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Mental Health

​Mental health is a central part of the Scottish Women’s Health Plan, recognising that women’s emotional wellbeing is closely linked to physical health, life experiences, and social factors. Across all stages of life — from puberty to menopause and beyond — women may face challenges that impact both their mental and physical health. The plan highlights the importance of early support, being listened to, and access to joined-up care.

 

Links to Scottish Government Women's Health Plan:

Women's Health Plan: A plan for 2021-2024

Women’s Health Plan: Phase Two 2026-2029 2026-2029


At Nicola’s, we support this approach by providing a safe, welcoming space where women can connect, feel heard, and access support alongside wider health services. 
 
At Nicola's we want women to be more educated about mental health. 
Here are various support and resources which are available to women struggling with their mental health 
CLICK ON THE PINK TEXT TO VIEW WEBSITES.
 
💛 Immediate Support (Scotland & UK‑Wide)
If you or someone you know is struggling or feeling overwhelmed, these services offer support 24/7:
If you cannot guarantee your safety you can attend A&E where there is an onsite is a Mental Health Team or - Call 999 - Home - Police Scotland
NHS 24 Mental Health Hub – Urgent mental health support (Scotland) Call 111 - Mental health services at NHS 24 | NHS inform
Samaritans – 24/7 emotional listening support - Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen
Breathing Space (Scotland) – For individuals feeling low, anxious, or isolated - Breathing Space is a free confidential service for people in Scotland. Open up when you're feeling down - phone 0800 83 85 87
Shout Crisis Text Line – Free, confidential text support, Text SHOUT to 85258 - Shout: The UK's free, confidential, 24/7 mental health text service | Shout 85258
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Visit your GP or Practice Mental Health Nurse:
Based in your GP Practice. Just call your practice and ask for an appointment with your GP or Practice Mental Health Nurse 👩‍⚕️ 👨‍⚕️ 
West Space | Practice Mental Health Nurse Service (NHS Lothian)
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NHS Inform – Your Trusted Mental Health Support
At Nicola’s, we know how important it is for women to have access to reliable, compassionate information when life feels overwhelming. Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, low mood, menopause changes, grief, or simply trying to understand your own wellbeing better, it helps to have a place you can trust.
One of the best resources available in Scotland is NHS Inform Mental Health.
It offers clear, easy-to-understand guidance on a wide range of mental health topics, including:

  • Understanding symptoms

  • Self-help tips and online tools

​​It’s all free, confidential, and regularly updated by healthcare professionals.
NHS Informs website has information on Anxiety Disorder, Depression, PTSD, CPTSD, Insominia, OCD, Panic Disorder, Psychosis, Self Harm, Addiction, Eating Disorder and Self Help Guides
You can explore the full mental health section here. 
👉 https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/mental-health
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West Space Online Mental Health Resource West Lothian: 
West Space is an online mental health and wellbeing resource specifically designed for people living or working in West Lothian. 
Key functions: 

  • Local directory of support services

  • It offers self-help materials and guides

It serves as a platform for awareness and support: offering “Need help now” sections, service directory, and sign-posting for more intensive help (including crisis support).  
​​Westspace Website 👇
https://westspace.org.uk/

 

Scroll down to see what supports are available in West Lothian

Addictions

Addictions/Alcohol (West Lothian)
RefHelp: Alcohol and Drug Use – RefHelp
West Lothian Drug & Alcohol Service: Self-Referral, 01506 430225, Information & Resources:  WLDAS | Home
Jamies Sanctuary: Self-Referral hosts a fortnightly drop in for 18- to 28-year-olds - Drop-In Centre – Jamie’s Sanctuary
Change Grow Live: Self-Referral Outreach 01506 657992, Recovery 01506 353453
Circle supporting Families in West Lothian: Self-Referral Home - Circle Scotland
Circle Referral Form - blank.docx
AI Anon: 0800 0086811 - Self-Referral. Have a problem with alcohol? There is a solution. | Alcoholics Anonymous
Cutting Down Leaflet: Advice for cutting down or quitting drinking alcohol
Substance Misuse Self Help: Substance Misuse Self Help | Get.gg - Getselfhelp.co.uk
Alcoholic Anon: 0800 9177650 - Self-Referral. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Online Meetings - Health and Well-being
Cocaine Anonymous Scotland: Self-Referral. Cocaine Anonymous Scotland – Drug and Alcohol Addiction Support
Cocaine Crew: CREW cocaine booklet final.cdr
Know the Score: Know About Cocaine the Stimulant

ADHD & Autism 

ADHD & Autism 
Nicola's is neurodiverse aware and welcomes anyone who may have traits, is on a waiting list or has a diagnosis. You do not need a formal diagnosis to access information and support. We do not replace specialist groups but offer a safe place where you for social connection, building self esteem and confidence. Some of the services below have wait lists and may not be available for immediate access.

Adult ADHD Self Help Resource Pack
Created by NHS Lothian Adult ADHD and Autism Resource Team, this pack has been put together using tips that adults with ADHD have found helpful. It includes information about managing anxiety, sleep, home organisation, memory, and more.
Self Help Resource Pack for People with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.pdf

Adult Autism Self Help Resource Packs

Created by NHS Lothian Adult ADHD and Autism Resource Team, this pack has been put together using tips that adults with autism have found helpful. There are 6 packs covering different topic areas:

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Scotland / Lothian-Wide ADHD & Autism Organisations:

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Bereavement

NHS Inform: Bereavement and grief self-help guide | NHS inform
Bridge Counselling Bereavement support course: Self-Referral. 7-week bereavement course, based in Livingston. - free to access. Bereavement Support Course – Bridge Community Project
Acorns Lothian Support Bereavement Programme:  Self-Referral. Home - Acorns – 01315108393 - 6 sessions of 1.5hrs each in a group setting.  Based in Edinburgh, open to all Lothians.  No 1-1 support - free to access
Cruse Bereavement: Self-Referral. 08088026161 - Information, leaflets, listening services, counselling, and peer support groups for bereaved adults. Online grief chat. Counselling only available from 6+mths post bereavement. Early support available in first 6mths. - free to access. Home : Cruse Scotland
Sue Ryder: Self-Referral. Online counselling service, providing six sessions – free to access. Grief Support | Sue Ryder
Marie Curie: Self-Referral. Bereavement support line (not counselling) of six telephone sessions of 45mins each, online chat, online community - free to access. Bereavement support | Grief support | Marie Curie
Quiet Waters:(Falkirk) Self-Referral. 01324 630643 - Based in Falkirk, bereavement 1-1 listening service, monthly support group - free to access. Quiet Waters Providing Listening and Counselling

CBT (Telephone CBT)

Self-Referral.
Living Life at NHS 24 offers telephone support using talking therapies based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
Living Life: Offers 4-6 sessions of CBT by phone. 
tel:0800 83 85 87
Opening hours:
Weekdays: Monday to Thursday, 6pm to 2am
Weekend: Friday 6pm until Monday 6am
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Counselling 

Bridge Community Project:  Self-referral - 01506 238980
•   Counselling Service: up to £20 contribution, dependent on financial circumstances - counselling – Bridge Community Project
Financial Wellbeing Service: Financial wellbeing – Bridge Community Project
•   Bereavement Support service (6 weeks bereavement support programme) See below link - Stepping Stones to Wellbeing – Bridge Community Project
Smile Counselling: (11-24) Livingston. Self-referral 01506 239292  - SMILE Counselling - Support for 11-24 year olds West Lothian
The Spark Counselling and Relationship Support (West Lothian): 08088202088 - Self-referral The Spark - Igniting Change
Relationships Scotland: 03451192020 - Self-referral - Relationships Scotland – Counselling, mediation and family support
Wellbeing Scotland: – Self-referral - trauma counselling (offer extended period) 01324 630100
Health in Mind (West Lothian): – Self-referral - offer counselling - 01506637572  Health in Mind | Counselling services
Neils Hugs Foundation (West Lothian): (For anyone affected by Suicide) - Self-referral - HOME | neilshugsfoundation
Craigsfarm (West Lothian): Self-referral - Craigsfarm Community Wellbeing Programme – Craigsfarm
Polbeth Hub Counselling: Self-referral - Counselling Services - Polbeth Community Hub
Lothian Deaf Counselling Service: Self-Referral. Free counselling service for the Deaf, deafened, or hard of hearing community in Edinburgh and the Lothians.  Counselling is available in BSL and English either face-to-face, online, or via telephone. Health in Mind | Lothian Deaf Counselling Service

Decider Skills CBT 

Decider Skills CBT Techniques

The Decider Skills Online App: Home

The Decider Skills Videos: Life Skills Videos | The Decider

STOPP Video (Grounding Technique): (561) YouTube

Fact or Opinion: Fact or Opinion?

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Domestic Abuse

Self-Referral
DASAT:  01506281055 or email: DASAT@westlothian.gov.uk - West Space | Domestic and Sexual Assault Team – DASAT (West Lothian Council) does not have a website.
West Lothian Women’s Aid: 01506413721 - West Lothian Women's Aid
Refuge National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 08082000247 - Refuge, the UK's largest specialist domestic abuse organisation
Feniks (European community): 01316291881 - Feniks. Counselling, Personal Development and Support Services
AMINA (For Muslim women): 08088010301 - Amina – The Muslim Women's Resource Centre
Shakti Women’s Aid: -01314752399 - Shakti Women's Aid
Respect (Perps of DA looking help): 08088024040 - Respect | Home
Freedom Project: £12 online course charge. Can be accessed by Women’s Aid WL. The Freedom Programme.

Learn about domestic violence and abuse

Homeless

Self-Referral
West Lothian Council: Housing Options and Homelessness - West Lothian Council
West Lothian Homeless & Housing Options Information Pack: Housing_Options_and_Homeless_Info_Pack.pdf

Mental Health Support at Work

Self-Referral
Listen and Link: email: mentalhealthsupport@westlothian.gov.uk  Based in Bathgate. 01506 283160 - Phoneline for children, young people (5-26) and their families who may be worried about their mental wellbeing.  West Space | Listen & Link (West Lothian Council)
Silvercloud: SilverCloud. Making Space For Healthy Minds -  Password Scotland2020, full details of the programme for patients are available cCBT-Wellbeing Self-Referral information sheet. Offers cCBT wellbeing modules for Supporting an anxious teen and supporting an anxious child.

Parental Support for Child Mental Health Concerns

Self-Referral
Listen and Link: email: mentalhealthsupport@westlothian.gov.uk  Based in Bathgate. 01506 283160 - Phoneline for children, young people (5-26) and their families who may be worried about their mental wellbeing.  West Space | Listen & Link (West Lothian Council)
Silvercloud: SilverCloud. Making Space For Healthy Minds -  Password Scotland2020, full details of the programme for patients are available cCBT-Wellbeing Self-Referral information sheet. Offers cCBT wellbeing modules for Supporting an anxious teen and supporting an anxious child.

Sleep

Get Self Help Sleep Leaflet: Sleep - Self elp
NHS Lothian: Handy Facts about Insomnia & Sleep Hygiene: handyfactsheetsleephygieneextra.pdf
Sleepio App: Sleepio is a six-week clinically proven programme
used to treat insomnia, available free on the NHS. Onboarding Sleep Test - Sleepio
Sorted APP: Has a sleep section Sorted Mental Health - Download Feeling Good App – Sorted Mental Health

Wellbeing Apps

Westspace: Digital tools can be a helpful way to take small, positive steps for your mental health. Whether you’re looking for support with stress, sleep, mindfulness, or healthy living, there are plenty of trusted apps that can make a difference.
All listed apps are available on iOS and Android unless stated otherwise. Some are free, while others may have in-app purchases or subscription costs. Prices may also appear in dollars ($) or euros (€) if the app is based outside the UK.
West Space | Apps
 

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