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

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

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

If you are feeling lonely and it is affecting your life, there are different things you can try that may help.

Visit the following NHS websites for numerous suggestions on how you can try to overcome loneliness: www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/feeling-lonely/ or www.nhsinform.scot/self-help-guides

If you are feeling lonely or isolated after a bereavement Quiet Waters provides supportive counselling, specifically regarding bereavement as well as issues relating to pregnancy (unwanted pregnancy, support after termination).

Note this organisation is staffed by those who are actively practicing Christians and its ethos reflects this. Services are open to those of any faith, or none.

Contact Information:

Organisation: Quiet Waters

Website: www.quiet-waters.org

Phone: 01324 630643 / 01324670 600

Address: 2 Glasgow Rd, Camelon, Falkirk FK1 4HJ

If you are feeling lonely and it is affecting your life, the Scottish Association for Mental Health offers online advice and information for those experiencing mild to moderate mental health problems.

For more information see the website at www.samh.org/

If you are feeling lonely or isolated and want to link with other people with similar interests to yours, U3A (University of the Third Age) is a UK movement of retired and semi-retired people who come together to continue their educational, social and creative interests in a friendly and informal environment.

Members of local U3As draw upon their knowledge and experience to teach and learn from each other. It’s all voluntary, run in informal activity sessions covering hundreds of different subjects. Visit the website, where you can be directed to specific regions and local contacts: www.u3a.org.uk/

If you would like to meet new people and learn a new skill, the Wider Access to Schools Project can help. There are a wide range of classes from exercise to cooking to learning a new language.

WASP classes are suitable for adults of all ages, accessing education of any level.

Contact Information:

Website: www.dennywasp.org.uk/

Phone: 01324 822895

Address: Denny High school, Herbertshire Park, Mydub Road, Denny, FK6 6EE