The Harm Reduction Team is based in Coathill Hospital as part of the Coatbridge Social Work Locality, covering both North and South Lanarkshire. They provide services in clinics and satellite services across Lanarkshire.

Their philosophy is based firmly within a harm reduction and risk minimisation approach. This seeks first to reduce drug related harm, for example through providing clean injecting equipment (Needle Exchange Service) which may result in reduced drug use.

We aim to achieve a significant reduction in drug related deaths and reduce the sharing of injecting equipment.

This should result in reducing levels of blood borne virus infection, an improvement in personal health of drug users and improved general public health across North and South Lanarkshire.

The Harm Reduction service is open to anyone with a drug or alcohol problem, their family members or the wider community.

To find out clinic times, dates and opening hours by phoning any of the contact numbers below. Then simply walk in, drop in without the need for an appointment.

Our main office (non clinical) base is at:

Harm Reduction Team

Glen Nevis Unit

Coathill Hospital

Hospital Street

Coatbridge

ML5 4DN

Phone:  01236 707738

Fax:  01236 707776

For Outreach contact:

North: 0781 0153940

South: 0788 4454961

NHS Inform provide information and support on drinking and alcohol through their 'healthy-living' section online. For more information, please visit www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/alcohol.

You have suggested that you are at risk of getting confused or muddled when you go out and may not be able to find your way home. Often talking this over with an organisation or with someone who understands this difficulty can either allay your fears or give you advice on what to do.

Alzheimer’s Scotland can give helpful advice, this is not to say your memory loss is dementia related, however this service will be able to give you advice and guidance on helping with these issues.

Contact Information:

Organisation: Alzheimer's Scotland

Website: www.alzscot.org

Phone: 0808 808 3000

You have indicated that you do not go out as much as you used to because you don’t feel as comfortable talking to people. Often discussing this with an organisation or with someone who understands this difficulty can either allay your fears or give you advice on what to do.

Well informed is a service provided by North Lanarkshire Council. It is a relaxed and informal resource for people asking about mental health and well-being issues at a local level.

Contact Information:

Organisation: Well Informed

Website: www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk

Phone: 0800 073 0918

Associated materials

• Worcestershire mental health services

You have answered that you often forget mealtimes, or that you have already eaten. North Lanarkshire operates a meals on wheels service which would ensure meals are provided to you one to four times a week. Menus are varied and can accommodate special dietary requirements.

To find out more about the service you can visit www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk

Alternatively you can contact your local reception services:

Airdrie

• Email: AirdRecServices@northlan.gov.uk
• Phone: 01236 757000

Bellshill

• Email: BellRecServices@northlan.gov.uk
• Phone: 01698 346666

Coatbridge

• Email: CoatRecServices@northlan.gov.uk
• Phone: 01236 622100

Cumbernauld

• Email: CumbRecServices@northlan.gov.uk
• Phone: 01236 638700

Motherwell

• Email: MothRecServices@northlan.gov.uk
• Phone: 01698 332100

Shotts

• Email: ShottsRecServices@northlan.gov.uk
• Phone: 01501 824700

Wishaw

• Email: WishRecServices@northlan.gov.uk
• Phone: 01698 348200

You have mentioned that you may be feeling stressed or anxious due to a recent life event. If this is a result of your financial circumstances there is help and advice available at www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk

CABIA - Counselling & Benefits in Action

CABIA is a voluntary organisation which is dedicated to helping alleviate the severe pressures on people suffering financial hardship due to physical or mental disability and their carers.

Contact Information:

Organisation: CABIA

Address: 81 Hallcraig Street, Airdrie, ML6 6AW

Website: www.cabia.org.uk

Email: cabiateam@hotmail.co.uk

Phone: 01236 602 750 (Opening hours: Mon, Tues and Thurs 9:00 - 14:30)

You may also want to contact Citizens Advice Scotland for help and advice. You can find your local branch at: www.cas.org.uk/bureaux.

If you are feeling lonely and it is affecting your life, there are different things you can try that may help.

Visit the following NHS websites for numerous suggestions on how you can try to overcome loneliness: www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/feeling-lonely/ or  https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/lifes-challenges/loneliness/.

You have answered that you don’t go out as often as you used to as you don’t feel as steady or you cannot walk as far as you need to. You may find a shopmobility service which provides scooters and wheelchairs helpful.

Shopmobility in North Lanarkshire gives people with limited mobility the opportunity to access their town centre shops and leisure facilities with freedom and independence.

Contact Information:

Organisation: Shopmobility

Website: www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk

Coatbridge: 01236 605799

Motherwell: 01698 303199