THERE IS ALWAYS SOMEONE TO TALK TOO

Sometimes, our thoughts and feelings can overwhelm us and leave us feeling vulnerable, distressed and (in some cases) suicidal. Talking with a specialist advisor or listening volunteer (sooner than later), can provide you with a safe place to share what’s on your mind, get some emotional support and ask about helpful resources in your area.

As I have said, and will continue to reiterate, you are all important and you all matter. Your thoughts, feelings, voice, story and life matters…ALWAYS. So, please reach out for help if you are struggling, because it really is okay not to be okay all of the time.

I have started a list of helpline numbers that are free and available to access if or when you need them. Not all of them are open 24hrs, so I have included the opening hours also. This list can be added to as much as you need or want. I started with the numbers below because I have used them and know of many others who have used them also. And, they have literally saved my life.

If anyone has any other numbers that they would like added to the list please let me know and I will get it done. Xx

Take care of yourself and each other xxxx

Helpline Numbers

Breathing Space — 0800 83 85 87

(A confidential phoneline for anyone in Scotland feeling low, anxious or depressed.)

24 hours at weekends (6pm Friday — 6am Monday) and 6pm to 2am on weekdays (Monday — Thursday).

Childline — 0800 1111

Childline helps anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through. Whether it’s something big or small, our trained counsellors are here to support you.

It is free, confidential and available any time, day or night. You can talk to us:

• by calling 0800 1111
• by email https://www.childline.org.uk/
• through 1–2–1 counsellor chat

FIRST Crisis — 0800 221 8929 (freephone) or 0141 848 9090 (standard rate)

(For people living in Renfrewshire who need to access help in a crisis)

Available 7 days a week, 365 days a year (Monday-Friday 9am-8pm) (Saturday-Sunday 9am-5pm).

NHS 24–111

(The 111 service provides urgent health advice out of hours, when your GP Practice or Dentist is closed). If you are ill and feel that it can’t wait until your GP surgery re-opens (in case of emergency call 999).

Parentline — 08000 28 22 33

ParentLine is Scotland’s free helpline, email and web-chat service, for anyone caring for or concerned about a child — open until 9pm Monday to Friday.

• Call free: 08000 28 22 33
• Email: parentlinescotland@children1st.org.uk
• Text-chat: 07860 022844 (standard network charges apply)
• Opening Times: Mon-Fri 9am-9pm
• Web-chat — Provided during opening hours:

Samaritans — 116 123

If you are feeling vulnerable, distressed, in need emotional support and or suicidal, the Samaritans can help you explore your options, understand your problems better, or just be there to listen.