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External Support Organisations

There are a range of organisations that can offer help and support to you, no matter what you are going through. 

Wellbeing and health support services

Samaritans 

A National Service for anything that is worrying you, open 24 hours a day, seven days per week.

Phone: 116 123 

Visit the Samaritans website for more information and other ways to get in touch with them.

NHS 24

Critical health support is available outside of GP opening hours. Their 111 service can provide urgent care advice and mental health support day or night.

Phone: 111 

Visit the NHS 24 website for more information.

Breathing Space

A confidential phone line for anyone in Scotland feeling low, anxious or depressed. Open evenings and weekends (Monday to Thursday 6.00 PM to 2.00 AM and Friday 6.00 PM to Monday 6.00 AM). 

Phone: 0800 83 85 87

For more information visit the Breathing Space website.

Beat Eating Disorders

Beat supports people who have or are worried they have an eating disorder, as well as others affected, such as friends and family members. They offer support for adults, students and young people through their three helplines, open Monday to Friday 9.00 AM to 8.00 PM and Saturday to Sunday 4.00 PM to 8.00 PM. 

Phone: 0808 801 0811 (student line)

Visit the Beat Eating Disorders website for more information about their support services.

Edinburgh Nightline

A confidential and non-judgemental support and information service, run by students, for students. Open from 8.00 PM till midnight every night of term.

Phone: 0131 557 4444

Instant messaging is also available on the Edinburgh Nightline website during opening hours.

LGBT Health and Wellbeing Helpline

Provide information and emotional support to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their families, friends and supporters across Scotland. Open Tuesday to Wednesday noon to  9.00 PM and Thursday to Sunday 1.00 PM to 6.00 PM. 

Phone: 0300 123 2523

Visit the LGBT Health website for more information.

LGBT Youth Scotland

LGBT Youth Scotland offers live chat with their experienced digital youth workers where they offer support, information and advice. Live chat is available

  • Monday 2.00 PM to 8.00 PM
  • Wednesday 4.00 PM to 8.00 PM
  • Thursday 6.00P M to 8.00 PM 

Visit the LGBT Youth Scotland website for more information and other ways to get in touch.

Mental Health Assessment Service

A nurse-led emergency mental health assessment service for people experiencing a mental health crisis. Open 24 hours a day.

Phone: 0131 286 8137

For more information about the Mental Health Assessment Service, visit the NHS Lothian website.

Children 1st Parentline

Children 1st provides practical and emotional support to families across the country. If you need support from Children 1st you can contact them seven days a week on their phone line or you can visit the Children 1st website for more information. Parentline is open Monday to Friday 9.00 AM to 9.00 PM and Saturday to Sunday 9.00 AM to midnight.

Phone: 08000 28 22 33

OCD-UK Advice Line

Support and information about OCD. If you have a query about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder you can contact the OCD-UK advice line which is usually available Monday to Friday 9.30 AM to 3.30 PM. 

Phone: 01332 588112

Visit the OCD-UK website for more information about the support they offer. 

Edinburgh Crisis Centre

Support for people experiencing a mental health crisis, open 24 hours a day. 

Phone: 0808 801 0414

Email: crisis@edinburghcrisiscentre.org.uk

Visit the Edinburgh Crisis Centre website for more information.

Saheliya 

Saheliya is a specialist mental health and well-being support organisation for black,  minority ethnic, asylum seeker, refugee and migrant women and girls (12+) in the Edinburgh and Glasgow area.

Visit the Saheliya website for more information about how they can support you.

SilverCloud Health 

We have partnered with SilverCloud to provide a range of mental health and emotional wellbeing online modules free for students and staff. It’s easy to get started and there are programmes on resilience, positive body image, anxiety and more. 

Sign up for SilverCloud Health.

Gender-based violence

Rape Crisis Scotland 

Rape Crisis Scotland runs a national support line and provides support and information for anyone affected by sexual violence open daily from 6.00 PM to midnight, 365 days a year.

Phone: 08088 01 03 02

Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre

Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre offer free and confidential emotional and practical support, information and advocacy to women, all members of the trans community, non-binary people and young people aged 12-18 in Edinburgh, East and Midlothian, who have experienced sexual violence at any time in their lives. 

Visit the Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre website for more information. 

West Lothian Council Domestic and Sexual Assault Team (DSAT)

Confidential and friendly support to people who have experienced abuse, available Monday to Friday 9.00 AM to 5.00 PM. 

Phone: 01506 281 055

Email: dasat@westlothian.gov.uk

Scottish Women's Aid 

Scottish Women’s Aid is the lead organisation in Scotland working towards the prevention of domestic abuse. They offer confidential support and advice through their domestic abuse and forced marriage helpline open 24 hours a day. 

Phone: 0800 027 1234

Visit the Scottish Women's Aid website for more information about the support they offer.

Local branches in Edinburgh, Midlothian, East Lothian and West Lothian can also be contacted on the below information: 

Shakti Women’s Aid

Help for black minority ethnic (BME) women, children and young people who are experiencing, or who have experienced domestic abuse. Support is available

  • Monday 9.30 AM to 4.00 PM
  • Tuesday 1.00 PM to 4.00 PM
  • Wednesday to Friday 9.30 AM to 4.00 PM 

Phone: 0131 475 2399

Visit the Shakti Women's Aid website for more information.

Men's Advice Line

Confidential helpline for male victims of domestic abuse, open Monday to Friday 9.00 AM to 8.00 PM.

Phone: 0808 8010327

Visit the Men's Advice Line website for more information about support available.

Abused Men in Scotland Helpline 

Confidential helpline for men who experience domestic abuse, open Monday to Friday 9.00 AM to 4.00 PM.

Phone: 03300 949 395 

Visit the Abused Men in Scotland website for more information about support available. 

Other Support 

Food banks

Food banks are grassroots, community organisations for supporting people who cannot afford the essentials in life. They can help during challenging times. Visit the Trussell Trust website to find your nearest food bank.

SCVO Community Assistance Directory

SCVO has set up a community assistance directory for those supporting their communities around Scotland to find and offer help.

Visit the SCVO website to learn more about the support available to you.

Councils 

Information from Councils local to the College can be found on their websites. Your local Council can offer support relating to Covid-19 and a wide range of other topics.

City of Edinburgh Council

East Lothian Council

Midlothian Council

West Lothian Council

Scottish Borders Council

Fife Council