Concerned about someone in prison?
If you are concerned about someone in a Scottish prison, please contact the prison directly and ask to speak with the duty manager. Follow the link below to find the phone number for the relevant establishment:
https://www.sps.gov.uk/Corporate/Prisons/Prisons.aspx
If your query relates to someone in an English or Welsh prison, Prisoners’ families helpline might be able to help you. Please find their contact information below, and check their website for operating times:
Website https://www.prisonersfamilies.org/
Freephone: 0808 808 2003
Email: [email protected]
Your own wellbeing
If you are struggling with your own wellbeing and would like to talk to someone, please contact:
• Breathing Space
A confidential phoneline for anyone in Scotland over the age of 16, feeling low, anxious, or depressed
Freephone: 0800 838 587
Weekdays: Monday-Thursday 6pm to 2am
Weekend: Friday 6pm-Monday 6am
• Shout 85258 (24hrs)
A free texting service for people struggling with their mental health.
https://giveusashout.org/about-us/about-shout/
Phone number: 85258
• Samaritans (24hrs)
Freephone: 116 123
Email: [email protected]
• CALM (suicide prevention)
Every day, 5pm-Midnight
Helpline: 0800 58 58 58
Webchat: https://www.thecalmzone.net/about-calm/what-is-calm/
Specialised services
If you are looking for a specialised support service, the links below might be useful.
Please note, the following services will have varying operating times. Please check their websites for more information.
• Scottish Welfare Fund
https://www.mygov.scot/scottish-welfare-fund/
• SHELTER Scotland
https://scotland.shelter.org.uk/
• Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs
https://www.sfad.org.uk/
• Children 1st Parentline
https://www.children1st.org.uk/help-for-families/parentline-scotland/
• NSPCC Keeping Children Safe
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/
• Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline
https://sdafmh.org.uk/
• LGBT Helpline Scotland
https://www.lgbthealth.org.uk/services-support/lgbt-mental-health/lgbt-helpline-scotland/