News and features

Events
 

Health Topics

Alcohol and Drugs

Cancer

Dementia

Diabetes

Domestic Violence

Fathering

Heart Disease

Hepatitis C

Infertility

Mental health

Nutrition

Physical Activity

People Experiencing Trauma and Loss

Services for gay and bisexual men

Services for male survivors of sexual abuse and rape

Sexual health

Smoking

Stroke

Alcohol and Drugs

Alcohol Focus Scotland
Alcohol Focus Scotland is the national voluntary organisation for alcohol issues.

Alcohol Concern

Alcohol Concern is the national agency on alcohol misuse. They work to reduce the incidence and costs of alcohol-related harm and to increase the range and quality of services available to people with alcohol-related problems.

Alcohol Information Scotland

The Alcohol Information Scotland website provides a wide range of information on alcohol for Scotland. This includes statistics, research, publications, key policy documents and practice guidelines as well as links to useful websites. Up to date news is reported through daily media monitoring.

The site is for anyone with an interest in alcohol issues such as care professionals, researchers, policy makers as well as the wider community.

Scottish Drugs Forum

Scottish Drugs Forum (SDF) is the national non-government drugs policy and information agency working in partnership with others to co-ordinate effective responses to drug use in Scotland.

Scottish Training on Drugs and Alchohol

Scottish Training on Drugs and Alcohol (STRADA) provides a range of training, education and development opportunities to staff working in the drug and alcohol field.  Whether you are looking for a short course of study or an academic programme, we can offer a variety of options for you and your organisation.

NHS Health Scotland

Information on alcochol and drugs related programmes of work being taken forward by Health Scotland and their parnters.

Know the Score

The Know the Score Information line 0800 587 587 9 is a free, confidential 24-hour service that will put you in contact with trained advisers. They can provide you, and those you know, with advice and information and send you publications.

Drugs Action (Aberdeenshire)

Drugs Action provides a range of services to drug users, ex users and their families in the Aberdeenshire area.

Drug Misuse Information Scotland

This site provides information, statistics and research on drugs misuse in Scotland. Our target users are policy makers, professionals, researchers, employers and the wider community.

Drug Scope

DrugScope is the UK's leading independent centre of expertise on drugs. Our aim is to inform policy development and reduce drug-related risk. We provide quality drug information, promote effective responses to drug taking, undertake research at local, national and international levels, advise on policy-making, encourage informed debate and speak for our member organisations working on the ground.

Scottish Health Action on Alcohol problems (SHAAP)

SHAAP is a new medical advocacy group set up by the Scottish Medical Royal Colleges and Faculties to raise awareness of the rising costs to our health of excessive alcohol consumption. 

 

Cancer

The Prostate Cancer Charity

The Prostate Cancer Charity provides support and information to anyone concerned about prostate cancer via a range of information resources, a confidential Helpline, and a Specialist Nurse programme.

The Charity also funds research into the causes of, and treatments for the disease.

Prostate Cancer Support Scotland

A support group network run by prostate cancer patients. Has monthly meetings and personal support. Aims to increase awareness of the need for early detection of prostate cancer.

Beating Bowel Cancer

Beating Bowel Cancer is a leading UK charity for bowel cancer patients, working to raise awareness of symptoms, promote early diagnosis and encourage open access to treatment choice for those affected by bowel cancer. Through their work they aim to save lives from this common cancer.

Bowel Screening Programme

The Scottish Bowel Screening Programme will invite all men and women in Scotland between the ages of 50 to 74 for screening every two years.  The programme is now being phased in across Scotland and, by the end of 2009, it will be available in all NHS Boards.

Maggie's Cancer Caring Centres

Under one roof you can access help with information, benefits advice, psychological support both individually and in groups, courses and stress reducing strategies.  You don’t have to make an appointment, or be referred and everything we offer is free of charge. 

Everyman

Everyman's mission is to cross out male cancer. We can achieve this by making everyone recognise the tell-tale signs, and understand the importance of treating them. By increasing this awareness we also hope to raise money to fund our life-saving research.

MacMillan Cancer Support

Macmillan Cancer Support improves the lives of people affected by cancer. They provide practical, medical, emotional and financial support and push for better cancer care. Cancer affects us all.

MacMillan Cancerbackup site

Europe's leading cancer information charity, with over 4,500 pages of up-to-date cancer information, practical advice and support for cancer patients, their families and carers.

Cancer Research UK (Scotland)

The UK's leading charity dedicated to cancer research

CancerHelp UK

CancerHelp UK gives information about cancer for anyone who has concerns about cancer, principally people with cancer, their relatives and friends.

Breakthrough

Supports breast cancer research and education.  Has information on male breast cancer.

West of Scotland Cancer Network

The West of Scotland Cancer Network is a collaborative embracing the four NHS Health Boards in the West of Scotland: Ayrshire and Arran, Forth Valley, Greater Glasgow and Clyde and Lanarkshire.

 

NHS Health Scotland

Information on cancer related programmes of work being taken forward by Health Scotland and their parnters.

Malecare (USA site)

Men fighting cancer together.  The site offers information on Prostate Cancer Treatment, symptoms and support groups

BBC

Offers information on Prostate and Testicular Cancers

Orchid - Fighting Male Cancer

Orchid exists to save men's lives from testicular, prostate and penile cancers through pioneering research and promoting awareness.

 

Dementia

Alzheimer Scotland

Alzheimer Scotland provide the national Dementia Helpline and local services all over Scotland for people with dementia and their carers.

Alzheimer's Society

The UK’s leading care and research charity for people with dementia, their families and carers.

Pick's Disease Support Group

The main aims of the PDSG are to provide information and to support carers. The group meets several times a year in the United Kingdom and has an annual seminar open to professionals and carers.

Dementia Services Development Centre

DSDC help develop services for people with dementia and their carers. This includes nurses, people working in nursing homes, home care workers, psychiatrists of old age, social workers, police officers, and people working in the voluntary sector.

 

Diabetes

Diabetes Uk

Diabetes UK is the charity for people with diabetes, their family, friends and carers. Our mission is to improve the lives of people with the condition and work towards a future without diabetes.

 

Domestic Violence

Men's Advice Line

The Men's Advice Line is a free phone, confidential helpline for men who have experienced or are experiencing domestic violence from their partners or ex-partners. This includes all men - in heterosexual or same-sex relationships.

The Men's Advice Line is available for people living in England, Wales and Scotland. The service is funded by the Home Office and the Scottish Government and managed by Respect.

Respect

Respect is the UK membership association for domestic violence perpetrator programmes and associated support services. Their vision is to end violence and abuse in intimate partner and close family relationships.

 

Fathering

ParentLine Scotland and Children 1st

At some time all parents find that parenting can be difficult, stressful, even impossible. ParentLine Scotland is the free, confidential, telephone helpline for anyone caring for a child in Scotland. You can call about any problem, however big or small

Parentline Scotland: 0808 800 2222

Fatherhood Institute

Collating the research on fatherhood; Helping shape the government's family policy; Influencing the public debate on fathers; and Training family services to be father-inclusive

Talk 2 Parents Project

Talk 2 is a new project open to all parents and carers in Glasgow.  The project offers support to help parents feel prepared to talk with their children and teenagers about growing up, puberty, relationships and sexual health. 

Dad's Club

The Dads Club is an activity-based parenting support project for single and contact fathers with young children in Edinburgh. It is carried out jointly by Gilmerton Child & Family Centre and One Parent Families Scotland (OPFS), with financial support from Edinburgh Childcare Partnership through the Sure Start programme. This website describes how and why the group was formed, and how the work is carried out. In less than a year, the project has attracted more than double the original target number of participants.

Gay Dads Scotland

Gay Days Scotland (GDS) is a group of gay fathers from all over Scotland. During the 5 years that our group has been running we have met over 200 dads. We are a mix of married, separated, divorced and single fathers who are all interested in understanding gay parenting issues and how to provide ourselves and our children with a positive life experience.

Dad's Haven

Online community where fathers can take part in discussions ranging from parenting to sport - it also provides some information on men's health issues

 

Heart Disease

British Heart Foundation

As the nation's heart charity, the British Heart Foundation focuses on three vital things:

  • Investing in pioneering research
  • Supporting and caring for heart patients
  • Providing vital information to help people reduce their own risk of dying prematurely from a heart or circulatory related illness

Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland

Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland aims to improve the quality of life for people in Scotland affected by chest, heart and stroke illness through medical research, advice and information, and support in the community.

 

Hepatitis C

 

C-Level

C-Level is a charity working with people who are at risk or infected or affected by Hepatitis C, as well as the professionals who work with these groups.


Download leaflet (pdf)

 

www.hepcscotland.co.uk

This website provides the latest guidance for health care professionals and for patients, carers and others who want to know more about Hepatitis C.  It also explains the Scottish Government's Hepatitis C Action Plan for Scotland.

 

HEP C Centre

The UK Hepatitis C Resource Centre (UKHCRC) believes in the quality of life for all.  Their role is to be a central referral point for hepatitis C in the UK

Infertility

Infertility Network Scotland

Infertility Network UK are the UK’s leading infertility support network, and we’re here to offer information and support to anyone affected by fertility problems.

 

Mental health and wellbeing

 

Breathing Space

Helpline: 0800 83 85 87 (or minicom: 0800 31 71 60)

A free, confidential phone line for people in Scotland who are feeling low or depressed.  Aimed primarily at men, the phone line is available between 6.00pm and 2.00am, every day of the year.  Callers can talk to specialist advisors about issues and get information about other local services that may help. The website includes information and guidance on how to seek help.

Suicide Prevention, Choose Life

Information about Suicide Prevention Week; suicide myths; suicide facts and various helpline numbers

Choose Life

Provides information on Choose Life, the Scottish Government's ten year strategy to prevent suicides in Scotland and what's being done both nationally and locally to build skills to work towards the goal of reducing suicide by 20% by 2013. Information can also be found on training, research, resources and statistics.

Choose Life Highland

A website to help prevent suicide and provide support for people who are uncomfortable asking for help in a face to face situation.

LifeLink

LifeLink provides a crisis intervention service for people in the North Glasgow area who are 12 years and older, in crisis, self harming and at risk of suicide.

Bipolar Fellowship Scotland

The aims of Bipolar Fellowship Scotland are to provide information, support and advice for people affected by bipolar disorder/manic depression and all who care, to promote Self-Help throughout Scotland, to inform and educate about the illness and the organisation.

Depression Alliance

Depression Alliance is working towards a future where depression is recognised, understood and acknowledged to be a common and treatable medical condition, just like any other.  The are striving to ensure that those affected by depression and their carers are provided with the information, support, understanding and care needed for the best quality of life.

Men in Mind

Men In Mind is a mental health project for black and minority ethnic men.  The project aims to develop mental health support services, and to raise awareness of mental health issues amongst black and minority ethnic men through a programme of events and activities.

National Programme for Improving Mental Health and Well Being

The website of the Scottish Executive's National Programme for Mental Health and Well Being. Provides information on national initiatives in mental health, news and events in mental health improvement, resources, publications, research and training. It also has information on how to improve your mental health, personal stories, quizzes, top tips and an online diary.

National Schizophrenia Fellowship Scotland

Working to improve the wellbeing and quality of life of those affected by schizophrenia and other mental illness, including families and carers.

The Samaritans
Samaritans provides confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide.

Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH)
Scotland’s leading mental health charity, works to support people who experience mental health problems, homelessness, addictions and other forms of social exclusion. SAMH provide direct services, including accommodation, support, employment and rehabilitation, and actively campaign to influence policy and improve care services in Scotland.

Bipolar Fellowship Scotland

Empowering the People in Scotland who are in Contact with Bipolar Disorder


NHS Health Scotland
Information on mental health and wellbeing related programmes of work being taken forward by Health Scotland and their parnters.

Counselling Directory

The website is a support network of UK counsellors and psychotherapists, with information on their training and experience, areas of counselling covered, fees and contact details. This service is free, confidential and easy to use.

Midspace.co.uk

Midspace is a mental health and well-being information service for people living in Midlothian.

 

Nutrition

NHS Health Scotland
Food and Health-related programme of work being taken forward by Health Scotland and their partners. You'll also find links to Food and Health learning opportunities, networks, research, publications and related websites.

Food and Health Alliance

This site has been designed to provide everyone with an interest in food and health improvement work in Scotland with up-to-date information on what's going on.

Healthy Living

Information about what constitutes a healthy diet, as well as our food place model which shows the types and proportions of foods needed to make a well-balanced and healthy diet

Food Standards Agency

The Food Standards Agency carries out a varied programme of work on nutrition, including practical initiatives, such as the Cooking Bus, and research to support our policy and campaigns.

Eatwell
A public-facing website from the Food Standards Agency on healthy eating and food safety.

Community Food and Health (Scotland)

Community Food and Health (Scotland) supports initiatives in low-income communities which help people take up a healthy diet.

Food for Thought Glasgow

Food for Thought Glasgow encourages social integration and healthier lifestyles through training. To support this work, they also provide Healthy Hospitality catering for Events and Functions.

 

People Experiencing Trauma and Loss

PETAL Support

Petal Support Group was established in 1994 to provide specialised support services for The Families and Friends of Murder Victims.

 

Physical Activity

Physical Activity and Health Alliance

Online community website for practitioners engaged in physical activity and health across Scotland.

This website contains information and resources to help members of the physical activity workforce implement the national physical activity strategy, 'Let's Make Scotland More Active'.

Paths for All Partnership

The Paths for All Partnership facilitates the development of paths for recreation, health and wellbeing, strengthening communities, sustainable communities, sustainable transport and economic development.  There are two main areas of activity - Outdoor Access and Paths to Health

Paths to Health

Paths to Health delivers walking for health under 4 main themes, Community, Health care, Workplace and National Co-ordination.  They can advise you on how to set up your own walking project and provide training, grants and resources to help you to promote walking in your area.

Outdoor Access

Outdoor Access offers support, advice and training for the development of path networks aimed at meeting local needs.

Take on life, one step at a time

Simple steps to healthier eating, being active and food facts and myths

Scottish Athletics

scottishathletics is the governing body for athletics in Scotland.  Established as a Company Ltd by Guarantee on 1 April 2001, it succeeded the Scottish Athletics Federation.  scottishathletics is affiliated to UK Athletics.  Within Scotland, scottishathletics is affiliated to the Commonwealth Games Council for Scotland. 

JogScotland

Established in 2002 by scottishathletics, the governing body of athletics in Scotland, jogscotland uses simple, gentle walk/jog/run programmes to encourage everyone to get out and be active!

sportscotland

sportscotland is the national agency for sport in Scotland.  Working with their partners, our core responsiblity is to develop sport and physical recreation in Scotland.

 

Services for gay and bisexual men

Stonewall

Equality and justice for Lesbians, Gay Men and Bisexuals.

LGBT Health Scotland

Fair For All-LGBT is a partnership project between Stonewall Scotland and the Directorate General of Health and Wellbeing. It provides strategic support to NHS Scotland to promote equality and diversity for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender service users and staff.

Healthy Gay Scotland

Healthy Gay Scotland (HGS) is a national organisation that promotes the sexual health of gay and bisexual men living in Scotland.

Reachout Highland
Reachout Highland's aim is to support all sections of the Highland Community - whilst respecting their lifestyle, cultural, religious and personal beliefs and values - to make informed choices to promote their sexual health and well being.

Gay Men's Health

The Gay Men’s Health Website is aimed at gay and bisexual men aged 16 and over.

Glasgow LGBT Centre

The LGBT Centre aims to develop into a truly inclusive space that will be seen as a beacon in the West of Scotland for all members of the LGBT community.

LGBT Youth Scotland

LGBT Youth Scotland is working towards the inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people in the life of Scotland.


They provide a range of services and opportunities for young people, families and professionals which aim to increase awareness and confidence; as well as reducing isolation and intolerance.

 

People Experiencing Trauma and

 

Services for male survivors of sexual abuse and rape

THRIVE Counselling
For male survivors of childhood sexual abuse

Steve Retson Project

Counselling for gay men and men who have sex with men

Survivors UK

Provides information, support and counselling for men who have been raped or sexually abused. Thousands of men contact Survivors UK each year.

Beyond Trauma Services - Pathway (Men)

Health in Mind's Counselling Service offers skilled counselling support to people wishing to address issues of childhood sexual abuse.  There is no charge for the service and arrangements about the length and frequency of counselling sessions are made with your counsellor and reviewed every 12 weeks.

The Archway Centre

Archway Glasgow exists to provide forensic services and support for those who have experienced rape or sexual assault.

Central Scotland Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Centre

Helpline number for male survivors of sexual abuse and rape.  The website also has a page "Understanding Male Sexual Violation".

 

Sexual health

Sexual Health Scotland

Offers information on the symptoms of and treatment for STIs and has a "risk-o-meter" for people to assess their personal risk.  It also provides advice on the emotional aspects of sexual relationships.

HIV Scotland

HIV Scotland is the independent voice for HIV in Scotland. HIV Scotland is the leading national policy and strategic HIV charity.

GI Johnny - to inform and protect

G.I. Jonny is a viral information campaign produced by the BBC to raise awareness about HIV in the UK.

Body Positive Tayside
Body Positive Tayside is a self-help support group for individuals infected or affected by HIV/AIDS in the Dundee City, Angus, and Perth & Kinross Council areas.


fpaScotland
fpaScotland offers confidential information and advice on contraception and sexual and reproductive health, and details of family planning clinics, sexual health clinics and other sexual health services anywhere in the UK.

 

The Terrance Higgins Trust

Terrence Higgins Trust is the leading and largest HIV and sexual health charity in the UK.

The Sandyford Initiative

The overall aim of the Sandyford Initiative is to provide excellent health and social care for all Glasgow’s population that addresses their reproductive health, sexual health and emotional health needs.

NHS Ayrshire & Arran: SHAYR.com

Website offers information on sexually transmitted diseases

For men:

THRIVE Counselling
For male survivors of childhood sexual abuse

Steve Retson Project

Counselling for gay men and men who have sex with men

Smoking

NHS Health Scotland
Information on tobacco related programmes of work being taken forward by Health Scotland and their parnters.

Can Stop Smoking

A Health Scotland website for people who want to give up smoking. This website can help you make that choice and also show you How to stop. Read Top Tips for advice on giving up.

ASH (Action on Smoking and Health) Scotland

Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) is a campaigning public health charity that works to eliminate the harm caused by tobacco.

 

Stroke

The Stroke Association

Working for a world where there are fewer strokes and all those touched by stroke get the help they need.