeopathy, Reiki, and psychological support through art psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, life coaching, and mental and emotional wellbeing sessions. These therapies are designed to support individuals dealing with chronic conditions, stress, anxiety, and other health concerns, promoting overall wellness and healing. The centre operates in a tranquil setting, offering a peaceful environment conducive to relaxation and recovery. For more information or to book a session, click here.

Community Link Worker

Our Community Link Worker provides personalised support to help residents access the services and resources they need to improve their health, wellbeing, and quality of life. Acting as a bridge between individuals and local services, they offer guidance on issues such as housing, benefits, mental health support, and social activities. By understanding each person’s unique circumstances, the Link Worker helps connect them with practical assistance, advice, and community initiatives, ensuring that no one has to navigate challenges alone. To contact your local Community Link Worker email: info@arrancvs.org.uk

Suicide Prevention Toolkit

“You said, we did” – Arran CVS and TACT are pleased to launch The Third Sector Suicide Prevention Toolkit

During the Year 2 launch of the Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund, the focus group sessions identified a resource gap. The Third Sector groups and organisations in attendance told us that, although there are resources available to support the sector in relation to suicide prevention, they are not easily accessible and don’t offer guidance on many of the areas that cause concern.

The sector asked for a Suicide Prevention Toolkit to be developed that brought a range of information, tools, and guidance into one easily accessible document.

A short life working group was established, with representatives from a range of local Third Sector Organisations. Through a serious of meetings, the group identified what they felt was most important to include and a format they felt was accessible and easy to use. The group shared many personal experiences of the impact of suicide and suicidal thoughts, which brought a richness and insight to the discussions that was hugely valuable to the process. This toolkit would not have been developed without their input.

The Third Sector Suicide Awareness Forum as the group is now called, intend to continue to meet on a quarterly basis for ongoing personal development, peer support and to ensure the toolkit is kept up to date and improved upon.

Please click here for the Link to Toolkit