We are signposting the key information and guidance resources relating to the COVID-19 outbreak for people living with dementia and their carers. Where possible we have included telephone and online contact options, as well as links to websites for access to the latest information.

The information on this page is specific to Scotland – although some of the organisations mentioned operate across the UK. Due to OCN’s work being focused in the Stirling area, we have also collated support information for this locality.

Checkout all of OCN’s resources for the COVID-19 outbreak. You can read how OCN is adapting its work over the coming weeks by reading this blog post.

We would urge that you use official NHS Scotland and Scottish Government guidance with regard to contacting the health services during the current COVID-19 outbreak. The following is currently advised:

• If you don’t have any symptoms and are looking for general information about COVID-19, phone the free NHS Inform helpline on 0800 028 2816. This is open from 8.00am to 10.00pm each day.
• If you have symptoms that do not improve after 7 days or worsen during home isolation – especially if you’re in a high or extremely high risk group – call 111.
• If you have a medical emergency, phone 999 and tell them you have COVID-19 symptoms.

The following national services are available to provide support, friendship and advice.  Not all of these are dementia specific.

Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline
Freephone service available from Monday to Friday 9am to 9pm and Saturday to Sunday 9am to 5pm.
Telephone: 0800 888 6678.
Email: helpline@dementiauk.org
Website: Dementia UK COVID-19 Information Hub

Age Scotland Helpine
Freephone service available from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
Telephone: 0800 12 44 222.
Email: helpline@agescotland.org.uk
Website: Age Scotland COVID-19 Information

Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Helpline
Freephone service available 24 hours a day.
Telephone: 0808 808 3000.
Email: helpline@alzscot.org
Website: Alzheimer Scotland COVID-19 Top Tips (PDF)

National COVID-19 Helpline (Scotland)
A national helpline is being set up to provide essential assistance to those who don’t have a network of support but who are at high risk of contracting COVID-19. It will initially operate from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Telephone: 0800 111 4000.

Royal Voluntary Service (RVS)
RVS services include a befriending service with telephone support.
Telephone: 0330 555 0310.
Email: via an online contact form
Website: Royal Voluntary Service COVID-19 Support

Scottish Government Shielding Support
The Government has guidance for support available to people who are sheilding as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Telephone: 0800 111 4000.
Website: Shielding Support and Contacts

The following local services are available to provide support, friendship and advice in the Forth Valley. Not all of these are dementia specific and please note that many of these groups will be extremely busy in the coming weeks so we will endeavour to let you know if any of them are unable to fulfil these services.

Alzheimer Scotland – Forth Valley
Alzheimer Scotland offers flexible information and support throughout the Forth Valley for both the person with dementia and their carers.
Telephone: 01786 831 171.
Email: falkirkservices@alzscot.org
Website: Alzheimer Scotland Forth Valley

Clackmannanshire Council Community Response
Clackmannanshire’s most vulnerable people can call or email the council’s community support team using the contact options below.
Telephone: 01259 452275 or
Email: communitysupport@clacks.gov.uk

Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface (CTSI)
CTSI signposts to local community services and general community support in Clackmannanshire.
Telephone: 01259 213 840.
Email: admin@ctsi.org.uk
Website: Clackmannanshire Community Care Guide

Food Train Delivery
Food Train Shopping Delivery can provide a weekly grocery delivery service where volunteers make up order in the local supermarket and deliver the groceries later that week. This costs £5 per delivery and there is a £1 annual membership charge.
Telephone: 01786 450 536.
Email: stirling@thefoodtrain.co.uk
Website: Food Train (Facebook)

Raploch Community Partnership
The Raploch Community Partnership provides various community services in the Raploch area.
Telephone: 07803 210104 or 07545 068942.
Email: info@raplochcorner.org.uk
Website: Raploch Community Partnership (Facebook)

Stirling Carers Centre
Stirling Carers Centre provides advice to carers in the Stirling area, including support in completing an Emergency Care Plan. People who are registered with the Carers Centre can also apply for a Forth Valley Carers Card.
Telephone: 01786 447003.
Email: info@stirlingcarers.co.uk
Website: Stirling Carers Centre (Facebook)

Stirling Citizens Advice Bureau
Stirling Citizens Advice has two lines operating 10am to 4pm from Monday to Friday. People can access advice on social security, universal credit, crisis food, money difficulties, energy problems, housing etc.
Telephone: 01786 470239 or 01786 451225
Email: sessionsupervisor@stirlingcab.casonline.org.uk

Stirling Council Community Response
A support network to help Stirling’s most vulnerable people has been launched by Stirling Council. This service is for residents who are ‘shielding’, in need of care, essential supplies or other essential services during the Coronavirus pandemic. Residents can contact Stirling Council and have their requirements formally recorded by the community response teams. The support line will open everyday between 8am and 8pm.
Telephone: 01786 404040.
Email: communitysupport@stirling.gov.uk or submit a request online

Town Break Stirling
Town Break is providing telephone befriending to its current group participants and their carers.
Telephone: 01786 641 841.
Email: Admin@townbreakstirling.org
Website: Town Break (Facebook)

The ongoing outbreak has severely disrupted local services. While you can still contact your council by telephone, it is recommended that you visit the council’s website for the latest information.

Clackmannanshire Council
Telephone: 01259 450000.
Website: Clackmannanshire Council COVID-19 updates

Falkirk Council
Telephone: 01324 506070.
Website: Falkirk Council COVID-19 updates

Stirling Council
Telephone: 01786 404040.
Website: Stirling Council COVID-19 updates

The following Stirlingshire community or mutual aid groups have been set up in direct response to the COVID-19 outbreak to offer support to those in their communities who need it. These are not registered service providers or non-profit organisations, but are volunteer run and co-ordinate their activities via Facebook. You should exercise the same caution as you would with any other Facebook contact when interacting with these groups.