You may find that talking to someone would help you.

There are several organisations which you can contact for help such as 'Breathing Space', which is a free, confidential phone and web based service for people in Scotland experiencing low mood, depression, loneliness or anxiety.

Contact Information:

Organisation: Breathing Space

Website: Breathing Space Scotland

Phone: 0800 838587

CAPABILITY provides services directly to around 1000 disabled people at over 25 locations around Scotland, supporting people at every stage of their lives and at home, work and school. Through the schools, early years and childcare services they support not only disabled children at crucial times in their life but their families and carers. They have many services which focus on giving disabled people the opportunity to live independent lives whether that is in their own homes, participating in their local or wider community, or finding employment. For those who would like we can also provide residential and respite services. Alexander Anderson Day Service (AADS) offers a range of activities including those which support people to develop everyday living skills such as cooking and baking; budgeting; or shopping; to more physical activities such as keep-fit. Developing IT skills without the need to attend college: AADS has links with a number of colleges in the area who offer classes within the centre; you can book a time in the Sensory room or with the Aromatherapist or Beauty Therapist. AADS is also the only facility in the area to offer people the opportunity to participate in Soundbeam or access hydrotherapy. Use of the hydrotherapy pool can be supported either by AADS staff or by users own staff/ carers. If support is wanted to access activities outside the centre, AADS have links with a range of agencies and support people which give the opportunity to attend activities such as Pather Art Works, IndepenDANCE, M&Ds bowling, local sport venues and Music Works. Support is also available to allow people to meet friends for dinner or a chat; visit places of local/ national interest; or attend the theatre or concerts. To find out more please visit www.capability-scotland.org.uk or call 0131 337 9876 for more information.

A variety of groups and classes for BSL users are available at Forth Valley Sensory Centre, including:

• Friday evening Deaf Social club
• OAP club (12:30 - 3pm)
• Talk and Sign social group
• Knitting group and local History Group

Conversational BSL classes are available for people wanting to learn BSL.

Lip Reading Classes are also available for people who are hard of hearing.

For more information on the services that are provided, please use the following information.

Contact information:
Phone: 01324 590888 
Text: 07341560709 
Website: Forth Valley Sensory Centre

The Mobile Emergency Care Service (MECS) provides a prompt response to alarm calls from people using pull-cord systems, dispersed alarms or telecare equipment in their own home. For more information, please visit www.falkirk.gov.uk.

To get a MECS system installed, please contact your local social work office or MECS on 01324 506520. 

If you would like advice about your memory problems, please get in contact by using the information below. 

Contact information: 

Email: brian.oneill@falkirk.gov.uk
Phone: 01324 501730

Please also use these details if you would like to come along to The Drop In Cafe. It is open to anyone with a memory impairment and their carers. The cafe is an informal way for people to come together and share their knowledge and experiences in a way that is supportive.

The cafe is based in The Joint Dementia Initiative within Dollar Park. It is open between 10:30am and 3:00pm every Friday.

Alzheimer Scotland provides a wide range of specialist services for people with dementia and their carers, including personalised support services, community activities, information and advice, at every stage of the dementia journey. There is a local Dementia Adviser based at the Carer's Centre in Falkirk.

For more information, please use the following details.

Contact information:

Phone: 0808 808 3000
Website: Alzheimer Scotland

ContactSCOTLAND allows you to use BSL rather than written English. It provides immediate access to numerous organisations when you need it, contacting local voluntary groups, local disability organisations, making arrangements to attend meetings. 

Making contact using contactSCOTLAND means you have clear communication in your terms, rather than having to rely on someone else to telephone for you. It is open 8am-12 midnight, 7 days a week for non-emergency calls only.

For more information, please use the following details. 

Contact information
Website: ContactSCOTLAND
Phone: 0141 419 0420
Email: info@contactscotland-bsl.org

Dial-a-Journey provide affordable and accessible door-to-door transport for people who have mobility difficulties and cannot use conventional public transport. For more information and for the application, please visit www.dial-a-journey.org/.

You seem to be feeling lonely and might find services at FDAMH of use.

FDAMH is a registered charity that provides a range of services including counselling for people aged 14 years +, a befriending service, carers and family support service, social prescribing, a health and wellbeing ‘drop in’ service, a third age befriending service, women’s only group and a range of activities designed to enhance skills and boost confidence and morale.

An Immediate Help Service is available to people without a prior appointment. FDAMH also offers volunteering opportunities across many of its services. Some FDAMH Services need a referral from a Health or Social Care professional, some can be by self-referral.

Contact Information:

Organisation: FDAMH

Website: www.fdamh.org.uk/

Phone: 01324 671 600

Email: admin@fdamh.org.uk

If loneliness is having a negative effect on your mental health, you might want to consider getting involved in exercise. Regular exercise has an excellent evidence base, for a variety of mental illnesses particularly depression. It is also a safe and effective way to deal with stress and unhelpful emotions e.g. anger.

The GO pass from Falkirk Council allows a low cost way to exercise.

Contact Information:

Organisation: Falkirk Community Trust

Address: Falkirk Community Trust, Falkirk Stadium, 4 Stadium Way, Falkirk, FK2 9EE

Phone: 01324 590900

Website: www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/fitness/go-card.aspx

You may be entitled to carer's allowance if you currently care for a person who receives attendance allowance (various rates) or disabled living allowance. This person does not need to live with/be related to you. This weekly allowance is a taxable benefit.

For more information, please visit www.falkirk.gov.uk.