Useful information quick links
If you are living with a disability or caring for someone with a disability there are many services that may be able to help you. This quick links guide gives contacts for national services in Scotland, councils, and organisations with Scotland-wide networks.
If you cannot find the information you need look in our Disability Directory or call our helpline on 0300 323 9961
Legal background
Disability is one of the “protected characteristics” under the Equality Act 2010. You can find information about this on the Equality and Human Rights Commission website here Equality Act 2010 | EHRC (equalityhumanrights.com)
People receiving care also have protection under other legislation Equality Act 2010 | Care Information Scotland (careinfoscotland.scot)
Some disability related legislation is specific to Scotland Disabled people – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
Specialist health and disability charities
Abilitynet
Online information and volunteer support to use technology
0300 180 0028
Alzheimer Scotland
Information, signposting and support for anyone affected by dementia.
0808 808 3000
Scottish Autism
Information and support for people with autism
01259 720044
Scottish Autism – Autism Awareness Charity & Services for Children & Adults in Scotland
Breast Cancer Now
Information and support for anyone affected by breast cancer.
0808 800 6000
Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland
Advice and support on recovery from and living with chest, heart and stroke issues.
0808 801 0899
Contact Scotland BSL
Scotland’s national BSL video interpreting relay service
0333 344 7712
Contact Scotland (contactscotland-bsl.org)
Deaf Action
Services for people who are hard of hearing and deaf.
0131 556 3128
Diabetes Scotland
Specialist information and advice on living with diabetes.
0345 123 2399
Disability Equality Scotland
Information about accessible travel, inclusion, access panels and Hate crime
0141 370 0968
Welcome – Disability Equality Scotland
Enable
Support for people with a learning disability
Enquire
Advice about support for education
Enquire – The Scottish advice service for additional support for learning
LEAD Scotland (Linking Education and Disability)
Practical support, information and advice tailored to your individual circumstances.
0131 228 9441
LEAD Scotland – Linking Education and Disability » Specialist in linking education and disability
Macmillan Cancer Support
Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.
0808 808 00 00
MND Scotland
Advice about staying independent, money, wellbeing and practical matters
0141 332 3903
MND Scotland | Making Time Count
MS Society
Advice about Multiple Sclerosis
0808 800 8000
MS Society UK | Information, research and support | MS Society
NASS – National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society
Advice about Axial Spondyloarthritis
020 8741 1515
Homepage | National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society (nass.co.uk)
Parkinson’s UK helpline
Information, signposting and support for anyone affected by Parkinson’s.
0808 800 0303
RNIB (support for people with sight loss)
Help and advice for blind and partially sighted people.
0303 123 9999
RNID
Information and support for people who are deaf, or have hearing loss or tinnitus.
0808 808 0123
Text message: 07360 268 988
Relay UK: 18001 then 0808 808 0123
Royal Osteoporosis Society
Information and support on living well with osteoporosis.
0808 800 0035
Scottish Disability Sport
Information about sports for people of all ages and abilities
Sense Scotland
Information, advice and support for people with complex needs
Sight Scotland
Supports people in Scotland with sight loss
Sight Scotland. Educating & Supporting People With Vision Loss
Versus Arthritis
Information about arthritis
0800 5200 520
Versus Arthritis | A future free from arthritis
Visibility Scotland
Information about living with sight loss
0141 332 4632
General health information
Breathing Space telephone support
If you are experiencing low mood, anxiety or depression.
0800 83 85 87
Cruse Scotland
Bereavement support and counselling
0808 802 6161
Home : Cruse Bereavement Care (crusescotland.org.uk)
LGBT Health & Wellbeing
Information and emotional support for the LGBT+ community.
0800 464 7000
Living Made Easy
Advice on daily living aids for people living with a disability.
0800 123 3084
NHS 24
Urgent health care advice and mental health support.
111
NHS Inform helpline
Non-urgent information about health and local services.
0800 22 44 88
You can search their website for local health services here Health and Wellbeing services | NHS Inform
Patient Advice and Support Service
Information about NHS patients’ rights and responsibilities in Scotland.
0800 917 2127
Samaritans
24-hour phone support to explore thoughts and feelings.
116 123
Employment
ACAS
Advice on employment rights, rules and best practice
0300 123 1100
Acas | Making working life better for everyone in Britain
Equality Advisory Support Service
Advice and assistance if you are treated unfairly.
0808 800 0082
Equality Advisory and Support Service (equalityadvisoryservice.com)
Access to Work
Access to Work can help you get or stay in work if you have a physical or mental health condition or disability.
0800 121 7479
Care information
Care Information Scotland
Information and advice on how to get and provide care.
0800 011 3200
Your local Council
For a care needs assessment contact your local council Organisations – mygov.scot or in Highland NHS Highland
Scottish Government
Information about social care
Social care – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
Age Scotland
Care home rights
0800 12 44 222
Care and Support | Age Scotland (ageuk.org.uk)
Care Inspectorate
Oversees care services, standards and complaints
0345 600 9527
Local Carers Centres
Care Information Scotland lists them here Carer centres | Care Information Scotland (careinfoscotland.scot)
Carers Scotland
Advice, information and support for carers.
0808 808 7777
Money Matters
Money Helper
Guidance about money matters, including debt, benefits and pensions.
0800 138 7777 (money)
0800 011 3797 (pensions)
Turn2us
Grants and benefits information.
0808 802 2000
Stepchange
Free, independent help with debt
StepChange Debt Charity. Free Expert Debt Help & Advice
Transport and mobility
Blue Badge Scotland
Apply for or renew a Blue Badge – mygov.scot
Transport Scotland
How to apply for a 60+ or disabled person’s National Entitlement Card
How to apply for or renew your National Entitlement Card | Transport Scotland
Housing
Shelter Scotland Helpline
Advice on housing matters, including urgent situations.
0808 800 4444
Care and Repair Scotland
Support and advice on home repairs and adaptations.
0141 221 9879
www.careandrepairscotland.co.uk
Housing Options Scotland
Help finding housing for older and disabled people, and veterans.
0131 510 1567
www.housingoptionsscotland.org.uk
Trustmark
Government endorsed listings of trusted tradespeople.
0333 555 1234
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
Advice about fire safety and book a free home fire safety visit
Home fire safety visits | Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (firescotland.gov.uk)
Energy and water
Home Energy Scotland
Advice on and financial support with energy costs.
0808 808 2282
National gas emergency service
Emergency assistance, and gas and carbon monoxide safety advice.
0800 111 999
Emergencies and safety advice | National Gas
Electricity power cut
National grid report a power cut.
105
National Grid – How to report a power cut
Scottish Water
Inquiries and to report water supply and waste water issues.
0800 0778 778
Priority Service Register Scotland
Your energy and water suppliers have Priority Service Registers so they can support older or disabled people in case of emergency
Legal matters
Police Scotland
Non-emergency crime reporting and advice on crime prevention.
101
Equality Advisory and Support Service
0800 800 0082
Advises and assists people on issues relating to equality and human rights
Equality Advisory and Support Service (equalityadvisoryservice.com)
Scottish Women’s Aid
0800 027 1234
Contact us | Scottish Women’s Aid (womensaid.scot)
Office of the Public Guardian in Scotland
Power of Attorney and Guardianship
01324 678 300
www.publicguardian-scotland.gov.uk
Mental Welfare Commission
Advice on mental health and incapacity law, care and treatment.
0800 389 6809
Victim Support Scotland
Information and support for anyone affected by crime.
0800 160 1985
Home – Victim Support Scotland
Scottish Public Services Ombudsman
Formal complaints about public service organisations after using service complaints procedures
0800 377 7330
Generalist advice agencies
Advice Direct Scotland
Specialist services about
advice.scot (benefits, employment, housing, neighbourhood issues, family and relationships)
Citizens Advice Bureau
Network of offices across Scotland here Get advice – Citizens Advice Scotland Up to date advice about a wide range of topics
Helpline number to find your local CAB 0800 028 1456
Specialist services about
Claiming Universal Credit Contact us about a Universal Credit application – Citizens Advice Scotland
- Money advice Money Talk Team – Citizens Advice Scotland
- Defined contribution pensions Pension Wise appointment options | MoneyHelper
- NHS Complaints PASS | Patient Advice and Support Service Scotland (pass-scotland.org.uk)
- Specialist support for Veterans Get Advice | Armed Services Advice Project (adviceasap.org.uk)
Information if you are not in Scotland
Much of the legislation that affects the lives of people with disabilities and their carers is devolved to Scotland, and not the same as that elsewhere in the UK.
If your enquiry does not relate to Scotland you can find information about disability-related issues from
Citizens Advice
You can find advice and also details of your local service here: check top left of the screen to specify the country where you live
Scope
The disability equality charity for England and Wales
Home | Disability charity Scope UK
Age UK
Information and advice for people over 50
0800 678 1602
Age UK | The UK’s leading charity helping every older person who needs us
Information last updated on 12 March 2024. Please note that information may be subject to change. All information is provided in good faith but Disability Information Scotland does not endorse any product or service referred to within this resource.
If you would like this information guide in another version then please contact us and we will post or email you a copy.
Quick links to useful information:Frequently Asked Questions
Through our helpline we receive enquiries spanning a wide range of different topics. Here is a selection of those most asked:
How can I update my organisation’s details in the Directory?
The Scottish Disability Directory is the only directory of its kind in Scotland. It provides access to information on hundreds of disability organisations and support groups, both local and national.
To update your organisation’s details please download and complete the form below.
How can I search for a local disability support group near me?
You can search for local support groups in Scotland using our Scottish Disability Directory. There may be services near you that offer disability information, advice and support.
To search for local services:
1. Click on Scottish Disability Directory
2. Under the ‘Category’ section, select ‘Disability and Support groups’
3. Choose your council area
4. Click on ‘Search database’ and see what comes up
We are always working to improve our Scottish Disability Directory. If you know of any groups that are not currently on the directory then please contact us and we can invite them to join. If you cannot find a local disability support group within your area using our directory then please give us a call and we can see if there is anything else we can find for you.
Helpline: 0300 323 9961
Quick links to useful information:Search for Local Organisations
Our quick search tool can connect you to over 3000 service providers, suppliers and organisations supporting people across Scotland. To find support near you, simply enter your search term and select your local authority.
| Organisation | Description |
|---|---|
| 25% ME Group | Aims: To offer support and advocacy services to severely affected M.E. sufferers and their carers. Services provided: Advocacy via telephone, or face-to-face (locally) only Helpline for members and their carers offering emotional support Newsletters tw… |
| 27000 | We are open 8 till 8pm all week and weekends however if you need us please email and we will be happy to help. ‘A venue for hire in the heart of Hamilton’ Our venue is available for the whole community and we aim to keep the costs down. A Space… |
| Aberdeen Action on Disability Ltd | Promote the integration of all disabled people into the community |
| Aberdeen City Council Services | Useful contact details for Aberdeen City Council |
| Aberdeenshire Council Services | Useful contact numbers for Aberdeenshire Council |
| Abilia Ltd | Description of service: – Text-to-speech communication aids – Digital recording communication aids – Environmental control equipment – Cognitive products. Equipment hire: Will hire out equipment. Opening hours: Monday – Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm. |
| Ability Shetland | Ability Shetland is a charity which provides direct support to children, families and adults with disabilities and additional support needs. Responding to identified needs, we run groups and clubs and outreach support to individuals. We help people wit… |
| AbilityNet | Works with people with all disabilities and of all ages, helping them to use computers and the internet to improve their lives at home, at work and in education |
| Able Community Care Ltd | Able Community Care was one of the first Live-in Care providers, est. in 1980. We support people throughout the UK and have been offering support in Scotland and the offshore islands for over three decades. We often operate where other care providers d… |
| ACCESS Angus | ACCESS Angus is the way for Angus citizens to access council services |
