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Help in Crisis

woman being comforted

If you’ve come to this section it means you’re suffering some kind of crisis in your life just now. You’ve made a good first step. There’s nothing wrong with asking for help and help is exactly what you’ll find here.

If you click the links on the left hand side of the page you’ll find more detailed information, but below you’ll find a list of the main people you can go to for assistance.

  • Phone or visit your GP as soon as possible and explain to him or her how you are feeling.
  • If you’re having physical or mental health issues call NHS24 on 08454 24 24 24 or 18001 08454 24 24 24 (textphone).
    A specially trained nurse or advisor will help you if you are ill or have health concerns about someone close to you.  They can also help you find local health services and other useful contacts. Visit www.nhs24.com for self-care advice.
  • Talk to someone. There are helplines you can phone and local organisations that can help.


Cover your tracks

If you are concerned that another person will find out which Internet sites you visit follow the simple steps outlined on the National Women’s Aid website.


Helplines

Breathing Space  0800 83 85 87

free, 6pm–2pm

If you’re feeling down or depressed, advisers will listen and provide information and advice.


FIRST Crisis  0141 848 9090 or 0500 829 093

local rate. N.B this line is for the Levern Valley area only, 11am–11pm

First Crisis provides short term support for people who may be experiencing a crisis in their mental health. A Renfrewshire-based helpline, covering the Barrhead and Neilston area.


Rape Crisis Scotland  08088 01 03 02

free, 6pm–midnight, 7 days a week

A helpline for anyone affected by sexual violence, no matter when or how it happened.They offer free and confidential initial and crisis support and information. The helpline can also put you in touch with local rape crisis centres or other services for ongoing support. The helpline offers a minicom service for Deaf or hard of hearing people, and can arrange for language interpreters if your first language is not English.


Samaritans  08457 90 90 90

low cost, 24 hrs

Confidential, non-judgemental emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide.

Email:


Shelter  0808 800 444

free, 8am–midnight

Shelter can advise on a wide range of housing problems – homelessness, rent arrears, tenancy disputes – and can sometimes represent you at court.

Shelter has a branch in Glasgow City Centre:

Tel: 0844 893 5560

Address: First Floor Suite 2, Breckenridge House, 274 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3EH.


Young people

Childline  0800 1111

free, 24 hrs

Helpline for children and young people in the UK


Youth to Youth Counselling Service 020 8896 3675

Mon–Thur, 6.30pm–9.30pm. There will be a call charge, but you can give your telephone number and ask someone to call you back.

Online and telephone support for young people under 19 years old. The person you speak with will be aged between 16 and 21 years old and has been trained to listen and help you with your problem. You can also chat online or via email.


Support in the local area

East Renfrewshire Council Social Care and Health

This department of the council is responsible for the care, health and welfare of the community. You'll find quick links to people within the council who can help with a variety of problems.

If you have problems finding the information you're looking for contact Customer First, the gateway to East Renfrewshire Council services. Customer Service Officers can help you with your request for service and information and if they can’t, they’ll find someone who can.

Tel: 0141 577 3000

Opening hours: Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm


Strathclyde Police

in an emergency dial 999

Barrhead 0141 532 6200

Giffnock  0141 532 5700

Family Protection Unit

The Strathclyde Police FPU offers support to the victims of sensitive crimes shuch as child abuse, domestic abuse and sexual assault.

Tel: 0141 532 6200


Victim Support

Scottish helpline 0845 603 9213 (Mon - Thurs 9am - 4.30pm, Fri 9am - 4pm)

UK helpline 0845 30 30 900 (Mon - Fri  9am - 9pm,  Sat and Sun 9am - 7pm)

E-mail

You may not want to involve the police but want someone to listen to how you feel. However if you do want to go to the police, Victim Support can help you deal with this and can accompany you at court.

Victim Support East Renfrewshire

Tel: 0141 881 3321

E-mail:

Address: Municipal Buildings, Bank St, Barrhead, East Renfrewshire, G78 2RA

Opening hours: Mon–Fri, 10am–2pm