The Ability Centre offers both a centre-based and outreach service to adults aged between 16 and 65 who have a physical disability. They provide 15 places each day in the centre and facilitate 12 outreach groups located throughout West Lothian within local community facilities. 

Each client has an individual programme to meet their agreed needs, which is regularly reviewed and a moving plan is agreed with each individual prior to leaving the service. 

A variety of occupational, educational and therapeutic opportunities are available daily within the Ability Centre and each Outreach Group determines their own programme. Work experience opportunities are offered on the reception desk and the cafe checkout. Other pre-employment skill preparation and support is offered through the B4 and On2 Work schemes. These schemes work in close collaboration with the Department of Work and Pensions to ensure that nobody is financially disadvantaged through taking up an employment opportunity. 

Through the brokerage service, individuals are supported to try a range of educational, leisure or volunteering opportunities in their own local communities.

How to access this service: Adults with a physical disability can be referred for a centre-based placement following an assessment of their needs by representatives from Health or Social Care practitioners. Clients can self-refer to the Outreach Service.

All our services are provided by highly experienced registered health care professionals with additional knowledge, skills and training related to the work they undertake.

Our case managers are registered with BABICM and are supported by a clinical supervisor.

Expert Witness Services

• Care needs reports

• Occupational therapy reports

• Joint housing needs reports

• Causation reports

• Manual handling reports

• Loss of services reports

• Clinically led ‘Day in the Life of’ videos

Clinical Services

• Complex care case management

• Manual handling risk assessment and advice

• Occupational therapy services

Paediatric Services

• Children and families Case Management

• Paediatric Occupational Therapy

• Paediatric Care Needs Reports

• Transition from children services to adult services

How to access this service: Directly via email: admin@annecossar.co.uk

MyLife Specialist Care provides high quality, personalised care planning and delivery for those with specialist health care needs helping them to remain in their own homes.

Our nurse led specialist care teams can provide medical care and support at home for many neurological conditions including: Acquired brain injuries, spinal injuries, Parkinson’s Disease, Cerebral Palsy, Strokes. Multiple sclerosis, Motor Neurone Disease, Huntington’s disease, brain and spinal tumours, palliative and End of Life care. We provide from hourly visits to 24 hour care, live in care, waking nights and can facilitate home from hospital.

We work with our customers to develop bespoke care and rehabilitation programmes to meet individual needs, delivered by highly trained and committed Health Care Assistants and Registered Nurses.

We also provide companionship, respite and homecare (personal care, domestic tasks, shopping, medication management, meal prep)

Service delivery coverage: Scotland’s central belt but for Live in Specialist Care we can deliver Scotland wide.

How to access this service: Directly via the contact details above.

Brain Tumour Action aim is to support people affected by brain tumours, whether directly or indirectly, and to improve treatments through training and research. Ultimately, they look to the day when brain tumours become a controllable, or curable, condition for everyone. They run support groups and produce a range of information leaflets and booklets as well as running a telephone helpline.

How to access this service: Directly via the contact details above.

Care for Carers is a voluntary organisation which provides support services to all carers, regardless of age, gender, disability or relationship of the person they care for.

They deliver services to carers in Edinburgh and deliver specific short breaks through their Stepping Out service to carers from across Scotland. 

The aims of the organisation are to : 

• raise awareness of carers issues

• promote early identification of carers

• provide a range of support services

• provide information to carers and staff

• provide respite breaks and short breaks to carers in their own right

• provide learning opportunities to carers

• signpost carers and connect them to other services, locally and citywide participate in all aspects and levels of Strategic Planning and Consultation

• reduce carer isolation and promote social inclusion

A number of focus groups may be held over the year, please check the newsletter for details.

How to access this service: Directly via the contacts details above.

A well-established local third sector organisation offering a range of services to support unpaid carers, young carers and people with disabilities in West Lothian. 

Carers of West Lothian provide information, advice and support to unpaid carers and young carers (aged 8-18) supporting a family member, friend or neighbour due to illness, disability, frailty, mental ill health and addiction, and information, advice and support to people with a physical or learning disability. 

Support staff can provide emotional and practical support as well as a listening ear and signpost to other organisations. 

Some of the ways they can provide support:

• 1:1 emotional support / listening ear 

• training and workshops 

• peer support groups for carers 

• counselling for carers 

• advice clinics such as benefits, Power of Attorney

• information on local services and supports 

• opportunities to have a say on local services 

• short breaks for carers 

• information on rights 

• well-being events 

• support for employers and professionals training

• factsheets and publications 

• young carers - chance to talk to others in similar circumstances and a chance to try new activities, meet new friends and learn new skills.

How to access this service: Directly via the contacts details above.

Citizens Advice Edinburgh provides free, confidential, independent and impartial advice on a variety of issues. Citizens Advice Edinburgh has five bureaux and 25 outreach points across Edinburgh. 

The five bureaux can be found at the following locations: 

• Dundas Street 

• Leith 

• Portobello 

• Pilton 

• Gorgie/Dalry.

How to access this service: Please use the website to access your local service area.

West Lothian CAB provide free, confidential, impartial and independent advice to anyone who needs it. 

The Bureau provides advice on a wide range of subjects, including: 

• Benefits - questions about entitlement, benefit checks, help with completing application forms and advice on how to challenge unfair decisions 

• Debt - how to manage your debts, improve your financial situation and maximize your income 

• Employment - questions about terms & conditions, dismissal, wages owed, redundancy & discrimination

• Consumer - everything from broken televisions to difficulties with gas & electricity suppliers 

• Relationships - issues such as separation, children & bereavement 

• Housing - questions about homelessness, housing allocation, repairs & deposits

How to access this service: Directly via the contact details above.

CRABIS provides multi-disciplinary assessment and rehabilitation within the home or community setting to individuals over the age of 16 who live in West Lothian and who have a physical disability and/or acquired brain injury. The service also provides follow up and early intervention as required to individuals who have suffered a mild head injury. They must also have a diagnosed neurological condition. 

The serviceís core aim is to improve the individualís independence, level of function, participation and quality of life. 

CRABIS is funded by Lothian Health and West Lothian Council and the service is delivered by an experienced, multi-disciplinary team, including: 

• Occupational therapists 

• Physiotherapists 

• Clinical psychologists 

• Speech and language therapists 

• Rehabilitation assistants.

How to access this service: Referrals to the Service can be made by any professional involved in your care e.g GP, Consultant, Social Worker and Nurse.

Digby Brown is Scotlandís largest personal injury practice. From our seven offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Kirkcaldy, Inverness, Aberdeen and Ayr, we cover the length and breadth of the country. Our expertise in personal injury law, particularly in the fields of serious head and spinal injury is widely acknowledged. Digby Brown is ranked Band 1 for Personal Injury in Scotland by Chambers Guide to the UK Legal Profession and Legal 500. 

In cases of traumatic brain injury a specialist solicitor is vital. Seeking rightful and fair compensation after the accident is just one aspect of the package of measures which needs to be considered and implemented to try and ensure that the process of rehabilitation and adjustment can start. 

We can immediately provide advice and support on statutory benefits and how to access local authority social services through our in-house welfare rights service. We can make a real difference by arranging private rehabilitation, by assessing housing needs and, most importantly, implementation of care and case management regimes where required.

How to access this service: Directly via the contact details above.

Disability Information Scotland helps to guide people through the maze of disability information. They offer information and signposting via:

• A national telephone helpline

• Text and email services

• Website

• An online Scottish Disability Directory

• A range of information guides and other resources

They also provide training to organisations to enable them to improve their knowledge and understanding of Accessible Information.

Disability Information Scotland works with disabled people, their families, friends, carers and people who work in the sector.

How to access this service: Directly via the contact details above.

EARS is an independent advocacy service for people in the Edinburgh and the Lothians. EARS provides advocacy to:

• adults with a physical disability and/or acquired brain injury 16yrs+

• older people 65yrs+

• stroke survivors 16yrs+

• adults with a learning disability and/or on the autistic spectrum 16yrs+

The purpose of EARS is to provide independent advocacy, which will: 

• assist and support people to speak up for themselves

• ensure that people who cannot speak up for themselves have their voices heard 

• assist people to achieve their goals and/or to access the services they need 

• provide the information people need to ensure that they can make informed choices and decisions 

• assist people to gain control over their situations and lives

• protect rights, services and interests.

How to access this service: Directly via the contact details above.

East Lothian Works (ELWs) in East Lothian Councilís free supported employment service. 

ELWs helps people with physical, learning, sensory or mental health disabilities to prepare for, find and keep a job. 

ELWs also provides support and advice to both employees and employers, who are experiencing disability related difficulties to help retain people in their current job. The service is available free of charge to East Lothian residents aged 20 and above. 

They work in partnership with Into Work - Norton Park, 57 Albion Road, Edinburgh, 0131 475 2600, who have an acquired brain injury, supported employment team.

How to access this service: Access service by making a self-referral or via health social work or other support services. Contact above contact details to request a referral form.

The Edinburgh Carers Council (ECC) provides an independent advocacy service to unpaid/family carers of adults (18yrs or older) with mental health difficulties (including head injury). 

Advocacy is about having somebody to represent your needs and views as effectively as possible. An advocacy worker will support and work with you on specific issues and try to get them resolved. 

ECCís services help carers access the support and information they need and provide opportunities for carers to be involved in collective advocacy. Carers can work together to bring about change and raise awareness of issues which affect them. Through collective advocacy carers can be involved in all stages of the planning of mental health services. They can also share their experiences, exchange information and take action as a group. 

ECC promote collective advocacy by bringing together carers from Edinburgh and the Lothians at our Carers Forum which meets bi-monthly and is led by carers.

How to access this service: Via Social Care Direct.

Edinburgh Headway Group aims to empower and enrich the lives of adults who have survived an acquired brain injury. They do this by providing high quality person-centred rehabilitation services which support both adults with brain injuries and their carers: 

Rehabilitation: They help people improve their cognitive, physical and emotional abilities to improve their quality of life and help them re-join their communities. Their Day Service provides an important part of their rehabilitation work enriching the quality of life for their service users whose opportunities to get out of their homes may be very restricted and many activities inaccessible. 

Support: They offer practical and emotional support to members and their families. Their Carers Project provides support to unpaid carers via social events, peer groups and offers training and information. Their new Brain Injury Carers Support Project supported by the City of Edinburgh Council, also provides a 1:1 service enabling adults with an acquired brain injury to take part in activities in the community with a trained volunteer. This aims to provide valuable respite opportunities to carers who are resident in Edinburgh.

Awareness: They are committed to raising awareness about ABI to the wider public, the media and Parliament. Their external training programme provides Acquired Brain Injury Training to individuals and professionals.

How to access this service: Referrals can be made by your health professional or social worker. A charge applies for this service - please contact the service directly for details of the charges.

Edinburgh Neuropsychology provides specialist and innovative neuropsychological care to adults affected by neurological conditions including traumatic brain injuries, stroke, long covid, brain tumours, multiple sclerosis, functional neurological disorders and spinal cord injuries.

We can provide cognitive and psychological assessments or therapy. Dr Gillanders and Dr Poveda are both able to provide medico-legal assessment reports and interventions to case management companies.

How to access this service: You can contact us directly, either through our website, using the ‘contact us’ section on the website or emailing us on admin@edinburghneuropsychology.co.uk

We accept referrals from individuals affected by neurological conditions, healthcare professionals, lawyers and case managers.

Speakability self-help groups are run by and for people with aphasia - language-loss following stroke, head injury or other neurological condition. 

Speakability groups allow people to support each other, share experiences, make new friends, rebuild self-confidence and develop new skills. You will have the opportunity to practise total communication using words, drawing, pictures and gesture. Everyone understands aphasia and encourages each other in our recovery. 

Speakability self-help groups raise awareness of aphasia in the local community and raise funds to support our group meetings, activities and outings. 

The Edinburgh club meets every third Thursday of the month between 2pm and 4pm at The Cluny Centre, 1 Cluny Drive, Edinburgh EH10 6DN 

Please get in touch to check details of meeting dates, times and venue as things do change.

How to access this service: Directly via the contact details above.

Edinburgh Young Carers Project is a voluntary organisation working with and on behalf of young carers throughout Edinburgh. Edinburgh Young Carers mission is to make a positive difference in the lives and futures of young carers through support, information, respite and personal development and training. 

Their services and activities include: 

Young Carer Individual Support - one-to-one time with a worker 

Young Carer groups - organised activities, discussions, support and a chance to meet other young carers and have fun 

Residential and day trips - time-out from home. A chance to try new things and have fun 

Information and support - to enable young carers and their families to access other services 

Young Carers' forum - an opportunity for young carers aged 12 years and over to have their say and take action on what matters to them 

Awareness raising - campaigning on behalf of young carers locally and nationally.

How to access this service: Directly via the contact details above.

Epilepsy Scotland provides support and information to the 55,000 people affected by epilepsy in Scotland via: 

• a Helpline and Information service offering a freephone confidential nationwide helpline on 0808 800 2200, offering information, guidance and emotional support to anyone affected by epilepsy. They also have a wide range of free information leaflets on epilepsy, staying safe, treatment and other aspects of living with epilepsy.

• a Check-in service offering a free weekly phonecall to check in on a person for 10 weeks aimed at anyone currently struggling with epilepsy and their mental health

• a Wellbeing service providing one to one support, professional counselling, as well as relaxation classes and a support group to adults struggling with their epilepsy  

• a Welfare Rights service offering advice and help with benefits applications including representation at tribunal to anyone affected by epilepsy 

• a Youth service covering Edinburgh and Glasgow (in person) and online support (across Scotland) which offers individual and group support, as well as supervised social activities for children and young people affected by epilepsy 

• a wide range of paid for training courses delivered by professional trainers, which includes the administration of emergency medication. These courses are aimed at anyone wanting to learn more about epilepsy, including care staff, employers, as well as individuals, families and carers affected by epilepsy 

• informal short awareness talks to groups.

• informal free epilepsy chat sessions to organisations raising awareness about the charity's services and epilepsy

How to access this service: Directly via the contact details above.

Euan's Guide makes it easier for disabled people to find great places to go. Euansguide.com is the disabled access review website where disabled people, their family, friends and carers can find and share reviews on the accessibility of places around the UK and beyond. Itís an invaluable tool for everything from planning somewhere to take the kids at the weekend to picking a last minute place for lunch. 

We all want to get out there and enjoy life, and having good quality disabled access information inspires confidence and removes fear of the unknown. With good accessibility information being so hard to find, one review is often enough to encourage others to visit. Reviews are also sent to venue owners and this can be a positive and powerful opportunity for education and change. 

The charity was founded in 2013 by Euan MacDonald MBE, a powerchair user and his sister Kiki after Euan was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease and a lack of disabled access made everyday experiences stressful. By breaking down the barriers of exclusion with the help of other people in the same situation, Euans Guide hopes to make the world more accessible one review at a time.

How to access this service: Directly via the contact details above.

Evelyn Partners provide specialist financial planning for those affected by personal injury and their legal representatives. They provide advice tailored to the individual needs of each client depending on their existing financial knowledge as well as the nature and severity of their injuries. Evelyn Partners goal is to ensure that clients not only benefit from the best possible advice, but that they feel informed and in control of their financial future.

How to access this service: Directly via the contact details above.

get2gether is a member-driven charity, working to reduce social isolation and increase the resilience, emotional wellbeing and self-determination of adults with disabilities. These objectives are met through the delivery of in-person community and online events, courses, employment and volunteering opportunities.

Examples of our activities, most of them led or co-facilitated by our members, include:

• Party nights: Big Nights Out, Date Nights, Karaoke Discos

• Wellbeing sessions including Mindfulness, Seated Excerice and Laughter Yoga

• Creative events such as themed Quizzes, Murder Mystery, Comedy workshops, Drawing classes, online Bingo

• Skills- building workshops: troubleshooting digital issues, social media etiquette, DJ masterclasses, skillshares

• Courses and workshops focusing on Building Healthy Relationships 

Membership is free and open to adults with disabilities and learning difficulties.

Our membership is growing steadily and is currently over 1000 people, most of whom

live in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Currently, we employ three Ambassadors, five DJs and a variety of sessional workers,

all people with lived experience of disabilities.

How to access this service: Directly via website - www.get2gether.org.uk/membership

Guide Dogs services help children and adults with a visual impairment live actively, live independently and live well.

Adults:

• guide dogs to support people with sight loss with getting out and about confidently.

• Sighted guide volunteers

• Free sighted guide training for friends and family members

• Hints and tips for independent living

• Information and advice.

Children and Young People:

• Information and advice

• My Time to Play for 0-4 year olds

• CustomEyes books

• Technology grants

• Sensory equipment grants

• Buddy dogs

• Family events.

How to access this service: Directly via the contact details above.

Headway East Lothian aims to support and improve the quality of life for people in East Lothian with acquired brain injuries, their families and carers. They provide adults with acquired brain injury (ABI), their families and carers opportunities to access advice and information, and resources to help them cope with challenges and remain together as families. 

Headway East Lothian encourages members to socialise, support each other and share experiences and advice. This involves regular meetings, activity sessions, social events and outings. They offer access to therapeutic activities and workshops aimed at enhancing physical and mental wellbeing. These include music and arts and crafts activities. They also help members build coping strategies to help deal with financial stresses. 

Through a range of activities, Headway East Lothian strive to empower members to manage their own condition and develop confidence in their own abilities. The service is entirely led by members, each with unique experiences of living with ABI, which they can offer to the group.

How to access this service: Contact Joyce Cattanach, Development Worker using the details above.

The ILF Scotland 2015 Fund is designed to support individuals who have complex disabilities to live independently. The funding makes a positive difference to the lives of recipients. 

The new ILF Scotland Transition Fund provides money, for up to one year, to support young people living with disabilities (as defined in the Equality Act 2010) to improve their lives. This includes autism, learning difficulty, physical disability, mental health (e.g. anxiety or depression) or hearing or visual impairments. 

The purpose of the Fund is to help young people, between the ages of 16 and 25 living with disabilities, with the transition after leaving school or childrenís services to be more independent and to continue spending time with other people.

How to access this service: Apply online.

Intowork is a non-profit organisation for people who would like a job but need support to get one or keep one. The service is for people who live in Edinburgh and the Lothians and have a disability or long-term health condition. They provide help for job seekers and work with employers to help create a diverse work force and untapped talent. 

The Acquired Brain Injury Team provide a supported employment service to people with an acquired brain injury seeking to gain employment. Supported employment is widely recognised as a model for successfully integrating people with disabilities into the labour market. Mentoring and peer support can support the transition into employment and enable the new employee to maintain their employment and develop at work.

How to access this service: Directly via the contact details above.

JSP Ltd provide a specialist assessment and case management service to those who have experienced brain injury, spinal injury, catastrophic or other complex conditions due to an accident or injury.  We work very closely with individuals and their families to develop a tailored package of care and ensure access to all necessary therapies.  Some people require 24 hour care, others occasional contact, we can effectively meet a range of needs and where possible, always strive to not just meet, but exceed the needs of the client.

How to access this service: Directly via the contact details above.

Kindred provides advocacy and information on services available to children with additonal support needs and their carers. Kindred provide a 'listening ear'. 

The organisation welcomes enquiries from parents, carers, professionals and anyone else with an interest in additional support needs. 

Kindred do not charge for information and they will call back if contact is made by phone.

How to access this service: Directly via the contact details above.

Lothian Centre for Inclusive Living (LCiL) is a user-led disabled peopleís organisation. They work with disabled people, people with long-term conditions and older people, parents and carers. LCiL support people in East Lothian, Midlothian, Edinburgh and West Lothian. 

Services are designed and delivered by disabled people and include: 

• Independent Living Support - providing you with information and one-to-one support to manage your own self-directed package. 

• Grapevine Disability Information - free, confidential and independent disability information and advice to people in Edinburgh. Tel: 0131 475 2370 Email: grapevine@lothiancil.org.uk 

• Payroll Service - wages processing and administration if you employ your own personal assistants (PAs). Enhanced support to help you budget and plan, make payments and manage paperwork. 

• Training Services - for individuals and organisations, on topics such as disability equality and self-directed support. Skills training for disabled employers and PAs. 

• Peer Support - workshops, peer support groups and one-to-one peer support to help parent carers and disabled people in the Lothians increase their knowledge, skills, confidence and resilience.

How to access this service: Directly via the contact details above.

Lothian Disability Sport has the goal to get more disabled people participating in sport. As a charity they support sports clubs (both able-bodied and disabled) across Edinburgh and the Lothian region to grow inclusion and participation in a variety of sports. These sports range from Archery, Football and Swimming.

Sport has the opportunity to change lives, whether that be physically or through the social aspects of sport. It is our mission to make sport accessible for all.

How to access this service: Contact the service directly. Email is the most effective way to contact the charity.

We help people find direction on their neurological journey. We address an individual’s challenges and symptoms, rather than a particular condition. We offer a choice of options and continuity of support, to help people explore what works best for them now, and in managing change

We provide:

• Specialist oxygen therapy

• Physiotherapy

• Adapted and supported exercise classes face to face and online,

• A range of complementary therapies (e.g., acupuncture, myofascial release therapy, aromatherapy massage and reflexology)

• Fatigue management courses

• Community referral pathways

• Wellbeing Support.

How to access: Referrals - People can self-refer by completing our online registration form.

Murdostoun Brain Injury Rehabilitation and Neurological Care Centre provides rehabilitation, treatment, care and support for adults (18+ years) and adolescents (16-18 years) with a brain injury or other complex neurological conditions. 

There are two facilities within the grounds: 

• Murdostoun's Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centre - offers intense rehabilitation for adults in the post-acute phase following a brain injury through to transitional step-down independent supported living. 

• Murdostoun's Neurological Care Centre - offers long-term care for adults with complex neurological conditions.

How to access this service: Directly via the contact details above.

Mylife healthcare are a provider of complex care services that include

• Brain injury

• Spinal cord injury

• Degenerative conditions

• Catastrophic injury

They provide a bespoke service to clients that meets all of their needs.

How to access this service: Directly via the contact details above.

The neuro physiotherapists at NeuroPhysio Scotland provide a service in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Perth, Dundee, Aberdeen and Inverness and the surrounding areas. NeuroPhysio Scotland visit patients in their own homes or arrange visits to specialist clinics. 

NeuroPhysio Scotland treatments can help people who have a neurological condition achieve their personal goals of maximum fitness, function and quality of life: 

• mobility in walking, climbing stairs and physical transfers

• hand and arm movement such as grip strength, dexterity, eating and drinking 

• balance and co-ordination to prevent falls 

• stiffness and tightness in muscles 

• pain control.

How to access this service: Directly via the contact details above.

Inpatients: The Acquired Brain Injury rehabilitation service is provided by a multidisciplinary rehabilitation team in a 40 bedded unit at Charles Bell Pavilion. This includes the Scottish Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service (SBIRS) which provides tertiary referral services for patients in those health board regions that do not have local access to inpatient brain injury rehabilitation. The inpatient team includes physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and neuropsychology. The unit also provides assessment of Disorders of Consciousness. 

Though the service is predominantly targeted at the 16-65 year age group, patients in older age groups, who have similar needs are frequently admitted. In addition to managing patients with traumatic and non-traumatic brain injury, the unit has also developed expertise in inpatient rehabilitation for patients with stroke; progressive neurological disorders; neurological cancers; non-traumatic spinal disorders and polyneuropathies. 

Outpatients: The Neurorehabilitation Outpatient Service aims to provide a specialist interdisciplinary neurorehabilitation outpatient service for patients with complex neurological needs and their families. The service aims to provide timely access to specialist, flexible, coordinated and effective interdisciplinary outpatient services for adults with neurological rehabilitation needs within Lothian. Patients may be seen on a 1:1 basis, for joint assessment/treatment or in a group. 

The service also provides specialist interventions in the following areas: spasticity management, neurological splinting, functional electrical stimulation, vocational rehabilitation, cognitive assessment and rehabilitation and assessment of motor processing skills. Patients may be seen in clinics, at home, at work or in community settings.

How to access this service: Referrals to this service are made by NHS health professionals involved in your care.

Partners In Advocacy provides independent advocacy to support people to have their voices heard, their opinions respected and to be empowered to be involved in the important decisions that affect their lives. Partners in Advocacy provide a range of independent advocacy services across Edinburgh, Midlothian and East Lothian. Please refer to their website or contact them for more information about their services in each area.

How to access this service: Directly via the contact details above.

Penumbra Milestone is a residential step down unit for people recovering from alcohol-related brain damage. It includes 10 single en-suite bedrooms with private indoor and outdoor space where residents are supported by a team of specialist staff. The unit will provide rehabilitative support to people for up to 12 weeks. At Penumbra Milestone experienced staff will work with you in your recovery to: 

• improve your physical and mental health 

• connect you with people, places and organisations in your community 

• plan for your future. 

Staff will provide residential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week and will ensure that you have the support you require to prepare you to return home. 

Who can stay here? 

• if you have ARBD and live in the Lothian area 

• you are currently an in-patient in the RIE, WGH or St Johns Hospital 

• you have completed an alcohol detoxification and are sober 

• have been assessed by the multi disciplinary team.

How to access this service: Referrals will be made by NHS Lothian clinicians.

Pogo Digital Healthcare know that clear communication – sharing the right information, in the right way and at the right time – helps patients to feel more supported and improves their recovery. However, in busy healthcare environments, medical professionals are often time poor, which can make communication a challenge.

Our product Tailored Talks is quick and easy to use, for patients and medical professionals, and has been shown to improved communication. Tailored Talks enables clinicians to share personalized and relevant information with patients, in east-to digest slide presentations that can be quicky tailored to meet the patients’ individual needs.

Developed in partnership with stroke clinicians at NHS Lothian and with Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland, Tailored Talks is now being used to support stroke patients Scotland-wide, to provide neurology information across four neuroscience centers in Scotland and is being piloted within Elderly and Frail care.

Tailored Talks also includes a patient portal, MyTailoredTalks, which is currently being used in pathways for Long Covid and Stroke. This patient facing portal enables patients to complete a self-assessment questionnaire, triggering tailored information to be sent out automatically, and links patients to charity support.

How to access this service: Tailored Talks can be used by healthcare professionals working in neurology, stroke, Long Covid and other long-term conditions to support them in providing tailored information to patients. Please get in touch to find out more..

Positive Inspirations Lead Therapist Rogan Grant is a clinical hypnotherapist who specialises in working with those clients who survived acquired brain injury, those who suffer from post traumatic stress disorder and their support network. 

Positive Inspiration is a non profit business, where all proceeds are used to offer free or heavily subsidised treatments for organisations that support ABI and PTSD.

How to access this service: If you are an ABI survivor, care giver or head injury support group, contact Positive Inspiration for details via the online information page or directly at the above number.

The Robert Fergusson Unit is a national NHS neurorehabilitation service for patients (18-65yrs) with significant behavioural and/or other neuropsychiatric sequelae following acquired brain injury. 

Referrals can be made to one of medical team (Dr Langrell/Dr Welch/Dr Rooney) and a visit to the patient will then be arranged. If, following initial assessment, it is felt that the patient would benefit from a period of assessment and rehabilitation in the unit, then the referring clinician must seek approval from the host Health Board, who will be responsible for funding this.

How to access this service: Referrals to this service are made at NHS health board level only.

CARDS (Community Alcohol Related Damage Service) is a befriending service which provides emotional health and social networks to service users through volunteers. They work with individuals in the local community who have been affected by or continue to suffer damage from excessive alcohol consumption and are currently receiving little or no support in terms of their mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing.

The basic idea of the service is to identify the hard-to-reach vulnerable adults in Edinburgh through a community referral system and referral direct from the NHS Integrated ARBD Care Pathway.

CARDS do not prescribe to any recovery model, and accept that clients may continue to consume alcohol. They do not try to save, fix, or rescue and do not tell people what to do. Rather they listen and support the individual and their work is person centered. CARDS believe that healthy relationships are vital to overall wellbeing and that everyone is entitled to an improved quality of life regardless of their circumstances.

How to access this service: Community referrals through Third Sector services, GPS and Health Clinics or directly via the contact details above.

Scottish War Blinded give free support to ex servicemen and women who have lost some or all of their sight as a result of a head injury, or for any other reason. They support those who feel their independence has been affected as a result of their sight loss, and help them to regain independence and to feel fulfilled again. 

Support can include: 

• Rehabilitation and training to adapt to sight loss 

• Grants for equipment to assist with independent living

• Funded respite care 

• Home modifications 

• Sports, recreation and social activities. 

Scottish War Blinded can provide access to the "light box" which is part of Neurological Vision Technology (NVT) to access visual abilities using a non-invasive training package. This can be done at their centre or in veteransí own environment. 

Their rehabilitation team is able to offer the NVT assessment and follow up with training using the light box and subsequent tailored support, to any veteran who has suffered an acquired brain injury, for example strokes, regardless of the cause.

How to access this service: Directly via the contact details above.

The Stafford Centre is a community resource for people experiencing mental health difficulties living in the Edinburgh area. The Centre has various services, groups and even their own radio station. 

The Centre operates as a drop-in where people can enjoy the company of others and begin to build supportive networks. The Stafford Centre also has a snack bar and some of the centre users help by volunteering behind the counter.

How to access this service: Directly via the contact details above.

There are a number of Stroke Support Groups across Edinburgh and the Lothians. They are as individual as the people who run them, reflecting local interests and diversity. The principle of all Community Stroke Groups is to support their members to participate in and enjoy activities in their local community. 

These self-managed groups are affiliated to Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS) though not provided directly by the charity. CHSS provides dedicated support to the community stroke groups, offering advice and guidance. Details of each group can be found on the CHSS website.

How to access this service: Directly using the contact details above or using the enquiry form on the website.

V1P Lothian was designed in collaboration with veterans who were seeking a mental health and well-being service that understood them and met their needs both clinically and for wider support and advice. The team consists of veterans peer support workers, clinicians, therapists and administration team. 

They provide: 

• information and signposting 

• understanding and listening 

• support and social networking 

• health and well-being. 

They provide ex-forces personnel, families and carers with services and support to address whatever issues may be concerning you. V1Pís aim is to know what call to make and to support you in addressing any issue of concern you may have related to your past service and now living in "Civvy street". 

Open access drop-in centre from Monday to Friday between 1.00pm and 3.30pm. 

In addition, V1P Lothian host two national pilot projects:

• Individual Placement Support - support into employment, and our 

• Criminal Justice Social Work Project - works with the courts to look at supportive options to reduce offending behaviour of veterans should they appear at court.

How to access this service: Directly via the contact details above.

VOCAL have been supporting unpaid carers in Edinburgh for over 20 years. 

Today, through one Edinburgh carer centre and carer support workers based in local communities they continue to provide: 

• information 

• individual support 

• counselling 

• support for families affected by drug or alcohol addiction

• social, leisure and training events for carers.

How to access this service: Directly via the contact details above.

The VOCAL Midlothian carer support team works with unpaid carers to enable them to support their own needs and help with access the support and services they require. 

VOCAL also aims to provide carers with social, learning and leisure opportunities to support their caring role or their own wellbeing and interests, and access to breaks from caring through "Wee Break Midlothian". 

In addition, they offer support to families and friends affected by someone elseís drug or alcohol misuse (Family Support Addictions) and a carer counselling service.

How to access this service: Directly via the contact details above.

Specialist Vocational Team

• All our vocational consultants have at least 20 years post degree experience, with additional vocational rehabilitation training.

• All have completed additional training to a high level of competency to ensure their practice is relevant and of excellent standard.

• All are members of Vocational Rehabilitation Association UK.

• We have highly skilled HR consultant services to support our vocational consultants.

We provide vocational case management and vocational expert witness services.

This Includes:

Vocational Rehabilitation Services

• Return to work assessments

• Return to work planning and support

• Vocational Case Management

• Reasonable adjustment advice

Reports for court

• Employment Expert Report

• Initial Needs Assessment

• Specialist Assessment

• Functional Capacity Assessment

• Cognitive Assessment

Worksite assessment

• Workplace assessment

• Job demands assessment

• Ergonomic Assessments

Career Redirection

• Vocational Assessment – Alternative options

• TSA Transferable Skills Analysis

• Transition from school to work/college

• Vocational Coaching

Medico legal sector

• Employment  Expert Report

• Initial Needs Assessment

• Specialist Assessment

• Functional Capacity Assessment

• Cognitive Assessment

How to access this service: Directly via email - norma@varss.co.uk

The Advice Shop is a free, impartial and confidential service to help the people of West Lothian with a focus to alleviate poverty and to promote inclusion and equality through advice, assistance and advocacy. Our fully trained advisors are available to speak to daily from Monday to Friday in the Bathgate Partnership Centre. The Advice Shop also holds regular sessions and roadshows in towns across West Lothian. 

Some ways the Advice Shop can help: 

• Energy Advice 

• Money and Debt Advice 

• Benefits Advice 

• Housing Advice.

How to access this service: Directly via the contact details above.

West Lothian Drug & Alcohol Service (WLDAS) is a 3rd sector organisation that was set up in 1985 to reduce the harm caused by drugs, alcohol and tobacco to West Lothian residents and communities. They aim to provide easily accessible, confidential and non-discriminatory services to reduce substance misuse related harm to individuals, families and the community. 

WLDAS enjoy a good working relationship with the NHS, local authority and voluntary sector providers to ensure the delivery of the highest quality service to those in most need. 

They have a professional multi-skilled staff team to deliver a wide range of services which include: 

• 
  

• information and support 

• prevention, education and training 

• counselling and support.

How to access this service: Directly via the contact details above.