Alcohol and drug service

Our aim is to assess the needs of and support adults experiencing alcohol or drug problems. We are a multi-disciplinary team including nurses, social workers and addiction workers, medics, psychiatry, psychology and occupational therapy.

Service hours

Monday to Friday 9am-5pm.
We have clinics in Kirkintilloch, Milngavie and Lennoxtown
(Milngavie and Lennoxtown by appointment only).

You can self-refer by telephone, or through the referral form.

You can also request a referral by your GP or another professional.
Home visits and evening appointments are available after assessment if required.
You will be offered an individual appointment of about an hour to assess your needs and agree a care plan.

You are welcome to bring a friend or family member to your initial assessment appointment.

As we are an integrated team, we record your information on both health and social work information systems. You can find a copy of the privacy notice on the website (or request a copy). A recovery care plan will be agreed with you.

After assessment you will be allocated a worker to progress your care
and treatment plan, where the following services may be available to you if appropriate.

Services available:

• Alcohol and drugs assessment
• Mental and/or physical health assessment
• Home alcohol detoxification
• Medication Assisted Treatment
• Alcohol care and treatment
• Harm reduction services (naloxone, needle replacement)
• Referral to hospital-based alcohol and drugs services
• Psycho-social interventions
• Assertive outreach services
• Support with social care issues
• Support to vulnerable adults
• Access to community recovery groups
• Specialist assessment and support for pregnant women and parents with children.

Children can also be affected by parent or carer alcohol and drug use. We have a duty to enquire about children who you have caring responsibilities for. We can discuss this fully with you at your initial appointment.

Your family can contact Scottish Families Affected or Glasgow Council on Alcohol for individual and group support.

Who can be supplied with take-home naloxone?

• Anyone in East Dunbartonshire who is aged 16 and over, including.
• Person at risk of opioid overdose.
• Carer, friend or family member of a service user at risk Any individual working in an environment where there is a risk of overdose for which the naloxone may be useful.
• Anyone with an expired naloxone kit.

How to use the naloxone postal service

You can order postal naloxone online from by using the Postal Naloxone Service Application link below.

You will also need to complete a free Scottish Drugs Forum (SDF) e-learning course or contact 0141 232 8211 to access local training (if available).

Kirkintilloch Health and Care Centre
10 Saramago Street
Kirkintilloch
G66 3BF
Tel: 0141 232 8211

Hours of Service: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

If you need help within office hours, you can contact us on the number above. Out-with these times and in a non-emergency, please contact NHS 24 on 111.

If you have a life threatening emergency, then call 999.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with the impact of drugs or alcohol then we're here to help. Making a referral to the East Dunbartonshire Alcohol and Drug Recovery Service is simple and straightforward.

Whether you are ready to start the journey towards recovery yourself, are a family member, partner or friend of someone who has a problem, or a professional wishing to make a referral you can now use our online referral forms.

If you do not wish to use the online referral form you can still self-refer to ADRS by calling 0141 232 8211, or ask your GP or social worker to refer you.

The UK Chief Medical Officers published guidelines in 2016 for both men and women which are:

• To keep health risks from alcohol to a low level it’s safest not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis
• If you regularly drink as much as 14 units per week, it's best to spread your drinking over three or more days. If you have one or two heavy drinking episodes a week, you increase your risk of death from long-term illness and from accidents and injuries
• The risk of developing a range of health problems (including cancers of the mouth, throat and breast increases the more you drink on a regular basis
• If you wish to cut down the amount you drink, a good way to help achieve this is to have several drink-free days every week
• If you are pregnant or think you could become pregnant, the safest approach is not to drink alcohol at all, to keep risks to your baby to a minimum.

Low risk drinking guide

Men and women should not regularly drink more than 14 units per week.

14 Units is the equivalent of:

• Six pints of beer (4% abv,568ml) or
• Six glasses of wine (13% abv, 175ml) or
• Seven double measures of spirits (40% abv, 50ml).

It is recommended that you spread your drinking over at least three days to keep the risks from alcohol low.

If you are pregnant or think you could become pregnant, the safest approach is not to drink alcohol at all.

Visit Count14 for information on what a unit is, calculating units and tips to reduce your drinking. 

Where to go for help

Alcohol and Drugs Recovery Service (ADRS)aims to improve the lives of people with alcohol and drugs problems in East Dunbartonshire.  Read the ADRS section for more information, how to access the service and how to access naloxone.   

Glasgow Council of Alcohol (GCA) offer individual, free and confidential counselling for people in East Dunbartonshire experiencing alcohol-related difficulties and those affected by someone else’s alcohol issue. Select the link for more information and how to access the service. 

Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol & Drugs provides support, information and advice to anyone in Scotland concerned about someone else's alcohol or drug use.

With You provide free, confidential support on alcohol and drugs online and services for families and young people in East Dunbartonshire.

Know the Score provides facts about drugs as well as being able to offer free, confidential information and advice on the phone; on webchat and by email.

Crew provides non-judgemental and up to date information and support to help people make positive choices about their drug use and sexual health.  

FRANK provides information on drugs as well as confidential information, advice and support for anyone concerned about alcohol and illegal drugs on the phone, via text, on webchat and by email.  

Find out how to spot a problem with alcohol and what you can do about it.

Medication Assisted Treatment Standards are 10 evidence-based standards to enable the consistent delivery of safe, accessible, high-quality drug treatment across Scotland. These are relevant to people and families accessing or in need of services, and health and social care staff responsible for delivery of recovery-oriented systems of care.

East Dunbartonshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP), the Alcohol and Drug Recovery Service (ADRS) and other ADP partners are working together to implement the 10 MAT Standards. As part of this implementation, each ADP has been asked to develop an implementation plan which you can download under documents.

East Dunbartonshire's Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP) and Alcohol and Drug Recovery Service (ADRS) are committed to increasing the number of funded placements for residential rehabilitation. A new local referral pathway for residential rehabilitation has been developed to ensure accessing rehab is easier and individuals are fully informed in their choice.

Residential rehabilitation programmes can vary between services, but ultimately they provide intensive psychosocial support and a structured programme of daily activities over a fixed period of time. Individuals must attend these sessions/activities to work towards an alcohol and drug-free lifestyle, and to be re-integrated into the community.

To be considered for residential rehabilitation you must already be accessing a statutory service such as ADRS or be the subject of a referral to ADRS (this can be via a self-referral or a referral by third sector commissioned services, Justice, Housing, etc) as a full assessment is needed - including whether a detox prior to rehab is required.

The residential rehab pathway shows the process from initial discussion and assessment, through to accessing a placement and then next steps. To be eligible to access residential rehab in East Dunbartonshire you must meet the criteria below.

• Must be a permanent resident of East Dunbartonshire
• Must already access ADRS services or be the subject of a referral made to ADRS
• Aged 18+ (16+ in exceptional circumstances)
• You must be assessed by ADRS as being dependent on drug or alcohol use, which puts you at increased risk of drug or alcohol-related harm or death
• You must show a willingness/readiness to change and a commitment to do the work required
• You must make a commitment to engage in the structured and intense programme of preparatory work before detoxification, before your placement in residential rehabilitation
• You must be able to engage with services after returning to the community - these can be treatment or recovery services
• You must be motivated to achieve abstinence and be prepared to continue on your exit from rehab.

The ADP and ADRS are keen that any barriers are addressed and this pathway will continue to develop, based on any national or local changes and comments. If you wish to comment on the pathway or need further information, please email EastDunbartonshireADP@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

Harmful drinking in Scotland

Alcohol today is more affordable, more available and more heavily marketed than at any time during the past 30 years.

The result is that as a nation, we are drinking too much.

The more we drink, the more the health and social problems caused by alcohol increase.

Because drinking too much has become so common and acceptable, it’s easy to forget how much it might be affecting our kids.

Each week it is estimated that one in gtwo men and one in three women in Scotland drink more than is good for them, and over half of us say the place we drink most often is home.

Children can be affected by a parent’s drinking even if they aren’t getting drunk.

The Recovery Café runs on the first Saturday of every month in the Kirkintilloch Baptist Church. It gives people in recovery and their families the chance to share a meal and enjoy entertainment in a safe, alcohol and substance free environment.

Read its Facebook page for more information

Once we receive a referral, we will offer you an appointment within three weeks to assess your needs and agree a recovery plan. You are welcome to bring a friend or family member to your assessment appointment.

Occupational therapy can help people to set goals and take part in things they want and need to do. They can look at risks that cause accidents or falls while doing tasks. They can teach new ways to do activities affected by memory troubles. And they can help people to cope better with anxiety or mood problems that may get in the way with enjoying life.

Visit the occupational therapy page for more information.

Breathing Space: 0800 83 85 87
Samaritans: 08457 90 90 90
NHS24: 111
Know the Score: 0800 587 5879
Talk to Frank:  0300 123 6600
AA: 08457697555

The East Dunbartonshire Alcohol and Drugs Partnership (ADP) is a multi-agency forum tasked by the Scottish Government  to coordinate alcohol and drug services through partnership working. ADP membership includes East Dunbartonshire Health & Social Care Partnership, East Dunbartonshire Council, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC), Police Scotland  HMP Low Moss, and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and representatives from the Recovery community.

The "Meet the Services Day" was a wonderful opportunity for local residents to interact with a wide range of health and social care support services. The variety of organisations and services participating in the event was impressive and reflects the many services available in East Dunbartonshire. The event's focus on providing information, resources, and the chance to engage with experts and Therapets was fantastic. It's essential for members of the community to be aware of the vital local services and resources available to them. The efforts of the East Dunbartonshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership and the ACEs and Trauma Collaborative in organising this event are commendable. Events like these play a crucial role in connecting people with the support they need and raising awareness about the services available in their local area. Thanks to everyone involved in making this event possible! If you would like to be a part of the short life working group please get in touch with Yvonne.lambie@ggc.scot.nhs.uk

Our Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP) development officer Yvonne Lambie is creating a vital and much needed suicide prevention resource list for anyone who works or lives in the East Dunbartonshire area. This resource list will provide valuable information on what is available for signposting individuals who use our services, as well as for their own needs. It's essential for staff and the community to have access to learning materials, signposting, and updated strategies and policies within the ADP to address this critical issue effectively.

It is anticipated that the document will be completed by the summer and available for circulation, and that it will be annually reviewed as it continues to grow over time. If anyone has useful information they would like to see added to the resource list, please can get in touch with Yvonne. It's crucial to ensure that all relevant information is included in the resource list to provide the best possible support to those who need it.

The East Dunbartonshire Summer Safety Booklet provides great hints and tips on how to have a safer summer. We have information from a range of services on how to protect yourself and your family.

Our first ASIST training of the year is now full for June. We are hoping to release more dates later in the year. If you wish to be added to the waiting list then email Yvonne.lambie@ggc.scot.nhs.uk and information will follow in due course.

What is ASIST

ASIST is a two-day training course that prepares caregivers to provide suicide first aid interventions. As an ASIST trained first aid intervention caregiver, you will be better able to:

• Identify people who have thoughts of suicide
• Seek a shared understanding of the reasons for thoughts of suicide and the reasons for living
• Review current risk and develop a plan to increase safety from suicidal behaviour
• Follow up on all safety commitments, accessing further help as needed
• Recognise invitations for help
• Reach out and offer support
• Apply a suicide intervention model
• Link people with community resources.

All attendees must commit to the two-day course and have agreement from their line manager before requesting a place on the training.

We are currently working with our trainers in East Dunbartonshire Council to provide self-harm training, including supporting newly qualified trainers to get accredited and refreshing the delivery materials for this year’s sessions. Training dates will be released in due course so keep your eyes peeled!

Below is information on what is involved in the sessions:

One hour self-harm awareness

This session is for anyone who is interested in learning more about self-harm. It is delivered in a webinar/seminar style with a presentation and time at the end for questions. The topics covered in this session include:

• What is self-harm?
• Who self-harms?
• How do people self-harm?
• Functions of self-harm.
• Starting the conversation about self-harm.
• Resources and support available.

All attendees must commit to the two-day course and have agreement from their line manager before requesting a place on the training.

Full day self-harm awareness

This session is designed to give the participants an in-depth understanding of self-harm, as well as practical advice and guidance in how to support someone who is self-harming. This session includes lots of group activities and discussion. The full day session includes all the topics from the first session, plus the following topics:

• Recovery
• Practitioner hopes and worries
• Case studies.

Peer recovery workers from the ADP held a conversation café to encourage informal discussion on various topical issues in a relaxed and friendly setting. As a community-building tool this brings people together to share their perspectives on important topics and to learn from each other.

The conversations are facilitated in a way that encourages everyone to participate, regardless of their background or beliefs. The goal of a conversation café is to create a safe space for people to explore different perspectives and to gain a deeper understanding of the issues affecting our communities.

The ADP Recovery Café is now open every Tuesday, noon-4pm, at Hillhead Parish Church in Kirkintilloch. Whether someone is new to recovery or in long-term recovery, experiencing a crisis or struggling with a relapse, in a mental health transition or going through a difficult life change, the Recovery Café is a place of support and stability for all individuals seeking to break the cycle of destruction and despair.

We believe that all human beings are precious, worthy of love and belonging, and deserve opportunities to fulfil their potential regardless of past trauma, mental and emotional anguish, or addictive behaviour's. Without ongoing recovery support, the challenge of maintaining stability in mental health, relationships, housing and employment, and recovery goals may feel nearly impossible.

We provide programming and services to build a holistic, person-centred system of care backed by evidence-based best practices – that engages individuals for a lifetime of managing their recovery and empowers them to build a life that realizes their full potential.

Retirement

A final farewell to Colin McIntosh from Scottish Families - congratulations on your retirement and enjoy the world of possibilities ahead of you! All your hard work has finally paid off! Enjoy having the time to do all the things you've always wanted to do.

Thank you for having the ADP at your leaving lunch, we had a great time!

Colin’s post is now filled by Ellis Reddick as the Family Support Development Officer at SFAD in East Dunbartonshire. You can get in touch for support or information:

Ellis Reddick
East Dunbartonshire Family Support Development Officer
Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol & Drugs
Edward House, 199 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3EX
Tel: 07487675621
eastdunfamilies@sfad.org.uk

Family inclusive practice development programme

Implement and support timeline

Three months

• Follow up survey
• one to one practitioner coaching offered
• Focus groups - achievements and barriers
• Workshops skills training
• Staff community of practice virtual meeting.

Six months

• Follow up survey
• National community of practice virtual meeting.

Nine months

• ollow up survey
• National community of practice virtual meeting.

Throughout

• Access to advice and information from family inclusive practice development officer
• Access to resources and ideas
• Links to local family support
• Woking with identified family champions
• Access to newsletter and case studies highlighting good practice.

Family-inclusive practice development programme

Core family inclusive practice training

Training - Family Inclusive Practice
Contact: training@sfad.org.uk

Cost/Capacity/Time - Free as part of Development Programme

15 participants half day

Additional Training

Bereavement - Contact: training@sfad.org.uk

Cost: £500 per 14 participants half day

Craft (Community Reinforcement Approach and Family Training) - Contact aylice@sfsd.org.uk

Cost: £250 per person capacity variable, three half days, via Zoom

Facilitating a support group - Contact training@sfad.org.uk

Cost: £500 per 14 participants half day

Introduction to supporting families - Contact training@sfad.org.uk

Cost: £250 per 15 participants two hours

Overdose awareness and naloxone training- Contact training@sfad.org.uk

Cost: Please contact to discuss availability

In the first instance, please contact Lynsay Haglington – Alcohol and Drug Partnership Coordinator – lynsay.haglington@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

For further information, contact
Daryl McLeister – Family Inclusive Practice Development Officer –
daryl@sfad.org.uk

Trauma-skilled practice training event (events now finished)

As part of the Scottish Psychological Trauma Training Plan, Trauma Informed Practice Co-ordinator, Victoria Bannerman, co-facilitated Trauma-Skilled Practice Training Events from 13/2/24 until 18/6/24. 

This free event was aimed at all people working in East Dunbartonshire who are likely to come into contact with people who may have been affected by trauma.

The training aimed to help attendees to understand:

• The definition and prevalence of trauma East Dunbartonshire ACEs
• Ways trauma can affect people, including impact and trauma collaborative on brain, body and behaviour
• What trauma informed care is and how to trauma inform professional relationships
• How to support people following traumatic events and help recovery
• The importance of caring for our own wellbeing.

For more information about the training, and its suitability for yourself or staff members, please email Victoria: victoria.bannerman@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

Members of EDATC met in person on Tuesday 30January at the War Memorial Hall in Bishopbriggs, following the success of the last in-person meeting in May 2023. The event was well attended, with representatives from a wide range of organisations present, including Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. The Team Lead of the East Dunbartonshire Primary Care Mental Health Team, Josie Stewart, was in attendance, as was Peer Support Worker for East Dunbartonshire PCMHT and Larkfield CMHT, Lucy McGonigle.

From the East Dunbartonshire Alcohol and Drugs Partnership (ADP), Lynsay Haglington (ADP Co-ordinator) and Yvonne Lambie, (ADP Development Officer) also attended, with Lynsay delivering a presentation about MAT Standard 10 - Trauma Informed Care. Medication Assisted Treatment Standards, and what they mean for services and for our service users.

The workshop was chaired by Alex O’Donnell (Justice Service Manager) and Victoria Bannerman (Trauma Informed Practice Co-ordinator). Our group discussions were facilitated by the Improvement Service and focused on our priorities within the three- year Trauma Informed Practice Outcome and Improvement Plan for East Dunbartonshire that Victoria has completed, and actions we can take in the next six to 12 months.

Stress Awareness Month

Monday, 13 May-Sunday, 19 May 2024 marked Mental Health Week. It's crucial to raise awareness about the impact of stress on individuals, particularly in the workplace. Encouraging open conversations and providing support for mental wellbeing can make a significant difference for employees and organisations. It's essential for employers to prioritise the health and wellbeing of their employees and to create supportive work environments. Initiatives like Stress Awareness Month help to reduce stigma and promote understanding around mental health issues.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde marked Mental Health Awareness Week with the relaunch of MyApp: My Mental Health supported self-management digital resources, which it is encouraging people to download.

My App: My Mental Health was created by NHSGGC to offer resources which support people to manage their mental health and wellbeing.
It is contained within the NHS Scotland Health Improvement Scotland Right Decisions: Health and Care app, which can be downloaded for free through the App Store on Apple and Android devices, or accessed via the healthcare improvement Scotland website.

It provides self-management resources, information and advice on mental health concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, eating disorders and self-harm, and highlights organisations offering further support. There are also sections specifically developed for children and young people, and for carers. 

One in six adults in the UK has a mental health condition, with mixed anxiety and depression being the most common.

The app includes a library of information on mental health symptoms, and allows people to develop coping strategies and ways to manage their conditions.

THIS CONSULTATION IS NOW CLOSED.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to fill in the survey. We are now collating and analysing your responses.

East Dunbartonshire Council carried out a consultation on the draft British Sign Language (BSL) plan, 2024-30.

The Council has produced a second draft BSL plan which details how we aim to achieve our ambition to make East Dunbartonshire a great place for BSL and deaf blind people to live, work and visit.

Quitting smoking isn't easy. With NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's Quit Your Way service you're more likely to stop - and stay stopped. Get help with free support and find a way to stop smoking that works for you.

The new Quit Your Way stop smoking clinic is now open in East Dunbartonshire: Kirkintilloch Health & Care Centre (KHCC), Tuesdays 4.30-6.30pm
Call 08009168858 or visit our website for more information or to book an appointment today

ADRS new start

Amy Jamieson recently joined the ADRS team as an addiction worker based in the KHCC. Before joining ADRS, Amy worked for Turning Point Scotland in the 218 service, which sadly lost it’s funding at the start of this year. The 218 service was an alternative to custody for women in the justice system, providing an integrated holistic residential programme to support individuals with addiction, mental health and to break the cycle of offending. Prior to 218 Amy worked in supported accommodation/emergency accommodation in Glasgow for Hillcrest Futures, supporting individuals with a variety of support needs including mental health and addiction issues that had been affected by homelessness. Amy completed her MSc in 2014 in Drug and Alcohol Studies.

Amy said, “I am passionate about empowering individuals to meet their recovery goals” Please join us in welcoming Amy to ADRS, we are so glad to have you!

Birthday

Katie Clark had a joyous celebration marking her 50th birthday, filled with laughter, delicious food, and wonderful company. We hope she had an amazing time!

Audit

The ADRS nursing team achieved a gold standards 95% score in the latest nursing audit. This is a significant achievement and reflects the excellent work of the team. The areas identified for improvement will be addressed in an action plan. ADRS are looking forward to the opening of a new treatment room facility in the coming weeks which will improve the patient experience and the staff environment even further. Well done nurses!

Feedback from people who use our service

It's always fulfilling to receive positive feedback about the impact of our services. Thank you for sharing.

“I just want you to know how grateful I am to you. I probably had a problem for a considerable time without realising or accepting it. I am very lucky I had a wake-up call and you and my family were there for support me. I am doing great, feel and look 10 years younger(so I am told). I am enjoying life and feel more confident, I have never sniffed any alcohol and don't miss it. I am still on medication and will continue indefinitely, truly never want to indulge again. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

International Nurses Day 12 May

International Nurses Day is a day to recognise nurses around the world and celebrate their contributions to the nursing profession. It's important to show appreciation for their hard work in supporting the community. In ADRS and the ADP we appreciate and celebrate the work of all our HSCP nursing colleagues and hope they got a chance to celebrate.

Stress busting and wellbeing

It's wonderful to hear that some of our colleagues were able to take advantage of the nice weather and get some fresh air and exercise after a long day of work. It's crucial to prioritise self-care and take breaks, especially during Stress Awareness Month in April. The picture truly speaks for itself - taking a moment to appreciate nature and enjoy the beauty around us can be incredibly uplifting. It's great to see that our colleagues had a positive experience and were able to enjoy themselves. Perhaps it would be beneficial for readers to consider scheduling outdoor breaks to boost morale and productivity. Additionally, incorporating wellbeing into regularly scheduled team meetings could be a great way to prioritise self-care as a group.

Welcome pack

The ADP and ADRS are currently developing new materials for individuals that use alcohol and drug services, as we know that it can be very daunting visiting a new service when you are not sure about what is to come. As part of these developments a new welcome pack is in the design stages and will available for circulation once completed. Alongside our welcome pack will be an “access to rehab” booklet for anyone who is wishing to request access to residential rehabilitation. Information will be available on rehabilitation services that we can access and what is expected of individuals looking to access such services.

The art project with GRACE will be commenced on Th 18 April 2024 . Participants met weekly to produce art work for KHCC, that will help to create a more welcoming and relaxed environment for our patients, and promote hope in recovery. T

This is a very exciting project and we will keep you posted on any developments.

Team Update

Josie Stewart and Lucy McGonigle held a successful Service User Focus Group on 28th March in East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Action (EDVA) to gather feedback about KHCC from patients, and their family/carers, who use the centre and clinic rooms when visiting Larkfield Community Mental Health Team, ADRS and the Joint Learning Disability Team. They have also collected feedback via written forms for those who could not attend on the date. This feedback will then be presented to our Senior Management Team at East Dunbartonshire HSCP as evidence of changes that service users feel could be made to the environment of the health centre. This focus group was made possible by an endowment fund from the Senior Management of the Services Team. Iit's great to see they are supportive of a more trauma-informed KHCC and willing to listen to our patients.

The Mental Health Network visited KHCC on 20 May, to gather feedback from Larkfield Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) patients, and their family/carers. Feedback was gathered anonymously, an impartial way of us gathering feedback for Larkfield CMHT's Annual Survey, open from 8 April- 20 May.

Emergency Services Engagement

An event was held for care experienced young people aged 16+ 24 May, at Scottish Fire and Rescue Services Cambuslang Headquarters.

This is the first Who Cares? Scotland and Emergency Services Engagement Event for those with care experience. Attending:

• Scottish Fire & Rescue Service
• Police Scotland
• Scottish Ambulance Service
• NHS Scotland
• Scottish Police Authority
• Disclosure Scotland.

Corporate parenting training with Who Cares? Scotland

The education and engagement team at Who Cares? Scotland is funded by the Scottish Government to provide support and learning sessions to corporate parents. The team offer bespoke sessions within local authorities which include the voice of local care experienced
people who have shared their stories anonymously utilising Who Cares? Scotland’s advocacy evidence. Session content can be aligned to unique priorities and linked to the corporate parenting plan. The team can deliver sessions to anyone who feels they could
benefit within the organisation but they are particularly keen to reach elected members and senior officers.

The education and engagement offer pack on the Who Cares? Scotland website can give you further information around the kind of support that is on offer.

To enquire about bespoke corporate parenting learning sessions, please email the team at corporateparenting@whocaresscotland.org

GRACE

Congratulations to Lynnie in completing NHS Trauma Skilled practice training.

Lynnie has made a massive difference to GRACE in the last few months.

Lynnie manages and runs sharing time and is now fully qualified as a trauma trained practitioner. Lynnie’s skills will further enhance the support at GRACE.

EDVA
We have distributed the Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund for Year 3 to groups in East Dunbartonshire. We received over £600,000 worth of applications and awarded £277,000 in total. This made the decision-making process a difficult one and we would like to thank all the organisations who took the time to complete an application; the quality and diversity of projects was very impressive.

We awarded 47 organisations funding of up to £15,000, with the majority of grants being between £2000-£10,000. The successful organisations can be viewed on EDVA.

The Scottish Government stipulated priority groups and themes they wanted to see in applications aiming to tackle mental health inequalities through supporting a range of ‘at risk’ groups. East Dunbartonshire saw an increase in applications supporting people with long term health conditions and diagnosed mental health conditions. EDVA received successful applications from groups supporting addictions and suicide prevention, with excellent examples of peer-to- peer support, volunteering and living/lived experience making a big impact within the community.

East Dunbartonshire Council

Want to improve your numeracy skills? The Council’s Count Me In team is running a number of courses that can help improve your numeracy skills. The Count Me In project is part of the UK Government's Multiply project and is fully funded by the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund.
If you would like to sign up or find out more, please email countmein@
eastdunbarton.gov.uk

Suicide prevention

The latest FC United to Prevent Suicide campaign film has gone live today.

It features Partick Thistle striker and women's team manager Brian Graham 'talking tactics' about how to have a conversation with a football pal you're worried about.

It's also been published on the United to Prevent Suicide Facebook, X (including FC United), and Instagram channels.

Should you wish to contribute to future editions please get in touch with Yvonne.lambie@ggc.scot.nhs.uk