Support and Advice
Here you will find contact details of organisations that provide free advice and support on a range of issues from bullying and addiction, to mental health and gender-based violence. Of course, you are always welcome to pop into the Students’ Association Office for a chat, and there is professional support available at The Advice Centre. Whatever works best for you, and whatever you might be looking for, we have all the details right here.
Support and Advice for Survivors of Domestic Abuse and Gender-Based Violence
If you are living with an abusive person and at risk of emotional and/or physical abuse, please read the guidance below. We are here to help.
Safety Advice for Survivors of Domestic Abuse and Gender-Based Violence
Local Support Organisations
Is there an important organisation missing from our list? Let us know at bcsa@borderscollege.ac.uk
Students’ Association
Providing advice, support and signposting for all Borders College Students.
Call: 01896 662586
Visit: www.tartanmonkey.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/tartanmonkey
E-mail: bcsa@borderscollege.ac.uk
The Advice Centre
A friendly, confidential service where you can talk over your problems in private
Address: Scottish Borders Campus, Nether Road, Galashiels, TD1 3HE
Call: 01896 662506
E-mail: studentwelfare@borderscollege.ac.uk.
ASH (Action on Smoking and Health) Scotland
ASH Scotland is an independent Scottish charity working to protect people from the harm caused by tobacco
Call: 0131 225 4725
Visit: www.ashscotland.org.uk
E-mail: ashscotland@ashscotland.org.uk
Borders Asperger’s and Autism Group Support (BAAGS)
Supporting everyone in the Scottish Borders who has an interest in Asperger’s syndrome, Autism and Autistic Spectrum Conditions, whether that is anyone on the ‘Spectrum’, their partners, parents, family, friends or employers.
Call: 01896 668 961
Visit: www.baags.co.uk
E-Mail: baags@btconnect.com
Border Women’s Aid
Provides a safe haven for women and their children facing domestic abuse
Address: Exchange St, Jedburgh TD8 6BH
Call: 01835 863514
Breathing Space
A free, confidential phone line service for anyone experiencing low mood or depression, or who is unusually worried and in need of someone to talk to.
Call: 0800 83 85 87
Visit: www.breathingspacescotland.co.uk
Carers Trust
Provides support for carers. Specific support is also available for young carers through this organisation.
Call:(0300) 123 2008
Visit: www.carers.org
E-Mail: youngcarers@carers.org
FRANK
Friendly, confidential drugs advice
Call: 0300 123 6600
Text: 82111
Visit: www.talktofrank.com
E-Mail: frank@talktofrank.com
Homelessness Services
Support for those who are homeless or facing the threat of homelessness in the next 2 months
Call: 0800 376 1138
Emergency: 01896 752111
LGBT Youth Scotland
LGBT advice whenever you need it.
Call: 0131 555 3940
Text: 07786202370
Email: info@lgbtyouth.org.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lgbtys
Penumbra
Supporting people experiencing mental ill health to move towards recovery and providing practical, social and emotional support to people living in their own homes.
Sam and Gilly are support workers from Penumbra who provide support specifically for Borders College Students. They hold regular drop in sessions throughout the year at both Galashiels and Newtown campus and are happy to arrange to meet with any student who gets in touch.
Office: 0131 475 2380
Sam: 07876 704 107
Gilly: 07717 423 952
Visit: www.penumbra.org.uk
E-Mail: enquiries@penumbra.org.uk
Samaritans
Samaritans help you explore your options, understand your problems better, or just be there to listen. Talk to Samaritans at any time, in your own way and off the
record.
Call: 08457 90 90 90
Visit: www.samaritans.org
E-Mail: jo@samaritans.org
SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health)
SAMH provides information to empower visitors to the centre to take well-informed steps to improve their own mental wellbeing, and that of their family and friends.
Call: 01896 664 838
Visit: 50 – 52 Island Street, Galashiels TD1 1NU.
Scottish Borders Rape Crisis Centre
Providing support and information to women and girls aged 12 and over who have experienced rape or sexual violence in their lives. The centre is run for women, by women.
Call: 01896 661070
Visit: www.scottishbordersrapecrisis.org.uk
E-Mail: info@sbrcc.org.uk
Survivors UK
Talk about male rape or sexual violence in confidence.
Call: 0203 5983898
Visit: www.survivorsuk.org
E-Mail: info@survivorsuk.org
NHS Borders
Call: 01896 826000
Visit: www.nhsborders.scot.nhs.uk
E-mail: bordershb@borders.scot.nhs.uk