Support & services resources

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) UK offers free, confidential support to anyone struggling with alcohol addiction. Through peer-led group meetings and resources, AA helps individuals achieve and maintain sobriety. AA is concerned solely with the personal recovery and continued sobriety of individual who need help. There are meetings across West Dunbartonshire.

Al-Anon Family Groups offers free and inclusive local meetings for anyone whose life is or has been affected by someone else's drinking. Through confidential meetings and resources, it provides a safe space to share experiences and find strength and hope.

Alternatives West Dunbartonshire is a community recovery service supporting people affected by substance use. They offer counselling, group work, family support, and access to residential rehab through the Safe as Houses project, along with training and activities to help rebuild lives.

Alternatives – Safe as Houses Project in Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire provides a specialist residential rehabilitation programme for adults (18+) addressing problematic substance use. The service offers crisis admissions within 48 hours, 16-bedroom accommodation plus supported scatter flats, and a bio‑psycho‑social recovery model with peer-support and post‑care reintegration.

ASSIST Scotland is a specialist support service for adults, children, and young people affected by domestic abuse where a partner or ex-partner is involved in criminal proceedings. The service works in close partnership with Police Scotland and local authorities across multiple council areas, helping to reduce risk and support recovery.Their aim is to ensure that all victims of domestic abuse, regardless of gender, age or ethnicity are safe, informed and supported throughout their involvement with the criminal justice system.

Awestruck Academy is a vibrant creative centre in Clydebank offering free or low-cost classes in music, art, media, digital tech, gaming, and podcasting to all ages. They host community events, exhibitions, and a dedicated “Gaming Zone” with consoles and VR—alongside a coffee bar, creche, and chess club. Their friendly, inclusive space fosters confidence, creativity, and community connection.

Bellsmyre Development Trust runs the Cutty Sark Centre in Dumbarton, a community hub offering free activities and support for all ages. They provide youth clubs, family events, gardening projects, employability drop‑ins, computer access, and counselling. It's a friendly space to get involved, meet others, and build new skills.

Blue Triangle Housing Association offers safe, trauma-informed housing and support services for people experiencing homelessness in West Dunbartonshire. They provide supported accommodation, outreach, and family services to help individuals move towards independent living.

CARA (West Dunbartonshire HSCP) is a free, confidential counselling service for women, children, and young people who have experienced domestic or sexual abuse. It offers up to 12 trauma-informed sessions in Clydebank or Dumbarton, helping individuals feel safe, supported, and heard. Women can self-refer, while children and young people need a referral from a professional or support service.

Carers of West Dunbartonshire offers free, confidential support to adult unpaid carers (18+) living in West Dunbartonshire. Based in Clydebank, they provide help with emotional wellbeing, financial advice, respite breaks, support groups, and planning through the Adult Carer Support Plan. Carers can self-refer or be referred by professionals, and a dedicated Carer Support Worker will work with you to identify and meet your needs .

A therapeutic group‑work programme for children aged 4‑16 and their mothers, designed to provide a safe space to explore feelings and rebuild family connections through guided activities over 10–12 weeks. Self-referral and agency referrals both welcomed.

Centre 81 is a community hub in Whitecrook, Clydebank. It offers a wide range of activities and services for all ages, including fitness classes, IT and art workshops, a low-cost gym (Gym81), a café (Café81), and rooms for hire. The centre also hosts the ISARO Community Initiative, providing support for ethnic minorities, and Social Security Scotland's Local Delivery Service, assisting with benefit applications. 

free, confidential, impartial advice for local residents on a wide range of issues including benefits, debt, housing, employment, consumer rights, and relationships. Their skilled advisers offer tailored support, helping people understand their rights, explore options, and resolve problems, often working with partner agencies when needed. The service operates across West Dunbartonshire, including outreach visits and a telephone advice line, ensuring accessible support to all in the community

Clifftop Projects CIC is a community arts organisation in West Dunbartonshire offering free, inclusive creative activities for all ages. They run Art Youth Clubs (ages 5–18), an Intergenerational Dance Company, monthly youth creative nights (ages 13–25), and regular art challenges and workshops with local artists. Through projects like Creative Mental Health, they use art and dance to support emotional wellbeing and bring people together across generations.

Offers free support for people recovering from cocaine and other substance addictions using the Twelve Step Recovery Programme. They provide in-person and online meetings, a helpline, and resources to help members stay sober. The group welcomes anyone wanting to stop using substances. Meetings across West Dunbartonhsire.

Crisis Counselling offers free counselling therapy to children and young people in West Dunbartonshire aged 10 and over experiencing emotional and mental health difficulties. Referral through Education services.

Adults can self-refer with a cost for affordable mental health support. Support is available face-to-face or online to help with issues like anxiety, depression, and trauma.

The Distress Brief Intervention (DBI) Service in West Dunbartonshire offers quick support to young people aged 14–24 (or up to 26 if care experienced) who are in distress. If you're struggling with issues like anxiety, low mood, self-harm, panic attacks, or low self-esteem, your GP or someone at your school or college can refer you.

You’ll be contacted within 24 hours and supported for up to 14 days by a friendly practitioner who will help you manage your current challenges and feel more in control.

A community-based English language programme by West Dunbartonshire Working4U, helping learners improve communication skills and adapt to life in Scotland. Courses are available at Centre 81 in Clydebank and in Dumbarton library, running from late August/September 2025 through mid-June 2026, with levels from Elementary to Beginner.

Home from Home can help with furniture, white goods, electrical items, crockery, cutlery, bedding, towels etc if you are on: Income support, Jobseeker’s allowance, Pension credits, or Disability Living allowance

Scotland’s national mentoring programme for young people aged 8 -14 years who are looked after at home. Intandem helps Scotland’s children, young people and families stay together to build and maintain positive, loving relationships. The intandem service is run in West Dunbartonshire by Y Sort It .

A confidential counselling service accessed through West Dunbartonshire secondary schools, where young people can chat to a counsellor to help manage personal and social issues which may be affecting their life. 

Fun, interactive music classes for babies, toddlers and preschool aged children. Classes in Dumbarton and Clydebank.

Motivation, Commitment and Resilience Pathways Scotland aims to help young people unlock their potential, no matter their circumstances. Working together with our inspiring mentor community and partners, we can help young people to realise their skills and progress onto a positive destination. Our vision is for all young people to experience equality of education outcomes, career opportunities and life chances.

Narcotics Anonymous Glasgow & West Coast Of Scotland is a community of people who support each other to achieve and maintain a drug free life. The only requirement for participation in NA is a desire to stop using drugs. Meetings take place online and face to face. NA is free. Local meeting details can be found on the website.

Help for autistic people and their families.  We are dedicated to transforming lives and changing attitudes. National Autistic Society branches can offer support to families who have an autistic child or member.

Information on helpline and Rape Crisis centres across Scotland who provide trauma-informed support. The website also contains a number of resources for survivors, friends and family, and young people.

Sandyford is the specialist sexual health service for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Services include STI services, contraception and abortion services and advice. The clinic in Clydebank Health Centre is open on Thursdays 4.30pm - 7.30pm by appointment only (booking details in link).

Young person's support group for 12–26-year-olds affected by someone else’s alcohol or drug use. 

Help for people over 16 years old in West Dunbartonshire who are experiencing common mental health difficulties such as depression, anxiety or stress. Stepping Stones also offers a Bereavement and Loss support service.

PATHways Programme (previously known as TESSA in Scotland) is an early intervention programme that helps adoptive parents achieve better outcomes for their children by giving them early access to a clinical psychologist and peer support. It is based on the understanding that a child’s relationship with his or her parents or carers is one of the main keys to their development, and is founded on the principle of helping families, not fixing children. Referrals to PATHways are made by your social worker – you can request that they refer your family. 

The Phoenix is a community hub for the people of Dumbarton West, based in Castlehill. Some activities have a cost.

The SEARCH Project delivered by Carers of West Dunbartonshire provides support to carers that are affected by alcohol-related issues, either because they are caring for someone who has an alcohol problem or because they are dealing with their own alcohol issues. The project will support carers of any age but has a particular focus on Young Adult Carers (18-25 years) and Older Carers (65+ years).

Tullochan supports both young people aged 5-25 and those aged 25+ through a range of development programmes delivered from our Tullochan Training Academy, within Primary/Secondary schools or through their Social Enterprises. Programmes such as Timber Transitions, Furniture Fix, Gardening & Landscaping, Personal Development, Work Placements within their cafe 'The Common Good', or Employability sessions are on offer, alongside LGBTQ+ Youth Action Group and High School Drop-in Youth Club. Their support allows young people and the wider community to improve their mental health and wellbeing, break down barriers and progress positively into education, employment or training.

Venture Scotland offers young people, who are facing challenges and are aged 16-30, a personal development course based in the outdoors.

Empowering people affected by crime. Includes information on Emergency Assistance Fund, available to any victim of crime who is in urgent need of financial help as a direct result of a specific crime and has no means of accessing funding from any other source.

Free period products are available to anyone that needs them across West Dunbartonshire in community venues including health centres, libraries, community centres and leisure centres. Simply drop in and pick up what you need. Don’t worry, we won’t ask any awkward questions.

The network of mental health services within West Dunbartonshire include Primary Care Mental Health Service, two local community mental health teams, Riverview Resource Centre based in Dumbarton Joint Hospital and Goldenhill Resource Centre based in Clydebank. Community Mental Health Teams support people who suffer significant mental health problems in the local community. If you are worried or concerned, please contact your local service who will be happy to advise. Referral is via GP or NHS 24

The Anti-Social Behaviour Services (ASB) deal with complaints of serious anti-social conduct across the West Dunbartonshire area and where necessary raises legal proceedings for ASBOs and evictions.

West Dunbartonshire has a Breastfeeding Support Team who provide support and information to ante-natal and post-natal women and their families. They offer parents extra help with breastfeeding to complement the existing support given by the midwifery and health visiting teams.

The Champions Board is a platform for care experienced young people to get to know, and build strong positive relationships with those who make decisions about the care system and other professionals. The ultimate aim of the Champions Board is for those care experienced young people to help to change and develop policies and procedures in relation to their care, and to the care of future young people.

West Dunbartonshire Community Addiction Services provide health and social care services for individuals with problems linked to drug and/or alcohol misuse; physical, medical and social needs of individuals as considered as part of the assessment.

For group information scan QR code above.

A local charity providing essential support to families and individuals across West Dunbartonshire. They deliver emergency food parcels as well as toiletries and household essentials, with next working day home delivery available throughout the week. Additional services include a School Uniform Bank, Babybank, School Holiday Brunch Bags, Fuel Bank vouchers, and a Christmas Toybank. The organisation operates on a no‑referral or self‑referral basis and plays a vital role in reducing food insecurity and building community resilience.

Information on nurseries and childcare in West Dunbartonshire

Health Visitors are Specialist Nurse Practitioners who work with children (0-5yrs) and families to improve the physical, mental, emotional and social health and wellbeing of the population, preventing disease and reducing inequalities in health.

The School Nursing service is a targeted, referral based service for children and young people with recognised or suspected unmet needs requiring additional support.

From the latest events and leisure activities to parks and hobbies, find something to do in West Dunbartonshire.

West Dunbartonshire libraries have a range of activities and resources for babies, children and parents, including baby massage and lego club.

The Throughcare and Aftercare Team prepares young people for leaving local authority care and provides support, advice and guidance throughout that transition and beyond. The team manages a resource known as supported lodgings which enables young people to gain necessary skills and experience to eventually live independently in the community.

Young Family Support Service provides early intervention and support to families with young children, aiming to improve outcomes for children.

Are you aged 8-18? Interested in testing out your acting and performance skills? West Dunbartonshire Youth Theatre could be the place for you…

Dumbarton District Women’s Aid (DDWA) is a confidential organisation which provides information, support and, where appropriate, refuge for women and any accompanying children who have experienced or at risk of domestic abuse.

Information and support on all aspects of domestic abuse.

Y Sort It youth centre provides a dedicated youth friendly space with various weekly youth activities offered throughout the West Dunbartonshire area, including support for young carers (10-25 years), peer mentoring for care experienced young people, Outreach Project (8-25 years), Intandem (ages of 8 and 14 and on a Compulsory Supervision Order) and Y Sort-It FUSION LGBT Youth Group for young people 25 years and under, and currently meets online.

Information on how to apply for the Young Carers Package, Carer’s Allowance and the Young Carer Grant.

If you are aged 12-18 and provide care and support to others, including parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters, then you are a young carer. If you are aged 12-25 and would like to meet with other young carers then contact Y Sort-it to find out more about their young carers clubs in Clydebank and Dumbarton.

A place where composers and musicians have come together to create a collaborative resource from which our users can learn.

Young People in Mind (YPIM) is for young people aged 0-21 years who are looked after and accommodated in West Dunbartonshire, including young people who are homeless or living in supported/homeless accommodation.

This service is also available to young people aged 16 – 25 who are vulnerable to homelessness whether care-experienced or non-care-experienced.

Young People in Mind offers a variety of therapeutic interventions to this group of young people who might have experienced adverse early life experiences or are struggling with their emotional or mental health.  

The service aims to promote good mental health and emotional well-being.

YPIM offer individual interventions and consultation with young people and other professionals involved in their support plan.

A small non-profit-making children’s charity who provide workshops and experiences for young people aged 8-18 in Haldane and the surrounding area. Hop, Skip and Jump caters for young people in P4-P7 and Ur-Turn caters for young people in S1-S6.

The Youth Mentoring project has been set up to help young people. Mentoring is linking you with an adult who can spend positive time with you and build upon your relationship. It is hoped the relationship will provide you with additional support and the opportunity to try new things.

a free, confidential service serving West Dunbartonshire from Clydebank and Dumbarton. It offers one-to-one alcohol counselling, health and wellbeing advice, group sessions, and a range of activity-based recovery groups, all aimed at helping individuals affected by alcohol use change their lives. You’ll also find social and wellness groups like creative workshops, outdoor pursuits, and craft sessions to support sustained recovery and community connection.

A free online guide that helps people of all ages and abilities in Scotland discover accessible local sports and physical activities. Simply enter a postcode or region to find community clubs or leisure centres offering adapted sessions tailored to various needs. It’s a user-friendly platform run in partnership with local councils and disability sports organisations, aimed at making sport inclusive and empowering everyone to get active Some activities have a cost.

Free Condoms Service provides Free Condoms to the population of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to anyone aged 13 or over. Both male and female condoms are available. The service can be used as often as required.

Safe temporary accommodation and culturally sensitive support for women, children, and young people. 

Our aim is to support families in Kinship Care, whether you are an "informal" or formal kinship carer. 

Providing practical help for people in need, defending those who are vulnerable and abused, and fighting against injustice, the services provide are diverse, reflecting the needs of the communities served.

Self-Harm Network Scotland provides compassionate support, resources, and information to people who self-harm. They also provide support and information to friends, families and professionals.

The Trust's aim is to improve the physical and mental health of local people while reducing isolation in the community.

Quit Your Way stop smoking services are local, free, friendly, and here to help you stop smoking.

For women who are experiencing or have survived partner violence or other forms of abuse. You can access the service if: You are a witness at court for domestic abuse or other partner violence You or your partner are receiving a criminal justice social work service You have been charged with a criminal offence and have experienced abuse. Contact is via the web page.

Food for Thought provide emergency food aid parcels to anyone who requires it via drop in sessions with no referral needed.

Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels (OKFP) help any resident of Old Kilpatrick, Bowling & Dalmuir, without the need for a referral. 

Faifley Food Share provide emergency food parcels on Tuesday and Friday’s in Faifley Parish Church Hall between 10am and 11am for Faifley residents and between 11am  and 12pm for those from other areas.  No referral is needed.

The WD for Families Hubs have 6 skilled outreach workers who can help you access appropriate support at the right time for families in their local communities with;

• Support from Outreach
• Signposting to a more appropriate support & service
• Support in referring to another service

The hubs have new activities for 2025!  For dates, times, locations, and more information please scan the QR code to visit the website or click here.

The Incredible Years groups aim to build a strong parent-child relationship, empower families, and support them to promote healthy development and resilience in their children. Watch the video in the link to find out more.

If you wish to learn more please speak to your child’s teacher or health visitor, or email ggc.westdunbartonshireparenting@nhs.scot

Posters for upcoming groups will be displayed here.

A peer-to-peer support group for everyone aged 16+, offering a safe, non-judgmental space for people to share their experiences and help break the stigma attached to mental health. Their aim is to connect individuals in a community, providing a supportive environment where people can help each other through shared experiences.

They offer various mental health and wellbeing groups, including meditation, cold water sessions, health walks, badminton, men-only and women-only talking groups, and a friendly drop-in for tea, coffee, and a catch-up with like-minded individuals. Their Friday evening support group is open to all, with drop-in and talking groups available.

End the stigma ❤️

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A Scottish charity that supports dads and male carers, including LGBTQ+ and non-binary parents, to build strong, positive relationships with their children. They offer free playgroups for dads and kids (ages 0–5), online peer support, workshops, and one-to-one help for young dads. Their goal is to reduce isolation, improve wellbeing, and promote inclusive fatherhood across Scotland.

Scotland’s first specialist perinatal mental health inpatient and community service for mothers, babies and their families. We are a comprehensive service providing care and treatment to women who are pregnant or are up to one year postnatal and are at risk of, or are affected by, mental illness. We also offer expert advice to women considering pregnancy if they are at risk of a serious mental illness.

A specialist multi-disciplinary infant mental health service working with babies and their families during pregnancy and up to three years. The service aims to raise awareness of infant mental health for all professionals providing essential support to families. This includes midwives, health visitors, family nurses, GPs and other health, social care and early years professionals.

Support and education sessions for Parents and carers with children awaiting or diagnosed neurodevelopmental need. 

Clydebank Can is a community-based project that aims to bring to life the canal and bandstand area of Three Queen’s Square in Clydebank. It will bring more arts and leisure activities into the area for local people to enjoy, giving everyone in the community more opportunity to take part in events and activities which improve health and wellbeing, and increase social and economic activity in the area.

The website also contains a 'What's On' section with a wealth of information on local events, clubs, activities and more.

Moments of Freedom, led by New Scot women resettled in Clydebank, is a safe space for women to come together to be themselves, make connections, and share their skills and expertise to shape the local community for the meaningful integration of families

Street League supports young people holistically, recognising the inextricable links between wellbeing, health and employment. They use the power of sport to help young people, aged 14 to 30, who face personal barriers to employment to improve their wellbeing, secure employment and have a brighter future. They work in schools, communities, and with employers to equip young people with the confidence, motivation, essential skills and qualifications needed to succeed in the world of work.

Clydebank Sea Cadets aim to give young people an experience that will help them grow into the person they want to be in a safe and friendly environment. Through various activities and adventures, we learn teamwork, respect, loyalty, self-confidence, commitment, self-discipline, honesty and how to be the best version of ourselves.

Clydebank Sub Aqua Club will teach you to dive in a safe, controlled manner. You will learn all the skills necessary to enjoy exploring the underwater scenery around Scotland. For anyone aged 14+ years.

Clydesdale Harriers Athletic Club is Scotland’s oldest open athletics club, founded in 1885 and based in Clydebank. They welcome members from age 8 onward and provide coaching and opportunities in track & field, road running, cross‑country, and hill running.

With a strong community focus, the club supports athletes of all abilities, promoting teamwork, confidence, and fitness through inclusive, structured training led by a dedicated coaching team.

West Dunbartonshire’s Violence against Women Partnership is a multiagency mechanism that works collaboratively to provide support to all victims of Gender-Based Violence and reduce its prevalence in the area. If you, or someone you know, are experiencing Domestic Abuse or other forms of GBV, we have resources and support services in the area. You can find more information on local specialist services and national resources on our website. 

Building Connections is an online service for children and young people between the ages of 9 and 19, empowering them to find a way through loneliness.

Young people work with a trained befriender, who guides them and champions them each step of the way. Building Connections gives young people tools that can help them build their confidence and better equip them to manage loneliness.

Referrals can be made to the service by a professional, with the consent of the child or young person and their parent or carer (link to form in 'making a referral' section).

Are you a parent living in West Dunbartonshire who has been long-term unemployed, or on a low income and claiming benefits? 

If so, you can attend a free employability course held at your child's school. Free childcare will be available during the course. For full details, please see the flyer.

Register by clicking on the flyer or call the number for more information.

This leaflet provides information for young people who have been referred for a neurodevelopmental assessment in West Dunbartonshire. It explains why you may have been referred for an assessment, and describes what to expect during and after the appointment.

This leaflet provides information for parents and carers of children and young people who have been referred for a neurodevelopmental assessment in West Dunbartonshire. It describes common neurodevelopmental conditions, explains the assessment process, and provides links for further information.

This leaflet explains what to expect during a fun meeting with our team in West Dunbartonshire, where you’ll do activities like looking at pictures, playing with toys, and solving puzzles. You can also tell us what you like and don't like to do, and ask us questions. 

Cerebral Palsy Scotland is a Glasgow-based charity supporting children, young people, and adults with cerebral palsy across Scotland. They offer access to specialist therapy, including the Bobath concept, and provide fully funded therapy sessions for children through the Better Start programme. The charity also hosts social events, provides mental health and wellbeing support, and maintains a comprehensive support directory to connect families with relevant services.

Compass is for young people preparing for change, and for parents and carers of young people aged 14-26 who have additional support needs of any kind, including learning disabilities, physical or mental health difficulties, autism, complex or profound disabilities, and experience of care (either as a young carer or a care experienced young person). Compass helps you explore choices and make confident decisions about your future.

Compass also supports parents and carers of young people in Scotland who need help as they make the transition to young adult life.

There is also a version of Compass for professionals and practitioners who are supporting young people and their families through the transition to young adult life.

Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS) supports people in Scotland living with chest, heart, stroke conditions, and Long Covid. They offer free advice, one-to-one support, peer groups, and online resources to help manage health and wellbeing. CHSS also runs volunteer programs and educational tools to empower patients and carers.

HENRY provides a wide range of support for families from pregnancy to age 12 including workshops, programmes, resources and online help.

Early Years Scotland is delivering the Healthy Families Right from the Start 0-5 and Healthy Families Growing Up 5-12 programmes, along with a range of Stay Play & Learn workshops, in West Dunbartonshire.

A supportive 14-week programme for parents of children with autism or language delay. Learn practical strategies to support your child’s development and connect with other parents.

📍 Starts 4th Feb 2026 | WD for Families Hub, Clydebank
📞 Speak to your child’s school or health visitor to check eligibility.