Useful Contacts and Resources
We have put together a list of useful phone numbers and websites. We will update this page regularly, and if you think we are missing anything please let us know by emailing policycomms@agescotland.org.uk
Coronavirus: a short guide
This information guide looks at the symptoms of coronavirus, how you can reduce the risk of catching the virus and spreading it to others, and how you can continue to look after yourself and others.
Quick reference phone numbers:
- NHS 24 (for use if coronavirus symptoms worsen): 111
- NHS Inform (no symptoms but looking for Coronavirus advice): 0800 028 2816
- COVID-19 Helpline for people in high risk category who do not have a support network at home: 0800 111 4000
- Emergency services – Ambulance: 999
Official Government updates on Coronavirus
Symptoms and how to stay safe
NHS Inform has the latest guidance about COVID-19 from NHS Scotland and the Scottish Government, including what to do if you feel unwell, social distancing and stay at home advice. Click here to visit their website.
For people who are shielding – there are contact numbers available for those who are deemed ‘extremely high risk’ and who need to practice shielding. The Scottish Government is in the process of contacting these people by letter and text. If you have received a letter, or think you should be shielding, you can call your local authority’s coronavirus helpline, which you can find here.
The Scottish Government has launched a campaign called Clear Your Head which provides tips and idea to help people who are worried right now, as well as link for help and support. Click here to find out more.
Help in your local area
Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) has added a page where you can search for voluntary groups helping in your area during the Covid19 Crisis.
Click here to see what's available locally.
COVID Mutual Aid Covid-19 Mutual Aid UK is a group of volunteers supporting local community groups organising mutual aid throughout the Covid-19 outbreak in the UK.
Click here to search for groups in the community who can be of help.
Local authority contacts
Contact information for all local authorities which includes the council's website and dedicated number for shielding.
Charities and information services that can help you during this current crisis
Age Scotland helpline
Offers information, friendship, and advice to people over 50 in Scotland, their family, and carers. Tel: 0800 12 44 222
Alzheimer Scotland
Alzheimer Scotland is Scotland’s national dementia charity.
Tel: 0808 80 3000 https://www.alzscot.org/
Asthma UK
Offers information and advice to help people manage their daily lives with asthma.
Tel: 0300 222 5800 https://www.asthma.org.uk/scotland
Breathing Space
Free confidential phone and web based service for people experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety
Tel: 0800 83 85 87 https://breathingspace.scot/how-we-can-help/need-to-talk/
British Heart Foundation
Provides information and support for people with heart disease.
Tel: 0300 330 3311 https://www.bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/bhf-in-your-area/scotland
British Lung Foundation
Offers advice, information and support to people affected by lung disease, their families and carers
Tel: 03000 030 555 www.blf.org.uk
Carers Scotland
Provides information and support for carers
Tel: 080 808 7777 https://www.carersuk.org/scotland
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland
Provides information and support for people and their families with chest, heart and stroke conditions.
Tel: 0808 801 0899 https://www.chss.org.uk/
Coronavirus Advice Scotland
Provides free, practical advice and information on the coronavirus to the citizens of Scotland.
Tel: 0808 800 9060 coronavirusadvice.scot
Diabetes UK
Provides information, support and services to help people manage their diabetes.
Tel: 0345 123 2399 https://www.diabetes.org.uk/in_your_area/scotland
Disability Information Scotland
Provides information on disability information.
Tel: 0300 323 9961 http://www.disabilityscot.org.uk
Know the Score
Free, confidential, drug information and advice
Tel: 0333 230 9468 https://knowthescore.info/
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.
Tel: 08088 01 03 02 or text 07537 410027 https://www.rapecrisisscotland.org.uk/
Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs
Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs is a national charity that supports anyone concerned about someone else’s alcohol or drug use in Scotland
Tel: 08080 10 10 11 https://www.sfad.org.uk/
Scotland’s 24hr Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage
Provides confidential sensitive advice to support 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. https://sdafmh.org.uk/
Support in Mind Scotland
Provide information, support, and services to people affected by mental health issues
Tel: 0300 3231545 https://www.supportinmindscotland.org.uk/
Money, debt and consumer advice
For debt advice visit the National Debtline website here or phone 0808 808 4000.
For general and consumer advice visit Advice Direct Scotland website here or call 0808 800 9060
For UK-wide information on coronavirus and how it will impact your finances and your rights, this guide from Martin Lewis’ Money Saving Expert website will be constantly updated, click here to read it.
Benefits information
This webpage is kept up to date with information from the Department for Work and Pensions relating to Universal Credit and the Coronavirus: https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/coronavirus/
Ask CPAG (Child Poverty Action Group) is a useful hub of information compiled about coronavirus and what this means for receiving benefits which you can visit here, and find out about issues such as Tax Credits and Coronavirus here, and Self Employment, Universal Credit and Coronavirus here.
Age Scotland’s helpline advisers can also provide information and advice about benefits by calling 0800 12 44 222.
Energy concerns
Ofgem have compiled a list of frequently asked questions and resources for those who are concerned about their energy supply. Visit their website by clicking here.
Volunteering
There are three main ways to register to volunteer:
You can find out more at ReadyScotland.org
Returning Health & Social Care workers can sign up by clicking here
The British Red Cross are seeking community reserve volunteers to support public services including the NHS and local authorities. Sign up by clicking here
Volunteer Scotland are seeking people to support other charities and groups in communities. Find out how to get involved by clicking here
The Age Scotland Helpline
Call our helpline on 0800 12 44 222 for free to speak to an adviser. Open Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm.
Help us support more older people
Demand for our vital services is increasing rapidly. Please help us to be there for older people in Scotland who desperately need us during this crisis.