Sometimes if you have a problem, it can help to talk to
someone. Helplines offer support and a listening ear.
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,
being a single parent or even problem teenagers, our helplines
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
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)
Email ASCS at: advice@capability-scotland.org.uk
Provides advice and information on a range of disability issues,
including cerebral palsy, housing and transport.
Open: Mon to Fri 9am-1pm
The Relationship Helpline
0808 802 2088 (free from a landline and
mobile)
The Relationship Helpline offers an alternative to sleepless
nights, long miserable days playing the same problems around in
your head and those drained, angry or stressed feelings.
The Relationship Helpline offers a warm human voice, providing
experienced, confidential support to help talk through your
problems and worries. Relationships are not always easy and it can
be good to talk.
An immediate response to coping with relationship difficulties,
crises and concerns is just a phone call away.
Open: 9am-8pm Monday to Thursdays and Friday 9am-5pm
Support and information for prisoners' families
0500 83 93 83 (free from a landline, mobile
charges vary)
Text service available 60777 text FAMOUT then
your message
Email About Families at: support@familiesoutside.org.uk
When a partner or relative goes to prison, it can be a very
difficult time. The Families Outside helpline helps and
supports families who have any questions or concerns.
Breathing Space
0800 83 85 87 (free from a landline, mobile
charges vary)
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)
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 phone
bills.
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