Getting help and support
Employee Assistance programme (EAP)
From work-life balance to childcare, relationships to workplace issues, health and wellbeing to debt, elder care to consumer rights, EAP provides advice in total confidence and information on a wide range of work, family and personal issues. You can also receive counselling.
Call them on 0800 023 9324 – available 24 hours a day, or log on to Vivup.
Listening Ears
How are Listening Ears different from the Employee Assistance Programme?
They are not counsellors but are very good listeners and work in the Council. That means they understand the culture, policies and ways of working here. Often we may just want someone to listen to us that understands that and can suggest a way forward. They are only available during office hours Monday-Friday unlike the EAP which is available 24 x 7. You may know them or of them which can be helpful.
What can I talk to a Listening Ear about?
Anything you are concerned about. Most conversations are usually to do with work or home life issues.
How do I contact a Listening Ear?
For a full list of Listening Ears and their contact details, please email the Healthy Working Lives team: hwl@eastlothian.gov.uk
Changes Community Health
Based in Musselburgh, Changes provide a range of free confidential services to support you with stress, anxiety or worry. There is a drop in centre, courses on stress control, mindfulness and wide variety of activities.
Changes contact details and further information.
Phone lines
You don’t need to be suicidal to use a phone line, perhaps you are just struggling to cope.
Breathing Space - phone 0800 83 85 87
Samaritans - phone 116 123
Your GP
In East Lothian your GP will provide you with a same day appointment if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts. They can provide you with help no matter what your wellbeing concerns are.
NHS 24 - phone on 111 after GP surgeries are closed.
Shout
Shout is the UK's first 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It's a place to go if you're struggling to cope and you need immediate help.
Text 85258
Supporting Carers of those at risk of Suicide
Connections for Life - Carer Leaflet
Connections for Life - Referrer Information
Websites and contacts
PRoMIS - National Wellbeing Hub for those working in Health and Social Care – useful advice, information and support for anyone. You don’t have to be in Health and Social Care to access. Free webinars for Health and Social Care employees on a wide range of wellbeing topics.
East Space - East Lothian’s online source of mental health and wellbeing information.
SAMH - Scotlands mental health charity provides services to adults and young people.
Useful mental illness organisation contacts
First Response
Parentline and Childline:
Children 1st Parentline - Parenting Help, Advice & Support | Children 1st
Children 1st Parentline
We're here for you
Do you feel like you’re at the end of your tether? Children 1st Parentline is here for you and your family.
If you live in Scotland call 08000 28 22 33 free, browse our website for advice and support, or start a webchat.
You can talk to us seven days a week
- Mon-Fri, 9am to 9pm
- Sat-Sun, 9am to noon
Online, one the phone, anytime
Call 0800 1111
Whatever you’re facing, a Samaritan will face it with you
Every day, Samaritans volunteers respond to around 10,000 calls for help.
They’re there, day or night, for anyone who’s struggling to cope, who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure.
Samaritans is not only for the moment of crisis, they’re taking action to prevent the crisis.
They give people ways to cope and the skills to be there for others. And they encourage, promote and celebrate those moments of connection between people that can save lives.
They offer listening and support to people and communities in times of need.
Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy, and Samaritans’ vision is that fewer people die by suicide.
That’s why they work tirelessly to reach more people and make suicide prevention a priority.
Contact a Samaritan
If you need someone to talk to, they listen. They won't judge or tell you what to do.
Call them any time, day or night
Whatever you're going through, you can call them any time, from any phone for FREE.
Write them an email
Sometimes writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you understand them better.
Response time: 24 hours