Sometimes if you have a problem, it can help to talk to
someone. Helplines offer support and a listening ear over the
phone.
Below you'll find a list of useful phonelines offering support
and advice for parents, carers and families in Scotland.
Whether you're looking for advice on; post-natal depression, single
parenting or even problem teenagers, our hellines offer free and
confidential advice. Phone charges vary but none are premium
rate. Some are free from a landline.
ParentLine Scotland
0800 028 2233 (free from a landline, mobile
charges vary)
ParentLine Scotland email service
For any parent or carer in Scotland who needs information or
simply someone to talk to. It offers support and guidance on
problems including bullying, problems with teenagers, physical and
sexual abuse, and dealing with difficult behaviour.
Open: Tues, Wed, Thur 9am to 10pm; Mon, Fri 9am to 5pm; Sat and
Sun 12pm to 8pm
ParentLine Scotland will be open over the festive period
including Christmas and NewYears day.
Lone Parent Helpline
0808 801 0323 (free from a landline, mobile
charges vary)
Lone Parent email service
For any single parent needing information or advice, including
personalised benefit calculations, information about returning to
work and childcare, factsheets and local sources of help.
Open: Mon to Fri 9.30am-4.30pm
Advice Service Capability Scotland
0131 313 5510 (landlines charged at standard
rate, mobile charges vary)
Textphone 0131 346 2529 (landlines charged at
standard rate, mobile charges vary)
ASCS email service
Provides advice and information on a range of disability issues,
including cerebral palsy, housing and transport.
Open: Mon to Fri 9am-1pm
Relationship and Stepfamily Helpline
0845 122 8655 (landlines charged at local rate,
mobile charges vary)
Support and information to strenghten and improve your
relationships and family life..
Open: Mon to Thur 12pm-4pm
NHS24
08454 24 24 24 (landlines charged at local
rate, mobile charges vary)
Textphone: 18001 08454 24 24 24
For any concerns about your child's health, or the health of any
family member. Staffed by a team of nurses who offer information
and advice, including information about local and national
self-help and support groups.
Open: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Breathing Space
0800 83 85 87 (free from a landline, mobile
charges vary)
If you're feeling down, depressed, worried or anxious and need
to talk to someone during the evening or night call Breathing
Space.
Open: Mon to Fri, 6pm-2am; weekends 6pm-6am
Samaritans
08457 90 90 90 (landlines charged at local
rate, mobile charges vary)
Emotional support, for people who are experiencing feelings of
distress or despair, including those which could lead to
suicide.
Open: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline
0800 027 1234 (free from a landline, mobile
charges vary)
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse, you
can phone the Scottish Domestic Abuse helpline for information and
support. Calls are answered by women with training in all aspects
of domestic abuse. Records of calls will not appear on your phone
bill.
Open: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Scottish Child Law Centre
0131 667 6333 (landlines charged at standard
rate, mobile charges vary)
Gives advice on all aspects of Scottish law relating to the
rights of children and young people, including parental rights and
responsibilities, contact and residence, children's hearings and
education.
Open: Mon to Fri, 9.30am-4pm
Enquire
0845 123 2303 (landlines charged at local rate,
mobile charges vary)
Advice on all aspects of education for children and young people
with additional support needs.
Open: Mon to Wed, Fri 9am-7pm; Thurs 9am-7pm