Stay safe, well, and warm this winter

The need to prepare and think about your safety and the risks that colder weather can bring is important. Make sure your alarms are working and home electrical items are safe.

Scottish Fire and Rescue
0800 0731 999

Being fraud aware and telling someone if you are being controlled or harmed are also important. If you’ve been scammed, there are organisations you should report the scam to. Don’t feel embarrassed about reporting a scam. Scammers are clever and scams can happen to anyone.

• Police: 101
• Advice Direct Scotland’s Consumer Service: 0808 164 6000

Free independent, confidential advice over the phone on many different kinds of problems.

• Falkirk CAB: 01324 626070
• Denny and Dunipace CAB: 01324 829160
• Grangemouth and Bo’ness CAB: 01324 666935

If you are being harmed by a partner or ex-partner, there is support available.

• Committed to Ending Abuse: 01324 635661
• Equally Safe Falkirk: 01324 632903
• Central Advocacy Partners: 01324 633321

If you think an adult you know is being harmed, we can help. If you are an adult and you’re being harmed, we can help keep you safe. Start the conversation by telling us you have concerns an adult is at risk of harm.

• Report an Adult Protection Concern: 01324 506070

If you’re worried about a child, we’re here to help. If you think a child you know might be being hurt, neglected or is not safe, please talk to us. Sharing your concerns can help us keep children safe and get families the right support.

• Contact the Initial Response Team: 01324 506070

Report hate crime whether you are affected personally, or if you witness someone else being targeted because of their background or characteristics. Get support if you have been the victim of hate crime.

• Police Scotland: 101
• Central Scotland Regional Equality Council (CSREC): 01324 610 950
• The Sensory Centre: 01324 690 886
• Victim Support Falkirk: 01324 614 026
• LGBT Foundation: 0345 330 30 30

Mental health support for adults and young people aged 13-24 (26 if care experienced): 01324 671600

Support for anyone of any age struggling with their mental health.

• TEXT ‘Falkirk’ to 85258

Groups & Café
5 Manse Place, Falkirk
01324 274034

Support for unpaid carers looking after a family member or friend.

01324 611510 / 01324 874969

Door-to-door transport for people who have mobility difficulties.

01324 630500

Helping older people with shopping, befriending, light housework and meal sharing.

01324 374144

For anyone with concerns about their drink or drug use.

08081 962 188

Support for addiction and mental health. Activities every week at cafés across Falkirk.

01324 874969

A support group dedicated to men’s mental health. The group is open to all men in the community, offering a safe and non-judgmental space for men
of all ages and backgrounds to come together and discuss their ups and downs.

01324 562992

Home from hospital and need some extra help while you get back on your feet? Whether it’s practical things like accompanying you to the shops or collecting prescriptions or simply being there for reassurance while you regain your independence.

01786 450 718

If you are eligible, protect yourself and others this winter by getting your winter vaccines. Contact the local vaccination team to book an appointment at Falkirk Community Hospital or your contact your local pharmacy.

0800 120 3120

Provides a range of health assessments, along with tailored advice and support to help improve health and wellbeing, and prevent disease.

01786 434 044

You’ll get a warm welcome at your local library. Free to join and visit. Read, study, charge your phone, use library wi-fi or PCs and help yourself to a free hot drink.

Access the Living Well Falkirk website using our PCs, our staff can help you if you need.

Families will love the children’s spaces, and you’ll find clubs and events for children and adults. Many events are free or have a reduced entry cost if you receive certain benefits. Call: 01324 506800 for information.

Library Opening Hours, All closed: Wednesday & Sunday

Bo’ness, Falkirk & Larbert (Stenhousemuir)

• Monday: 10am – 8pm
• Tuesday: 10am – 5pm
• Thursday: 10am – 5pm
• Friday: 10am – 5pm
• Saturday: 10am – 3pm

Bonnybridge, Denny, G’mouth & Meadowbank (Polmont)

• Monday: 10am – 5pm
• Tuesday: 10am – 5pm
• Thursday: 10am -8pm
• Friday: 10am – 5pm
• Saturday: 10am – 3pm

Slamannan

• Monday: 10am -2pm
• Tuesday: 10am – 2pm
• Thursday: 2pm – 7pm
• Friday: 2pm – 5pm
• Saturday: 10am – 1pm

• National Gas Emergency Service: 0800 111 999
• Electricity: 105
• Scottish Water helpline: 0800 0778 778

Grants: 01324 506070

As the colder months set in, it’s important to know that help is available to keep you and your family warm and well this winter. If you’re struggling with heating costs or other household expenses, there are a range of support services that can make a real difference. You may be entitled to welfare benefits or emergency help
through the Scottish Welfare Fund (SWF), which provides grants for essential living costs in times of crisis. If you’re facing financial difficulties, free and confidential debt advice is also available to help you manage bills and reduce money worries. Advice & Information Support Hubs across the area are also offering a wide range of practical help. These Hubs can guide you through available support and connect you to services such as fuel vouchers to help with
energy costs, free school meals and clothing grants for children, and other
forms of support. You don’t have to face winter alone; help is at hand.

Central Advice and Support HUBs

• Central Advice & Support HUB
  Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm, 01324 503410
• East Advice & Support HUB
  Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm, 01324 501900
• West Advice and Support HUB
  Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm, 01324 508816

Weekly Outreach Advice

• Tuesday 2:30pm – 4:30pm
  Larbert Library, 22 Hallam Road,
  Stenhousemuir, FK5 3JX
  01324 503590
• Thursday 2:30pm – 4:30pm
  Bo’ness Library, Scotland’s Close,
  Bo’ness EH51 0AH
  01506 778520
• Scottish Welfare Fund: Crisis & Community Care Grants. Freephone 0808 100 3161 or 01324 506070.
• Debt Advice Team: Advice & support with Debt & Money Management Worries. 01324 506736
• Welfare Benefits Team: Advice and support with benefits and income maximisation. 01324 50 60 70

Free and impartial advice on energy saving measures and information about funding available in your area.

0808 808 2282

Free and confidential phone service for older people, their carers and families in Scotland. Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm.

0800 124 4222

Housing Advice
0808 800 4444

Call: 111 for 24/7 Support

If you are feeling unable to cope and need to talk. 0800 83 85 87

116 123 for 24/7 Support

Free, impartial and confidential advice on a variety of topics.
0800 028 1456

Free impartial and confidential advice on a variety of topics. 0800 028 1456

When you’re ready to talk, we’re ready to listen. 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 0808 8020 133

Support line offers emotional, practical and financial help. 08000 282 233

Offers free confidential information and advice about drug use. 0800 587 5879

If you are affected by someone else’s alcohol or drug use. 08080 101 011

Call 0800 148 88 88