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. Residential and respite services are also available.

To find out more please use the details below.

Contact Information:

Website: www.capability-scotland.org.uk

Phone: 0131 337 9876

A range of social groups and classes are available at the Sensory Centre for people with visual impairment. These include a singing group, reading group, social group, personal safety and computer skills. For more information, get in contact by using the details below. 

Contact information:

Website: www.forthvalleysensorycentre.org/other-interest-groups-and-classes-for-all/

Phone: 01324 590888

The Mobile Emergency Care Service (MECS) provides a response to calls from our service users. An alarm is installed in people's homes. The alarm connects through the  telephone line to our control centre. Alarm calls are made through a pull-cord system, an alarm unit with a trigger device or telecare equipment, such as door sensors or pressure mats. This means you can call for emergency help when you need it - for example, if you have fallen and can't get up. When you set off the alarm, it will ring in our control centre, which is open 24 hours a day.

The help you get will depend on what your emergency is. We may:

• Contact your GP or next of kin
• Send a warden to your home
• Talk with you to reassure you

For more information or to find out about getting a MECS  system, please visit: www.falkirk.gov.uk/services/social-care/care-at-home

Strathcarron Compassionate Communities Team help people get to know others in their local area and to be part of their local community. Anyone can access the support that we offer, we have no criteria and no previous connection with Strathcarron Hospice is necessary. Our hope is that if people are part of their local community, with a network of people who live nearby, they will have good support if they were to become unwell or bereaved.                                                                                                     

Within Falkirk we can support people to be more connected with those around them in a range of ways:

• Providing information about other groups and activities that are taking place in their area and providing community support to access these groups.
• Putting a person in touch with someone else who may be able to visit, telephone or write letters.
• Learning more about a person’s skills and talents and how they would like to use these to be more of a part of their community.
• Providing ways to connect people who are not able or who have lost confidence in going out. E.g. by hosting online gatherings centred around interests, e.g. Storytelling and Musical Memories
• "Snow Drop Cafes" operating in different areas of Falkirk, when covid restrictions allow. These are open to all and provide tea, biscuits and the opportunity to meet with other local people.

There are a range of ways that we can provide support, tailored to suit the ways you would like to connect with your neighbours and community. 

Please contact us by emailing: fv.compassionatecommunities@nhs.scot

Cyrenians’ Falkirk projects provide safe spaces for those feeling isolated from their community to gain confidence and plan for a more positive future. Arnotdale House in Dollar Park is home to our charitable work in Falkirk supporting the local community and tackling the causes and consequences of homelessness. With our family-friendly café and beautiful walled garden, Arnotdale House is a visitor hotspot.                                                                                                                                       

Our services are separated into three main components:

• Employability Services: This includes supporting individuals engaging with the Employment and Training Unit at Falkirk Council, providing 1-1 support to link those touched by the Justice System to volunteering, training and employment opportunities and providing individuals on a Community Payback Order the opportunity to gain a qualification as well as developing listening, communication and work etiquette skills and self-confidence.
• Outreach Services: Including a project based in the Camelon/Tamfourhill area, supporting both individuals with a justice background looking to get back into work, and the local employers who would like to employ them. Also includes a Community Link Worker based in Kersiebank Medical Practice and Bo’ness Road Medical practice who provides support overcoming any barriers they may have preventing them from living a healthy lifestyle or achieving their goals, help identify personal outcomes and priorities and, where appropriate, link to other services in the local area.
• Walled Garden: It was brought to life by individuals undertaking unpaid work as part of their Community Payback Order, alongside the third, public and private sectors and community groups. Provides work for those carrying out Community Payback Orders as well as volunteering opportunities, also allows linking into other Falkirk Services for support. The walled garden is utilised by the general public as a place to go, attend events or an opportunity for Wedding Photographs and Weddings.

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/.

Associated materials

• MyBus Information Leaflet
• MyBus Booking Form

Visit the RNIB website for information about equipment to support people with a visual impairment. You can also buy via the website: www.rnib.org.uk/ or call  0303 123 9999.

For help accessing the internet visit the Forth Valley Sensory Centre:

Contact Information:

Address: Forth Valley Sensory Centre, Redbrae Road, Falkirk, FK1 4DD

Email: sensory@forthvalleysensorycentre.org

Phone: 01324 590888

Text: 07341560709

The Sensory Service Team can provide some equipment free of charge. For more information contact the team:

Contact Information:

Email: sensory@falkirk.gov.uk

Phone: 01324 509875

Text/WhatsApp: 07736149585

Associated materials

• Low Vision Project– Participating Optometrists

Reengage UK (previously Contact the Elderly) seeks to encourage older people who live alone, or in sheltered housing are are feeling lonely to develop social interests by bringing companionship into their lives, to help establish contact with others, and to encourage younger people to devote some of their time to helping older people find companionship and new friendship groups.

Reengage arranges regular social gatherings at over 900 venues across the UK. In response to the COVID pandemic, the Call Companions service was introduced bringing people together with a volunteer by phone. Reengage plan to keep the Call Companions service running after COVID restrictions are lifted.

Find out more using the details below.

Contact Information:

Email: info@reengage.org.uk

Website: www.reengage.org.uk/

Freephone: 0800 716543

FDAMH is an organisation based in Falkirk for anyone experiencing the impact of mental illness. If you'd like to get in touch, please use the information below.

Contact information:

Email: admin@fdamh.org.uk

Website: www.fdamh.org.uk

Phone: 01324 671600

Associated materials

• Worcestershire mental health services

Self or battery operated wheelchairs and scooters are available free from Central Shopmobility for people with short or long term mobility difficulties. These are based at Callendar Square car park, and Stirling Bus Station.

For more information and to apply for membership, please use the following details. 

Contact information
Phone: 01324 630500 (Mon-Sat 10am-4pm)
Website: www.dial-a-journey.org/about-dial-a-journey.htm 

Alternatively, visit the Shopmobility Falkirk Facebook page.

FDAMH is based in Falkirk and works with people and families experiencing the impact of mental illness. If you'd like to get in contact with them, please use the information below. 

Contact information: 
Email: admin@fdamh.org.uk

Website: www.fdamh.org.uk

Phone: 01324 671600

Associated materials

• Worcestershire mental health services