Helplines
On this page you will find a list of useful helplines
- There’s lots of support online to help you with the impacts of coronavirus. Find a comprehensive list at http://bob-doris.scot/12-c19/168-guidence
- For the latest information, news and guidance see http://www.bob-doris.scot/covid19
GENERAL SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE SELF-ISOLATING OR SHIELDING
Are you are isolated without family, friends or neighbours to help?
National Assistance Helpline
A new national helpline is being set up to provide essential assistance to those who don’t have a network of support but who are at high risk of contracting COVID-19.
The service will offer help to those who do not have family or existing community support and cannot get online and who are over 70, disabled, require the support of mental health services, are pregnant or receive a flu jab for health reasons. This service is in addition to localised support already available for people who have received letters advising them to shield themselves. However, any of those in the shielding category who are not yet receiving assistance, who do not have family and cannot get online can access support via this new helpline.
Anyone not in these categories but still looking for support should visit readyscotland.org
The helpline – 0800 111 4000 – will initially operate during core working hours of 09:00 to 17:00 while plans are developed and implemented to extend it to operate for a longer period each day.
Callers will be automatically connected to their local authority who will support them to access the service they need, such as:
- essential food and medication
- links to local social work services for vulnerable children or adults
- emotional support
- contact with local volunteer groups.
Call 0800 111 4000
Glasgow Help Hub
Find help getting food, medicine and a range of other crisis support.
0141 345 0543 or visit www.glasgowhelps.org
Age Scotland (for older people)
Age Scotland is the leading charity representing older people in Scotland and supporting their rights and interests. We want everyone to love later life.
0800 12 44 222 or visit https://www.ageuk.org.uk/scotland/
Shielding Helpline
For people in Glasgow who received a letter from Scottish Government
0141 276 1185 or visit www.glasgow.gov.uk/coronavirus
FINANCIAL AND LEGAL SUPPORT
Worried about your finances, benefits, employment or housing?
Citizens Advice Scotland
Many people will be concerned about their finances and jobs, and accessing social security, possibly for the first time during this pandemic. Anyone in Scotland can call the number for expert advice on any issue.
0800 028 1456 or visit https://www.cas.org.uk/
Govan Law Centre
To support more people in Glasgow, Govan Law Centre have launched a helpline. Govan Law Centre is a charitable trust. If you live or work in Glasgow you can call a new freephone number and gain access to a solicitor, money advisor, welfare rights worker or housing caseworker, who will provide confidential advice and representation for free.
0800 043 0306
Money Talk Team
Call Money Talk Team free on the confidential helpline. Save money on bills. Access benefits. Help dealing with debt. Part of Citizens Advice. Available Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
0800 085 7145
Consumer Advice
Consumeradvice.scot has prepared comprehensive advice and information for consumers who have been affected by the coronavirus crisis. This covers: travel, cancellations of concerts, events & entertainment, deliveries & online orders, planning for shortages / price increases.
0808 800 9060 or visit www.consumeradvice.scot
Shelter Scotland
Shelter offers advice on housing rights and changes to government legislation.
0808 800 4444 or visit: www.scotland.shelter.org.uk/
Stepchange
Stepchange is a charity which offers free financial advice and practical budgeting and money advice. They operate a free helpline, and free online chat service.
Call: 0800 138 1111 or visit: www.stepchange.org/
MENTAL HEALTH
Worried about your mental health?
NHS Inform
During the pandemic, it's important to have the right information. News from unreliable sources can make you feel more upset and anxious. Reliable sources, like the NHS and the Scottish Government, will help you to stay calm and safe.
:: Go online to www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus
Breathing Space
Breathing Space is a free, confidential phone and web based service for people in Scotland experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety. Open daily from 6pm and throughout the night.
0800 83 85 87
Samaritans
Samaritans works to make sure there's always someone there for anyone who needs someone. Open 24/7
Telephone: 116 123
Childline (for children)
Get help and advice about a wide range of issues, call us, talk to a counsellor online, send Childline an email or post on the message boards.
Telephone: 0800 1111
Shout
Shout is volunteer-run and is the UK’s first 24/7 crises text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere.
Text: 85258 or visit: giveusashout.org
SAMH (Scottish Association of Mental Health)
SAMH has a lot of resources and information on coronavirus and your mental wellbeing. It includes help with anxiety, OCD, issues for older people and young people, benefits, and coping with distressing news coverage.
The SAMH helpline is open from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except on Bank Holidays.
Call: 0344 800 0550 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
HEALTH ISSUES
If you need help from the NHS, call your GP or phone 111. If it’s an emergency, phone 999
NHS Inform
NHS inform is Scotland's national health information service helping the people in Scotland to make informed decisions about their own health and the health of others
www.nhsinform.scot
COUNCIL SERVICES
Homeless Services
0800 838 502
Social Work Services
0141 287 0555 (or out of hours on 0300 343 1505)
Scottish Welfare Fund
0141 276 1177
DOMSETIC VIOLENCE
Help if you are experience domestic violence. In an emergency, call 999.
Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline
Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline is available 24 hours a day
0800 027 1234
Rape Crisis Scotland
Rape Crisis Scotland provides a national rape crisis helpline and email support for anyone affected by sexual violence, no matter when or how it happened.
08088 01 03 02 :: email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ;; text 07537 410027.
ENERGY
Need help paying fuel bills? Call your provider
Scottish Gas – 0333 202 9802
EDF – 0333 200 5100
Utilita – 0345 207 2000
Scottish Power – 0800 027 0072
nPower – 0800 073 3000
SSE – 0345 026 2658
e.ON - 0345 052 0000
Bulb - 0300 30 30 635
EMERGENCY FOOD PROVISION
Maryhill and Springburn Emergency Food Provision
Online guide updated by Bob Doris MSP
visit bob-doris.scot/efp
Glasgow Help Hub
Find help getting food, medicine and a range of other crisis support.
0141 345 0543 or www.glasgowhelps.org
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
NHS - 111 (in an emergency, call 999)
Police - 101 (in an emergency, call 999)
Power Cut - 105
Smell Gas? - 0800 111 999
Water Outage - 0800 0 778 778