Health and Wellbeing Resources
We've brought together a range of useful information with details of where and how to access it, to help support your health and wellbeing.
There is a range of help from various organisations if you need help urgently:
- Alcoholics Anonymous - 0800 917 7650
- Narcotics Anonymous - 0300 999 1212
- Cocaine Anonymous - (8am to 11pm) - 0141 959 6363
- South Area Crisis Team (9am to 8pm)- 0141 232 7060
- Mental Health Services (Out of hours 8pm to 9am) - 0845 650 1730
- NHS 24 Help Line - 111
- Glasgow Drug Crisis Centre - 0141 420 6969
- Social Work (Out of hours) - 0300 434 1505
- Breathing Space - 0800 83 85 87 (Monday to Thursday 6pm to 2am - Friday 6pm to Monday 6am
- Samaritans (freecall) - 116 123
- Homelessness (Out of hours) - 0800 052 0180
- East Renfrewshire Women's Aid - 0141 404 0015
The Council is committed to providing appropriate support for any employee whose use of drugs or alcohol has a detrimental effect on their health and wellbeing.
The Alcohol and Substance Use policy (Word doc, 100 KB)
and the associated
Alcohol and Substance Guidance for Managers (Word doc, 100 KB)
provide a framework for dealing with these issues in a supportive manner and encourages anyone experiencing alcohol or substance use problems to seek help at the earliest opportunity.
There are also external organisations that can support you or your family including ;-
- East Renfrewshire Alcohol and Drug Recovery Service (ADRS) - Part of East Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership, it includes staff from social work and health. The service provides a wide range of alcohol and drug treatment and recovery help and support to adults aged 16 and over. The partnership is funded jointly by East Renfrewshire Council and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board.
- Know the Score provides free, confidential information and advice on drug use. Call the Helpline between 8am and 11pm 7 days a week on 0800 5875879.
- Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs (SFAD) support anyone who is concerned about someone else's drug or alcohol use, wherever they are in Scotland. Call the free and confidential helpline on 08080 101011 Monday to Friday 9am-11pm.
Gambling Services
RCA Trust- East Renfrewshire provides local support to individuals and families on gambling related harms. Services include:
- Courses
- Group Work
- Education & Training
- Advice & Information
- 1:1 Couple & Family Counselling
Find out more on the RCA Trust website
or
Telephone: 0141 887 0880
Email: info@rcatrust.org.uk
Smoking Cessation Service
East Renfrewshire Quit Your Way Community Service provides free, specialist, personalised stop smoking support every step of the way. Delivered through face-to-face, 1 to 1 telephone or video/virtual consultation, Quit Your Way provides access to FREE stop smoking medication available from your local pharmacy. Behavioural support is also available for those using electronic cigarettes or vapes to aid their tobacco cessation journey.
For more information visit the Stop Smoking Support - Quit your way webpage
or book an appointment via telephone on 0800 916 8858.
Seasons for Growth Groups - We are currently running grief and loss education programme that uses the imagery of the seasons to illustrate the experience of grief for staff in ERC. Seasons for Growth aims to strengthen the social and emotional wellbeing of adults who are dealing with significant life changes by:
- Exploring the impact of the change and loss on everyday life
- Learning new ways to respond to these changes
For more information contact our Health and Wellbeing Officer, Charlie Jackson via email.
Mearns Kirk Helping Hands is committed to improving health, wellbeing and reducing isolation within the community. They have various services but offer a Bereavement Support group. Whether you have been bereaved recently or some time ago you will be made most welcome. For more information you can check out their webpage or contact them directly via email or telephone.
Cruse Scotland provides compassionate bereavement support across Scotland. Cruse Scotland services include:
- National Bereavement Helpline
- Grief Chat is a free support service that enables you to type to talk to a professional counsellor through our website.
- One-to-One Bereavement Counselling
- Practical and Legal Support
For further information on Cruse Scotland services visit their website.
National Bereavement Helpline open: Monday - Friday 9am -8pm Weekends - 10am -2pm
Telephone : 0808 802 6161
The Canmore Trust are all about working with people to find a safe space - a space that allows and encourages them to stay in the world, despite all the struggles and difficulties they may be facing right now. We work to prevent suicide - suicide prevention - by influencing Government policies and lobbying for change in all sectors of society. You can access their resources and support on their website.
A Place Called Here - A FACE-TO-FACE support group for people living with suicide bereavement has been established in Glasgow to help people through their "complex grief". The sessions run Wednesdays 19:30 - 2100. Contact via email or just show up at the below address.
Anderson Maguire
1172 Springburn Road
Glasgow
G21 1UB
Employability Service
Work EastRen is East Renfrewshire Council's employability service. Work EastRen's primary goal is to help people aged 16 and over in East Renfrewshire to get ready for, find and get work.
You can find out more information on the Work EatRen website
or
Telephone: 0141 577 8438
Email: worker@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk
Housing Support
Barrhead Housing Association (BHA) are the local community housing association for East Renfrewshire, BHA provide people with safe, aspirational and affordable places to call home and opportunities to lead happy, healthy, fulfilled lives.
You can find out more on the BHA website
or
Telephone: 0141 881 0638
Email: enquiries@barrheadha.org
Health and Wellbeing
Talking Points help you with information, advice and support on anything related to your health, wellbeing, social care and community supports.
Visit the Talking Points website
Telephone: 0141 876 9555 (Monday to Friday: 10am to 3pm)
East Renfrewshire Library Services
East Renfrewshire has 10 libraries across the area providing various supports / services for all. There is free tea and coffee available and spaces to sit and read, public access PCs, scanners and photocopying services.
The libraries have collections of Fiction, Non-Fiction, Large Print, Spoken Word, Dyslexia Friendly print for adults and Children, special collections including Practical Parenting, Health collection with wide range of Health and Wellbeing titles. You can find out more information on the library collection.
Some of the in person services available are:
- IT Sessions - Regular one-off sessions are held in the 4 larger libraries, learning advisors can help with devices and signpost to other learning resources.
- Share A Song and Singalong - (Adult Singing Groups) No singing experience or book necessary- just come along, sing some old favourites.
- Read, Relax, Refresh - based on bibliotherapy- staff select suitable extracts or poems to read aloud, to spark conversations and bringing a sense of wellbeing.
- Memory Group - chat about memories and stories from the past. Open to all including those living with Dementia.
- Home Lending Service - The Home Lending Service is available to any East Renfrewshire resident with short or longer-term mobility issues, illness or caring responsibilities. A team of dedicated volunteers deliver/collect library resources such as books, large print or audiobooks direct to residents' doors.
- Colour Therapy Group - Adult Colouring groups
- Knitting Groups - Drop-in knitting groups
- Hearing Aid Batteries - Libraries offer free hearing aid batteries.
- HEY GIRL! Free Period Products - All libraries have free period products available.
- Macmillan Information and Support Service - Macmillan East Renfrewshire offers a weekly drop in service at Barrhead Foundry Library on Wednesdays 10.30 am - 12.30 pm where trained volunteers can help you find the right support. For more information contact via email or phone.
ER Libraries also provide free online resources, including
- Borrowbox - E-books and e-audiobook collection
- Press reader - Thousands of top magazines and worldwide newspapers available to read online or download
- Ancestry - Family History website giving access to a wealth of resources to help you with your family history
- Britannica Library - one of the most trusted resources on the web, offers easy access to reliable information on most topics enriched by magazine articles, images and video clips.
For further information regarding the library services listed you can contact your local library by email or telephone.
The libraries are inclusive and neurodiverse friendly. Virtual tours of all libraries are available on the library website for anyone who is anxious and or has ASN that wishes to see what the library layout and what is available before visiting.
Find out information about the Children and Family library services here.
There are a range of organisations which can provide support if you are experiencing violence or abuse. The Council also has a Domestic Abuse Policy (PDF, 737 KB) in place which details the support available to you as an employee or can assist managers or employees by providing guidance if they are aware of or suspect that a colleague is experiencing abuse.
For professional external support:
- Women's Aid South Lanarkshire and East Renfrewshire (WASLER)
WASLER is a domestic abuse service who aim to support and empower women, children and young people experiencing (or have experienced) domestic abuse.
They offer:
- a refuge where you can live free from abuse and have time and space to recover
- outreach services where we can support you if you wish to remain in your home or in other temporary accommodation
- meetings in a safe place
- services for children and young people
- Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP)
If you want to speak to a social worker for advice and to discuss what supports can be provided locally you can get in touch with our Initial Contact team.
Alternatively, you can contact the Social Work Request for Assistance team.
Your local health service can also offer advice and support and put you in touch with relevant services or you can contact Women's Aid SLER directly.
- Abused Men in Scotland (AMIS)
AMIS is Scotland's leading charity for men who experience domestic abuse.
Visit the AMIS website or call 03300 949 395.
- LGBT Helpline Scotland on 0300 123 2523
- National Victim Support on 0800 160 1985
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline (24hr) on 0800 027 1234
- Shakti Women's Aid
can help black minority ethnic (BME) women, children and young people.
Call 0131 475 2399 or email: info@shaktiedinburgh.co.uk
PAM Assist
PAM Assist have been appointed to provide confidential counselling and support for all East Renfrewshire employees.
Counselling can be arranged 24/7 and covers a range of topics including stress (personal and work-related), critical incident debriefing, debt, gambling, substance misuse and bereavement.
Free helpline: 0800 882 4102
Email: counsellingteam@pamassist.co.uk
Visit the PAM Assist Website - (username: ERC / password: ERC1)
You can now also access the Wellbeing App
Able Futures
With nine months support, signposting and information from a qualified mental health professional, you could learn more about your mental health, understand how you can access treatment for any mental health problems and connect with other people and support
organisations who know what it's like to live with a mental health problem.
Able Futures delivers the Access to Work Mental Health Support Service on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions. The support service is fast, flexible and, best of all, there is no charge to use this service.
Free telephone 0800 321 3137 (open 8am-10.30pm, Monday to Friday)
Email: hello@able-futures.co.uk
Visit the Able Futures website
RAMH
RAMH promotes recovery from mental ill health, and empowers people to build independent, fulfilled lives.
They offer a range of free, confidential services which provide:
- Immediate support in crisis situations for residents aged 16 and over in Renfrewshire
- Individualised care and practical support to people in their own homes
- One to one counselling sessions with a qualified counsellor
- Employability support to help individuals gain or maintain employment and/or volunteering opportunities
- A range of social, creative, therapeutic, educational and physical activity groups
- Support to family, friends, carers and the wider community through information and education
Wellbeing Officer 1:1 Wellbeing Conversations
If you're needing a bit of support with your mental health and wellbeing we're available for an informal chat. These conversations can help you live well at work and at home, and are completely confidential.
We can offer support with your physical, emotional and practical needs - such as help with finances, housing and relationships.
For more details, email charlie.jackson@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk
There are a range of local services and community organisations that can help with your financial wellbeing
MART - Money Advice and Rights Team
Money Advice and Rights team (MART) can offer free, expert and confidential advice to help you:
- maximise your income
- find out what benefits you're entitled to
- make a claim to benefit
- challenge a benefit decision
- representation at benefit appeals
- deal with all types of debts
- speak to your creditors on your behalf
- review the money you have coming in and out
Telephone: 0141 577 8420 / 0800 0521023
Email: MART@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk
Food insecurity
(East Renfrewshire Larder at Muirend Road)
The larder is currently open Wednesday 5pm to 7pm and Friday 4pm to 5.30pm for walk ins.
Shanta Residential, 11 Muirend Road, G44 3QR
Visit the East Renfrewshire Larder Facebook page
East Renfrewshire Foodbank
There are 2 Trussell Trust foodbanks in East Renfrewshire
Visit their website for locations and opening times.
Eaglesham and Waterfoot Community Larder
Open Saturdays - Visit their Facebook page for up to date information.
Other Financial Help and Advice
Citizen's advice
East Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau is a local, independent charity which provides free, impartial and confidential advice and information to give you the tools you need to sort out any issues or problems.
Step Change
Step Change provide free, expert debt advice, no matter how large or small your debt problem is. Call 0800 138 1111 Monday - Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturday 8am to 4pm.
Home Energy Scotland
Home Energy Scotland offer free and impartial advice on energy saving, keeping warm at home, renewable energy, greener travel, water waste and more. Call free of charge on 0808 808 2282.
Salary Finance
Did you know you have access to Salary Finance to support you with your money all year round? To support you during the current cost of living squeeze, Salary Finance provides access to financial benefits designed to help you take control and reduce money worries.
Through Salary Finance you have options to:
- Borrow, affordably through salary
Access affordable loans with lower interest rates. Designed as an alternative to high interest credit cards, overdrafts and payday loans - it can be used to pay off existing debt quicker and cheaper, cover an unexpected expense or help you achieve your money goals. Representative Rate 13.90% APR (fixed)
- Save easily through salary
With Salary Finance you have the option to save directly from your salary. For eligible colleagues there is also the option to earn bonuses on savings with Help to Save.
- Learn better money habits
The Learn platform offers educational resources in all shapes and sizes to suit different financial situations and learning styles: webinars, YouTube-style insights, guides, tools, calculators, webinars, articles and blog posts
You can access these benefits at any time throughout the year.
Important: East Renfrewshire Council does not benefit from offering this service and all your communications will be with Salary Finance. Loan applications will be assessed to ensure the loan is appropriate and affordable for you. "Learn" content is for guidance and educational purposes only and is generic in nature. Salary Finance does not offer regulated financial advice. Please seek independent financial advice.
EastRen Rewards
Save on high-street shopping, groceries, travel, eating out and more. Log on to the website and click on 'Lifestyle Savings'. Learn more about your Lifestyle Savings once you have registered.
To register:
Use your Employee Number (which is the number you log into Self Service with) along with our Scheme ID Number 5504.
*Please note, you must register with your personal email address, not your work email address.
Those who experience the menopause are our fastest growing workforce demographic. The council is committed to supporting any employee who is affected. Menopause can have a huge impact on people's lives: 3 in 4 experience symptoms and 70% experience stress as a result. From a professional perspective, these people are often at the peak of their professional careers, yet 14% go part time and 10% actually leave work. View our Menopause policy (PDF, 463 KB) for more information and supports available.
When people think menopause, we often think of hot flushes but that is only one of the many symptoms that can impact individuals experiencing menopause. Some people think that menopause creates just physical symptoms but that is not true and it can have a large impact on our emotional wellbeing. This can include changes to your mood, increased anxiety and feelings of loss of self. It can be scary going through this process, especially trying to function day to day, in work and home life. Issues with concentration, memory and brain fog can often be present and have a negative impact on work for those experiencing them.
Watch a video busting menopause myths
What can we do to help?
There's a fear that for those that are experiencing it, talking about menopause at work may jeopardise their career, by talking openly about menopause at work we can tackle the stigma. Managers can also access the Manager's menopause guidance (PDF, 412 KB).
There are also a variety of external organisations offering menopause support and guidance such as:
Local Men's Support Groups
Suicide is one of the leading causes in the death of men under 35. We know that men often suffer in silence and live and work with high levels of depression and anxiety. The stigma around mental health in men makes it difficult for men to ask for help but it is OK to not be OK. These local organisations are here to help and free to attend!
Andy's Man Club wants to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health and create a judgment-free, confidential space where men can be open about the storms in their lives. They aim to achieve this through weekly, free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups for men aged over 18.
Visit the Andy's Man Club website to find your nearest group.
Men Matter Scotland are a registered charity that exist to prevent suicide in men. They aim to support All Men's mental health, improve men's quality of life, expand and enrich men's connections. We facilitate activities that support positive mental, physical and emotional health and wellbeing for men. Confidential peer to peer sessions and we arrange referral for expert intervention when men are in distress.
Visit the Men Matter Scotland website to see what's on.
Barrhead Men's Shed is primarily here for the health and wellbeing of adult males from around East Renfrewshire, it is a club where individuals can come together for a blether, make things, and generally find fulfilling ways to use their time and reduce isolation.
Visit the Barrhead Men's Shed to find out more.
East Renfrewshire Culture & Leisure
East Renfrewshire provides culture, leisure and sports across East Renfrewshire. For further information on any of East Renfrewshire Culture & Leisure services listed visit the East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure website.
or
Telephone: 0141 577 3500
Email: marketing@ercultureandleisure.org
- Gym Facilities
- Fitness classes
- Vitality Classes
- Swimming
- Sports ; Badminton / Football / Gymnastics & more
- Live Active Programme
- Art & Drama
Health Shield
The Council has teamed up with Healthshield, a non profit-making friendly society, to offer a cash back health care scheme as a voluntary benefit for employees. Health cash plans are an affordable way for employees to look after the health and wellbeing of themselves and their family. Health Shield operates a cash back scheme which is different from a private healthcare scheme. If you join you can claim money back up to a certain level for a range of healthcare.
Along with your everyday healthcare costs such as dental and optical fees, you'll also be covered for a whole range of health and wellbeing benefits.
To find out more, talk to their dedicated support team on 01270 588555 and please quote East Renfrewshire Council when calling (opening Hours: 8 am to 6 pm - Monday to Friday.)
Alternatively, find out more information on the Healthshield website.
Cycle 2 Work scheme
Within the government's Green Transport Plan, there is a tax exemption which allows employers to provide cycles and cycle safety equipment to employees as a tax free benefit. This is known as the Cycle to Work Scheme.
Council employees can register by visiting the Cycle to Work website
Please note - council employees signing up to the C2W scheme will be asked to complete a mandate [87kb] and have this signed by their line manager or head teacher.
NHS Community Weight Management Service
NHSGG&C Community Weight Management Service in partnership with Weight Watchers and Slimming World to help you lose weight. If eligible for the service you'll receive a free 12 week membership providing access to a blend of in-person and online support
Visit the community weight management service webpage for more information.
Self-Referral: NHSGGC Weight Management Services support individuals with existing health conditions that could be improved by losing weight. If you have Diabetes, Heart Disease or have previously had a Stroke and are overweight then you can self-refer.
To self-refer:
Telephone : 0141 211 3379 (Monday - Friday, 8 am - 4 pm)
