Employers

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.

Action for Children supports children, young people, and families across the UK by providing practical and emotional support. They help with issues like mental health, disability, fostering, and early years care, aiming to ensure every child has a safe and happy childhood.

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.

Anna Freud Centre is a UK charity focused on improving the mental health and wellbeing of children, young people, and families. Free resources are available to download.

The Anna Freud Crisis Messenger text service is a free, confidential, 24/7 text message support service for anyone who is feeling overwhelmed or is struggling to cope. Text AFC to 85258.

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.

Aye Mind is a resource helping professionals support young people’s mental health using digital tools. It offers free guides, online resources, and a virtual wellbeing service for those aged 16+, along with links to trusted support services.

Scotland’s Baby Box (Parent Club) is a free, expertly curated box of essential clothing, bedding, and baby care items packed to give every newborn a great start and serve as a safe sleep space for the first few months . Registered by your midwife around 20–24 weeks, it’s delivered before your due date and includes everything from vests and a mattress to practical items like blankets, thermometer, and baby-care tools—designed to support parenting and early bonding. 

mygov.scot – Benefits in Scotland is the Scottish Government’s official site for information on social security and benefits. It covers disability, carers, family support, heating help, crisis funds, and more, with guidance on eligibility, claims, and appeals. The site also links to support services like financial advice and independent advocacy.

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.

BRAVE Online is a free, fun programme that helps kids and teens (ages 3–17) learn how to manage worries and feel less anxious. You go through 10 easy online sessions with cool activities that teach you how to relax, think positively, and handle tricky feelings. Plus, there’s friendly support from a therapist by email to help you along the way! And there’s help for parents too.

CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) is a UK charity supporting anyone feeling down or struggling with life. Aimed mainly at young people and men, the site offers free advice, real stories, and help with issues like mental health, loneliness, and suicidal thoughts. It’s all about taking a stand against feeling rubbish, because you’re not alone. Helpline 5pm -midnight and webchat open 365 days a year

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.

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. 

The Charlie Waller Trust offers a comprehensive collection of free, evidence-based mental health resources aimed at supporting young people, parents, carers, and professionals. Their resource library includes practical guides, lesson plans, and toolkits on topics such as anxiety, self-harm, resilience, and supporting young people during transitions. These materials are designed to facilitate open conversations and provide actionable strategies to promote mental wellbeing. All resources are available for free download, with printed copies offered at no cost up to a certain limit.

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

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.

a free app designed to help families and friends support young people aged 11 and over with a diagnosed mental health condition. Using a strengths-based approach, the app focuses on identifying and building upon the positive attributes and resilience of the young person. It provides tools and guidance to help supporters create a positive environment that encourages change, while also helping them recognise and utilise their own strengths. Please note that the app is an aid in treatment but does not replace professional mental health care.

DYW's part of the Young Person's Guarantee, connects young people aged 14–25 in West Dunbartonshire with local employers. They organise careers events, mentoring, and work experiences to build the skills needed for the workplace. With dedicated resources and guidance for schools, employers, and young people, DYW West helps inspire pathways toward apprenticeships, college, or employment.

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.

Police Scotland's website has an Advice and Information page. Included are pages on:

• child abuse
• counter terrorism
• domestic abuse
• drugs (harm prevention)
• hate crime
• internet safety
• online student safety guide
• rape and sexual crime
• safe nights out
• stalking
• victims and witnesses

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.

Smart Futures is a 10-month programme from the EY Foundation which includes paid work experience, interactive employability skills training and mentoring for those in Year 12 or S5 in Scotland. The Smart Futures programme is formally recognised and accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Mangement, and will help you develop key skills that are essential in the workplace.

EY Foundation is an independent charity supporting young people from low-income backgrounds get paid work experience, employability skills training and career guidance. Programmes are exclusively for young people who are aged 16 and above, and have been recently eligible for free school meals, a college bursary or Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA). There is also a specific programme designed for young people with experience in care.

An app for older teens or young adults featuring an anxiety test, relaxing music, guided meditation, TED talks, a thought diary and ideas for activities to help when you’re feeling anxious.

Galop supports LGBT+ people who have experienced abuse and violence.

A free to access community website helping local people and organisations share skills, spaces and things.

MindEd is a free educational resource on children, young people, adults and older people's mental health. Find information for Professionals and Volunteers, for Education and Healthcare staff working in Education Settings, and for Parents and Carers.

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.

My World of Work is Scotland’s career information and advice website. The site is designed to support everyone develop their career management skills, no matter what stage you’re at in your career.

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.

This awareness-raising resource from NHS GGC aims to promote basic awareness and understanding of mental health and topics that are associated with and can impact on mental health and wellbeing.

NHS inform is Scotland's national health information service helping the people in Scotland to make informed decisions about their own health and the health of the people they care for. Also includes a service directory with details of health and wellbeing services across Scotland.

Provides a youth and adult helpline and services to sufferers and carers of people with panic, anxiety, phobias and obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD). No Panic also offers advice, support, recovery programs and help.

notOK App® is a free digital panic button to get you immediate support via text, phone call, or GPS location when you’re struggling to reach out. Connect to trusted contacts when you need them most. Just open the app and press the large, red notOK® button.

PAPYRUS UK is a charity for the prevention of young suicide (under 35) and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people.

HOPELINEUK advisers want to work with you to understand why thoughts of suicide might be present. They provide a safe space to talk through anything happening in your life that could be impacting on your or anyone else’s ability to stay safe.

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.

A 24 hour support service for anyone who’s struggling to cope, who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure.

Samaritans supports schools, college communities and other youth settings through suicide with our postvention services, lesson plans and school talks.

A helpline and website to support anyone experiencing domestic abuse or forced marriage, as well as their family members, friends, colleagues and professionals who support them. A confidential, sensitive service, including an interpreting service, for anyone who calls.

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

Practical support, advice and a listening ear delivered through a direct services to help people rebuild their lives in a sustainable and meaningful way. The Scottish Refugee Council also works with communities and community groups. They speak out against an unjust asylum system and campaign for policy changes that make a positive difference to people’s lives.

See Me is Scotland's national programme to end mental health stigma and discrimination, encouraging people to take action to make a difference. You can be part of that change by joining a movement of thousands of people across Scotland.

Visit the See Us pages and get all the tools and resources you need to take action. 

Sign up to be part of the See Us movement and you'll receive an action activity pack, get updates on what is happening and how you can get involved, and receive our monthly See Change mail out, which focuses on where stigma exists and what you can do to tackle it.

Free online self-harm support for 10-17 year olds. Alumina groups are online support groups made up of up to 14 young people and 2 leaders, and meet online once a week for 7 weeks. They offer a friendly, inclusive, non-judgmental space offering tools and ideas to help you reflect on your journey and what might be the next right step for you, as you move towards a life free from self-harm. You don’t need an adult to refer you or sign you up, and no-one will see or hear you during the sessions – you’ll just join in via the chatbox.

Shout is the UK's first and only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.

Smiling Mind is a unique tool developed by psychologists and educators to help bring balance to your life through daily meditation and mindfulness exercises which you can practice from any device.

If you’re struggling and you’re not sure if you want to live or die, can you, just for now, hold off making this decision and visit this website for some ideas about how to get through. There may be things that you - and other people - can do to make things better.

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.

Honest information about drugs

The one stop shop for all you need to know about sleep. If you’re looking for advice on how to sleep better, would like tips on tweaking your routine or help to understand the science behind your sleep patterns, you’ll find it all here.

Time for You is an online wellbeing support service for anyone experiencing mild to moderate emotional or mental health difficulties aged 16 and over and living in Scotland. Time for You offers access to Wellbeing Coaching and Counselling for anyone experiencing symptoms that have a limited effect on their daily life.

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

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.

West Dunbartonshire Council Working4U service was established to improve the quality of lives of West Dunbartonshire residents by assisting them to overcome barriers to social and economic inclusion. Working 4U help people to access a wide range of employment, training and learning opportunities designed to help them overcome barriers, develop their skills and assist them in their journey towards work

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

This page provides an easy one stop access to a range of useful and informative sites that will provide you with guidance and support irrespective of the age of your child or young person.

Information on school and educational grants available within West Dunbartonshire.

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

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.

Free travel on any bus in any part of Scotland on registered bus services. You can travel on buses outside the area you live in using your card. How you apply depends on where you live and the age of the young person.

Information and opportunities for 11 to 26-year-olds in Scotland.

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.

Dyslexia Scotland is a national charity dedicated to empowering people with dyslexia across Scotland to reach their full potential. They provide expert support and resources for young people (aged 8–18), adults, parents, educators, and employers, including a free Addressing Dyslexia Toolkit to help schools identify and support learners with literacy difficulties.

The charity also offers a confidential helpline, training sessions, career guidance, and a national register of dyslexia tutors for one-to-one support. With local branch networks and advocacy efforts, Dyslexia Scotland promotes inclusive education and legal rights for people with dyslexia throughout Scotland.

A government-run website offering a comprehensive guide to financial and practical assistance available across Scotland during the cost of living crisis. It provides information on areas such as energy and household bills, benefits and income, debt and money management, support for children and families, health and wellbeing, and help for older or disabled individuals. The site also includes details on discounts and offers from businesses to help people make savings across groceries, retail, utilities, entertainment, travel, and more. Additionally, it directs users to local council support for urgent needs like food or fuel.

A not-for-profit financial co-operative serving residents and workers in the ‘G’ postcode area, including Dumbarton and Helensburgh. Members can access low-cost loans, savings accounts (including junior accounts for children), and online or mobile banking. With over 3,300 adult members and more than 1,300 junior savers, the Credit Union encourages financial wellbeing and safer borrowing in the community

NHS GGC information on mental health conditions, mental health advice, how you can support yourself or the people you care for, the services available to you and the range of interventions.

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

Being ‘Trauma Informed’ means being able to recognise when someone may be affected by trauma, collaboratively adjusting how we work to take this into account and responding in a way that supports recovery, does no harm and recognises and supports people's resilience.

This website provides access to evidence-based training, tools and guidance to support trauma-informed and responsive systems, organisations and workforces in Scotland. It aims to support everyone, in all sectors of the workforce, to know how to adapt the way we work to make a positive difference to anyone who has been impacted by psychological trauma and adversity.

Details of health and wellbeing services in Scotland. Includes GP practices, dental services and support groups.

STAF is Scotland's national membership organisation for all of those involved in the lives of young people leaving care. The site includes a page with information on financial support for both care leavers and care experienced young people.

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.

Skills Development Scotland provide a wide variety of information, advice and tools to help you get a job from their centres based in Dumbarton and Clydebank.

Stonewall Scotland works with education, employment and public services to ensure they develop better policies which will lead to better lives for LGBT people, whilst also campaigning for changes in legislation and attitudes.

The Promise Scotland supports Scotland to keep its promise to care experienced children and families. The promise is that Scotland's children and young people will grow up loved, safe and respected. To keep it, Scotland must bring about the change demanded by the Independent Care Review, built on what children and young people had to say.

A social movement of people from all across Scotland, united in a shared belief that each and every one of us has a role to play in preventing suicide.

Changing attitudes and behaviours so that disabled and vulnerable people can feel safe within their communities. Keep Safe is a network of safe places for anyone who may feel lost, scared or vulnerable when out in the community.

Includes information on a new app 'Keep Safe Kids' which brings together a selection of organisations who provide information and support for issues which may affect young people.

Also includes the I Am Me Learning Platform - an exciting suite of online resources supporting the Health & Wellbeing Experiences and Outcomes for Early Years, Primary & Secondary schools. Developed with, and for, children & young people.

This online resource contains quality assured substance misuse education resources to support staff working with young people in both education and community settings. Resources include lesson plans, resource packs and relevant websites.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Hub Scotland provide a support service for parents/ carers (adoptive and biological parents, foster carers, kinship carers and step parents) across Scotland who live with children, young people and young adults who have a history of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), with or without an FASD diagnosis.

This animation was developed by NHS Education for Scotland, in partnership with the Scottish Government. It is designed to be relevant to all workers within the Scottish workforce who work with children and young people. It aims to support staff to understand the impact of trauma and to know how to adapt the way they work to make a positive difference to the lives of children and young people affected by trauma.

This website provides resources for Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT).

CBT has been proven to help mental health problems. This website provides CBT self help and therapy resources, including worksheets and information sheets, plus videos and self help mp3s.

ADHD and You is a resource hub for people living with ADHD, as well as their families and carers. It offers practical tips, expert advice, and downloadable tools to help manage ADHD at home, school, and work.

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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Daylight is a free NHS-approved app for adults in Scotland to help manage anxiety using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). It offers short, daily exercises tailored to your needs, aiming to reduce worry and improve wellbeing over time. It's not for under-18s or those in crisis but can be a helpful tool for managing mild to moderate anxiety.
You can start today! (first part of your postcode is required when you sign up)

Helping children and young people stay safe online. Including guides and resources for a range of audiences
from parents, education, social work, healthcare, and more.

Social Security Scotland is responsible for managing the benefits that are devolved to Scotland, to make sure the people who need them get them correctly and fairly.

 You will find information on the benefits they are delivering and how to find out more about eligibility.

Working Families is the UK’s national charity for working parents and carers. Their mission is to remove the barriers that people with caring responsibilities face in the workplace.

They provide information and free legal advice to parents and carers on their rights at work. 

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.

An accessible and effective tool based on the science of music therapy with customised technologies designed for long-lasting positive impact on mind, body, and soul. Humm.ly is the first and only app to partner with the field of music therapy, emphasising the importance of providing content created by board-certified music therapists for music and meditation.

A website with courses you can do to improve your mental wellbeing. You can learn new ways to deal with the challenges you’re facing. Courses are available for students (16yrs+), adults, and parents/carers.

It is free, use the code Scotland2020 and an email address to sign up. 

Are you worried about online sexual abuse or the way someone has been communicating with you online? The CEOP are here to help and this website has advice for you. You can make a report directly to them if something has happened online which has made you feel unsafe, scared or worried.  They take all reports seriously and will will do everything they can to keep you safe.

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. 

Sleepio is a free, NHS-recommended digital treatment for insomnia and poor sleep
Sleepio delivers cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia in 10 minute sessions over six weeks
You can start today!

If you're facing challenges with drugs, alcohol or mental health and you don’t know where to turn, we’re here. Whether you need advice for yourself or a loved one, the journey starts with a step. When you’re ready to take it, we can help you along the path.

We Are With You Offers free, confidential support for young people aged 13 and over who are experiencing issues with drugs, alcohol or mental health via webchat, Monday to Friday 9am - pm; Weekends 10am - 4pm

Winston’s Wish is a charity that helps children, teenagers and young adults (up to the age of 25) find their feet when their worlds are turned upside down by grief.

Winston's Wish provides digital bereavement information, advice and support for young people across the UK who are grieving the death of someone important to them. They also help advise the adults who are caring for young grieving people including parents, school staff and healthcare professionals.

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.

A free, secure app for people experiencing stalking in Scotland. It helps you record incidents safely, keep the information off your phone, and request a report if you choose to share it with the police or for legal support.