Social Services

Listed below are some organisations / support groups that provide information and advice about Social Services.
Although the information was originally collected for use within the Linlithgow community we hope the list could be useful to others.

For further information on any of the organisations - just follow the website link/s or where there are no website links available email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Age Scotland

Provides information and advice to help older people understand their rights, make informed choices and access appropriate support. Information and advice on benefits, care and support, health and wellbeing, dementia, legal and family issues, money matters, housing and energy. Age Scotland Helpline and Friendship line 0800 12 44 222 Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm.

Age UK

Provides support, companionship, information and advice (money and legal, health and wellbeing, care and support, work and learning). Services include: day centres, befriending services, free weekly telephone friendship calls and a free Age Uk Advice Line 0800 678 1602.

Community Laundry ServiceThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Service providing laundering and delivery of sheets to people with medical conditions who are living at home and who require help. For more information e-mail us at the Help Centre  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

EARS Advocacy Service to Older PeopleThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Free, Confidential, Independent and Professional Advocacy Service for Older People throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Fatherhood InstituteThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The UK's fatherhood think tank. Wide range of information about / for fathers on issues such as maternity, employment, education, and government policy etc.

Health and Care Professions Council (hcpc)

Health and Care Professions Council keeps a register of health and care professionals. Is the regulator of the social work profession and social work education in England. They protect the public by requiring high standards of education, conduct and practice of all social workers. Email available through website.

Home Safety Service for the Elderly (and Frail)

West Lothian Service helping people to live as independently as possible and feel safe. Equipment installed. For information about this service access West Lothian Council's website and look under H within the A - Z services section.

Legal Services Agency (L.S.A)This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

LSA aims to assist those disadvantaged by poverty, exclusion, disability, ethnicity or social isolation etc. who suffer injustice.

Refuge National Crisis Line 24hour

Supports women and children through a range of services, including refuges, independent advocacy, community outreach and culturally specific services. 24-hour National Domestic Violence Freephone Helpline 0808 2000 247 

Royal Voluntary Service  

Helps support older people all over the country to stay independent at home and active in their community. Formerly W.R.V.S.

Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations  

National body for Scotland’s charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises.

Scottish Social Services Council  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Scottish Social Services Council is responsible for registering people who work in social services and regulating their education and training. Website has a searchable register and copy of Codes of Practice for Social Service Workers.

Scottish Women’s Aid 

Women’s Aid network that provides information and support for women, children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse across Scotland. This includes Scotland’s 24 hour Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline on 0800 027 1234.

Shelter England

Shelter is a charity that works to alleviate the distress caused by homelessness and bad housing.

Shelter Scotland

Shelter is a charity that works to alleviate the distress caused by homelessness and bad housing. Provides housing advice on: homelessness; finding a place to live; renting rights; eviction and repossession; repairs and bad conditions; families and neighbours.

ShelterlineThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Helpline run by Shelter.

The Trussell TrustThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Community projects - e.g. Foodbanks - tackling poverty and exclusion in the UK and Bulgaria.

West Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership  

Provides information about the services provided by West Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership. A partnership between West Lothian Council and NHS Lothian, which brings health and social care together. 

West Lothian Food Bank This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Supplies emergency food for local people in crisis. See also The Trussell Trust website.