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

The Joint Dementia Initiative (JDI) Home from Home service is where people with a diagnosis of dementia can come together in small groups in a homely environment. It gives you the chance to meet people who are having similar experiences to you. The Home from Home service is hosted by a home day carer in their own home. A referral from Social Work Services is needed. Contact Social work on 01324 506070 to ask for an assessment.            

JDI run a monthly group called the 2nd Wednesday Group in its Dollar Park base, for people under 65 who have a diagnosis of early onset dementia. Contact JDI for more information. Call 01324 501730 or email: JDIAdmin@falkirk.gov.uk

The Forth Valley branch of 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. The Centre at 35 Johnston Avenue, Stenhousemuir is open Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm. See the website - www.alzscot.org/living-with-dementia/getting-support/find-support-near-you/forth-valley-office or phone 01324 559480.

The Carer's Centre provides advice and support and runs groups for carers. For more information, see the website - http://centralcarers.org/carers/adult-carers/ or call the Falkirk Centre - 01324 611510.

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

You may be entitled to carer's allowance if you currently care for a person who receives attendance allowance, disabled living allowance (DLA), or personal independence payment (PIP). This person does not need to live with you or be related to you. This weekly allowance is a taxable benefit. Applying for carer's allowance can affect benefits the person that you care for is receiving, so we would recommend you take advice as a first step.

For more information, please visit Falkirk Council's website: www.falkirk.gov.uk/services/benefits-support/help-with-welfare-benefits.aspx

As part of their commitment to building a safer Scotland, Fire Scotland offer everyone in Scotland a free home fire safety visit. They can also fit smoke alarms free of charge if your home requires them. It's so easy to arrange.

To get in touch, please use the following details.

Contact information
Website: www.firescotland.gov.uk
Phone: 0800 0731 999
Text: ''FIRE'' to 80800

The Carers Centre provides information and support to carers of all ages living in Falkirk district and Clackmannanshire.

Contact information: 
Address: the Carers Centre, 1a Bank Street, Falkirk FK1 1NB
Phone: 01324 611510
Website: http://centralcarers.org/about-us

For further information on support from carers, please visit www.falkirk.gov.uk/services/social-care/carers/

Associated materials

• Groups that support and advise carers

FDAMH is an organisation based in Falkirk for people and families experiencing the impact of mental illness. If you would like to get in contact with them, then please use the following details.

Contact information:
Phone: 01324 671600
Email: admin@fdamh.org.uk
Website: www.fdamh.org.uk

There are also a number of national support services available:

Website: www.samaritans.org
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Phone: 116 123

Website: www.combatstress.org.uk
Phone: 0800 138 1619

Website: www.breathingspacescotland.co.uk
Phone: 0800 838 587

Website: https://llttf.com 
Phone: 0845 328 9655 or 0800 328 9655

Website: www.moodjuice.scot.nhs.uk

Website: www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/mental-wellbeing/ 

Website: www.chooselife.net

Associated materials

• Worcestershire mental health services

NHS Forth Valley have Stress Control classes in Falkirk. For further information and to register, please use the details below.

Phone: 07769918681
Email: FV-UHB,stresscontrol@nhs.net
Website: https://nhsforthvalley.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Stress-Flyer.pdf

People who have been using Strathcarron Hospice services and are now looking for bereavement support can get help from the the Patient and Family Support Team at the hospice. Call the team on 01324 826222.

FDAMH is an organisation based in Falkirk for people and families experiencing the impact of mental illness. If you'd like to get in contact, use the following information.

Phone: 01324 671600
Email: admin@fdamh.org.uk
Website: www.fdamh.org.uk/

There are also a number of national support services available:

Website: www.combatstress.org.uk  
Phone: 0800 138 1619

Website: https://breathingspace.scot/
Phone: 0800 838587

Website: https://llttf.com/
Phone: 0845 328 9655

Website: www.moodjuice.scot.nhs.uk/

Website: www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/mental-wellbeing/stress/breathing-and-relaxation-exercises-for-stress

Website: www.chooselife.net/

Alternatively, you can also contact the Samaritans by using the information below. 

Contact information: 

Phone: 116 123
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Website: www.samaritans.org/

Associated materials

• Worcestershire mental health services