advice and resources
We have lots of practical advice, self-help tools and other useful resources below. Please click on the tab that you require.
Please contact us if you can’t find what you are looking for.
NEED HELP NOW
All of these services are free.
24 hour helplines
Call 116 123 or visit the Samaritans
Call 0800 838587 or visit Breathing Space
Young people – text YM to 85258 (Texts are free from EE, O2, Vodafone, 3, Virgin Mobile, BT Mobile, GiffGaff, Tesco Mobile and Telecom Plus.) or visit Young Minds or Childline
WHEN PARENTS SEPARATE
Deciding to separate is a very difficult time, and it’s important to think about what, when and how you tell your children about what’s happening. This will depend on their ages and the circumstances surrounding the separation. You can find advice here.
What children need
- To know that they still have two parents who love them and are able to look after them
- To be listened to by their parents
- To be kept out of their parents’ fight
- To be allowed to love all the people who are important to them
To learn more about what most children say here.
For more information on listening to the views of children click here.
Find out about how we can help here.
RELATIONSHIPS SCOTLAND BLOG
Visit the Relationships Scotland blog for a whole range of information.
PARENTING HELP
Here are some helpful places to go for advice.
General parenting advice from Parent Club
Parenting and mental health from Mental Health
Advice around online safety and gaming from
Advice and help around gambling from the Gambling Education Hub
Local services – Home Start Orkney
HELP WITH ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
Here are some helpful advice and tips to help you reduce consumption and stay safe.
Ways to stay safe – learn more here
Tips for when you feel the urge to drink – learn more here
Find out about how we can help here
Other useful advice and resources are available from
Scottish Families affected by Alcohol and Drugs
Coping during social isolation – watch here
Practical advice to help you communicate with your child about alcohol, tobacco and other drugs – learn more here
HELP WITH GAMBLING AND OTHER ADDICTIONS
SELF HELP FOR ANXIETY, DEPRESSION AND OTHER CONDITIONS
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy help from Get Self Help
Self-help – dealing with uncertainty from Psychology Tools
Looking after your/someone else’s mental health from
Useful apps:
SUPPORTING A LOVED ONE
Staying connected – tech advice from Tech Radar
Supporting someone who uses drugs/alcohol – advice from SFAD
Advice and support for families affected by imprisonment from Families Outside
RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
DOMESTIC ABUSE AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE
OTHER SOURCES OF ADVICE AND SUPPORT
OTHER LOCAL SUPPORT SERVICES
HELP WITH DEBT OR MONEY WORRIES
MoneyHelper: Free, easy-to-use money tools, information and advice. You can also phone 0800 138 7777 to speak to a money expert, use typetalk at 18001 0800 915 4622, or add +44 7701 342744 to your WhatsApp to send a message.
Citizens Advice: Advice and information on debt and other topics.
AdviceUK: Member centres offer debt advice, including specialist advice for minority communities and people with disabilities.
National Debtline: If you live in England, Wales or Scotland phone 0808 808 4000 or visit its website for debt advice and information.
StepChange Debt Charity: Free debt advice throughout the UK phone 0800 138 1111 or visit the website.
Money Advice Scotland: If you live in Scotland. You can use webchat to speak to an adviser, or email [email protected].
Citizens Advice Scotland: For advice and information on debt and other topics, contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau or call the helpline on 0800 028 1456.
Business Debtline: If you are self-employed or a small business owner, phone 0800 197 6026 or visit the website for debt advice and information.
Legal Aid advice: You may get legal aid if your home is at risk. Check the website or phone 0845 345 4345.
Financial Ombudsman Service: If you have a complaint about a loan that you can’t resolve with your lender, the Financial Ombudsman Service may be able to help. Visit its website or phone 0300 123 9123 or 0800 023 4567.
Money Counts: Local advice and information about managing money and dept.
COUNSELLING, MEDIATION & FAMILY SUPPORT
GET IN TOUCH
We provide a range of confidential counselling, mediation and family support services free of charge. Please get in touch if you think we can help you or someone you know. We will respond to your message within 1 working day. An initial appointment is usually offered within 5 working days.
Please contact us by email at [email protected] or call us on 01856 877750.
