Civilian Life in the Scottish Borders

SUPPORT FOR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES IN THE SCOTTISH BORDERS FOREWORD SCOTTISH VETERANS’ COMMISSIONER

“I am delighted to endorse this guide for veterans produced by Scottish Borders Council. As part of my role as Scottish Veterans’ Commissioner I am always seeking opportunities to promote veterans and their families as assets to a community and ensure they have sufficient information to make informed choices about their future when they leave the services. Scottish Borders Council and their partners are ahead of the curve – they are already well aware of the benefits ex-service personnel and their families can bring to the area and I have seen at first hand the excellent support they provide. I am sure this guide will help to reinforce the Borders as a destination of choice for service leavers.”

Eric Fraser

FOREWORD COUNCILLOR JOHN GREENWELL VETERANS CHAMPION, SCOTTISH BORDERS COUNCIL

I am delighted to present this revised version of the ‘The Civilian Life in the Scottish Borders’ guide. The previous guide was well received and needed to be updated to reflect new services and changes to services.

Given the contribution Armed Forces Veterans have given to the country, they and their families have the right to access high quality healthcare, housing, education, transport services, and support and access to employment opportunities. This guide will assist them in doing this.

I know at first hand the needs of veterans and importance of signposting to the right service. The guide has been designed to provide useful and practical information on a range of topics that will help veterans to settle, feel supported and play an active part in community life in the Scottish Borders

In the preparation of the guide information has been provided by a range of organisations including Veterans Scotland, Scottish Borders Council, NHS Borders, Registered Social Landlords, Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Borders College, and the Voluntary Sector. I would like to thank them all for their contribution.

John Greenwell

WELCOME TO THE SCOTTISH BORDERS | INFORMATION GUIDE | 3 Courtesy of VisitScotland Borders www.visitscottishborders.com Borders of VisitScotland Courtesy

CONTENTS Civilian Life in the Scottish Borders 5

SECTION A Specific support available for veterans and their families 9 HOUSING - Housing for Scottish Veterans 9 - The Scottish Veterans Garden City Association 9 - Joint Service Housing Advice Office (JSHAO) 10 - Single Person Accommodation Centre for the Ex-Services (SPACE) 10 - Low Cost Initiative for First Time buyers (LIFT) 10 - Disabled adaptation works 11 General information 11 Registered Social Landlords 11 Border Choice Homes – Homehunt™ 12 Scottish Borders Housing Association Homechoice 15 Scottish Housing Options (SHOP) 15 Homelessness services 15 Scottish Borders Council’s Domestic Abuse Advocacy Support (DAAS) Service 16 Deposit Guarantee Scheme 17 Housing benefit 17

SECTION B Specific support available for veterans and their families 19 EMPLOYMENT The Career Transition Partnership (CTP) 19 - RFEA - The Forces Employment Charity 19 - Offices Association Scotland 19 - Jobcentre Plus Champions for Armed Forces 20 Jobcentre Plus 20 Skills Development Scotland 20 Self employment 21 Financial services 22

SECTION C Health Centres and Surgeries 23 Specific support available for veterans HEALTHCARE and their families 25 - Priority health treatment 25 - Mental health 25 - Prosthetic limb provision 25 - NHS waiting list 25 - Ministry of Defence Medical Assessment Programme (MAP) 25

WELCOME TO THE SCOTTISH BORDERS | INFORMATION GUIDE | 5 SECTION C Organisations providing help and support to veterans 26 HEALTHCARE - Combat Stress 26 - Big White Wall 26 - Rivers Centre for Traumatic Stress 27 - Sensory services team 27 Veterans F1rst Point (V1P) 27 NHS 24 28 Accident and emergency dept at Borders General Hospital, Melrose 28 NHS Borders Dental Service 28 Borders sexual health services 29 Mental health services 29 General health advice and information 30 Health Rights Information Scotland 31

SECTION D School education 33 Early learning and Childcare 33 EDUCATION, Specific support available for veterans and their families 34 SKILLS AND - Education Scholarship Scheme 34 TRAINING - Enhanced Learning Credits 35 Further education and training 36 Learning in the community 36 Adult literacy 37 English for Speakers of Other Languages 38 Internet access/public libraries 39

SECTION E Specific support available for veterans and their families 43 WELFARE ADVICE Social Work services 50 Welfare and Benefits Service 51 AND SUPPORT Contact Centres 51 Citizens Advice 52 Samaritans 53 Online Borders 54 Border Women’s Aid 54 Domestic Abuse Advocacy Support Service 55 Victim Support 56 Drugs, alcohol and substance abuse support agencies 57

SECTION F Police 59 Fire and Rescue service 59 USEFUL NHS 24 helpline 60 Scottish Borders Council CONTACT Social Work Services 60 NUMBERS Antisocial Behaviour Team 60 SECTION G Scottish Borders Council 61 Community Councils 61 COMMUNITY Community centres 61 Borders Equality Forum 62 INVOLVEMENT Churches and places of worship 62 AND Gypsy/travelling people 62 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender groups 63 VOLUNTEERING Sport and leisure centres 63 Volunteer Centre Borders 64 Councils for Volunteer Service Network 64 Youth work services 65 Alternative format/language 66

SECTION A HOUSING

SPECIFIC SUPPORT AVAILABLE FOR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES

Many service personnel can HOUSING FOR SCOTTISH face difficulty in finding a home VETERANS on discharge. You may not have Housing and accommodation for enough money for a mortgage, Veterans and their dependants require special adaptations or in Scotland is provided by a have no connection to the area number of independent charitable where you would like to live. organisations. All of these organisations are members of The Scottish Government's Veterans Scotland and they work leaflet 'A Scottish Housing together to provide the best Guide for people leaving the possible service to Veterans and Armed Forces and ex-serving their dependants. personnel' has useful guidance on housing options in Scotland, THE SCOTTISH VETERANS answering some of the questions you may have and offers GARDEN CITY ASSOCIATION information on support and advice The Scottish Veterans' Garden available. You can download a City Association (SVGCA) has 35 copy of this at www.gov.scot/ properties for rent in the Scottish Resource/0041/00418039.pdf Borders. SVGCA is a Scottish- based Charity providing rented Your options depend on where housing for permanently disabled you want to live, your needs and ex-servicemen and women, your situation. These options Merchant Navy, Police and Fire could include renting a property Service personnel throughout privately or through a Council Scotland - and have been doing so housing association (sometimes for more than 95 years. Scottish known as a Registered Social Borders Housing Association Landlord) or an ex-service (SBHA) currently manages 27 personnel charity, or buying a of these properties located in property. Hawick, Newtown St Boswells,

WELCOME TO THE SCOTTISH BORDERS | INFORMATION GUIDE | 9 Walkerburn, Innerleithen SINGLE PERSON and Peebles. The others are ACCOMMODATION CENTRE managed by Berwickshire FOR THE EX-SERVICES Housing Association. (SPACES) Housing Application Process This service is designed to If you think you might be eligible help single ex-regulars find and are interested in housing appropriate accommodation with SVGCA or any of the other when they leave the armed housing charities, please visit forces. Through this service the www.veteransscotland.org.uk project reduces the likelihood of and complete the central housing ex-service personnel becoming register on-line application homeless or sleeping rough after form. Alternatively you can call discharge. Veterans Scotland direct on 0131 550 1595. SPACES is a project based within the Resettlement/Welfare The Scottish Veterans' Garden complex at Catterick Garrison, City Association (Inc) North Yorkshire. It provides New Haig House an accommodation placement Logie Green Road service for single personnel Edinburgh being discharged from all EH7 4HQ three services. SPACES works Tel: 0131 557 1188 alongside JSHAO. Fax: 0131 557 5819 email: [email protected] Tel: 01748 833797 www.housesforheroes.org.uk email: [email protected] www.spaces.org.uk JOINT SERVICE HOUSING LOW COST INITIATIVE FOR ADVICE OFFICE (JSHAO) FIRST TIME BUYERS (LIFT) The JSHAO is set up to provide LIFT is a Scottish Government service personnel and their initiative to help households get families with information and onto the housing ladder and aims advice on housing options, in to help first-time buyers, such as particular those about to return people living in social housing; to civilian life. people in the Armed Forces or www.gov.uk/housing-for- veterans; widows, widowers service-personnel-and-families

10 | WELCOME TO THE SCOTTISH BORDERS | INFORMATION GUIDE INTRODUCTION | HOUSING | EMPLOYMENT | HEALTHCARE | EDUCATION, SKILLS AND TRAINING WELFARE ADVICE AND SUPPORT | CONTACTS | COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND VOLUNTEERING and other partners of service DISABLED ADAPTATION personnel, and people living in WORKS private rented housing or with Following assessment and relatives. recommendation by a local social worker or NHS occupational LIFT initiatives include: therapist a request can be made • New Supply Shared Equity - to for Disabled Adaptation works allow first time buyers to buy with grant funding assistance. a new build property from a This applies to private owners housing association. and private tenants where • Open Market Shared Equity the applicant will qualify for a - to allow first time buyers to minimum 80% grant or may buy a property on the open qualify for a grant of between market. 80% and 100%, depending on an income assessment. Further information on the above initiatives is available Tenants of Registered Social from Scottish Borders Council Landlords who require works and Registered Social Landlords need to be assessed by a social (local Housing Associations). worker or an NHS occupational Contact details are listed further therapist. These works are on in this section. arranged by the landlord and funded through Government For veterans who have been grants. seriously injured, Registered Social Landlords can offer Both the above services are additional flexibility to make it conditional on funding availability easier for people to purchase a and priority placed by your bigger property than they would occupational therapist following normally be entitled to, or by assessment. reducing the minimum stake they need to purchase, ensuring that For more information on an individual property meets your Disability Adaptations call: requirements. The Social Work Duty Hub Tel: 0300 100 1800

Borders Care & Repair Tel: 01750 724895

WELCOME TO THE SCOTTISH BORDERS | INFORMATION GUIDE | 11 PRIVATE LANDLORDS *Rents will vary according to Private accommodation is location and facilities in the advertised in weekly local property, such as central heating, newspapers. These include the: double glazing, extra bathrooms • Berwickshire News and garden. (published on Thursdays) • Border Telegraph All private landlords must be (published on Wednesdays) registered with Scottish Borders • Hawick News Council. For your own protection, (published on Fridays) you should not rent property • Peeblesshire News from a private landlord who is (published on Fridays) not registered. Call the Housing • Selkirk Weekend Advertiser Strategy Team at Scottish Borders (published on Fridays) Council on 01835 825169 to find out • Southern Reporter if a landlord is registered. (published on Thursdays). For more information on your You can also find accommodation rights, your lease/tenancy through local estate agents and agreement or your landlord’s solicitors who publish the free responsibilities you can: Border Solicitors Property Guide, • visit www.scotborders.gov.uk/ available from solicitors’ offices life/housingservices/index.html and branches of most banks. • call Shelter on Freephone 0808 Details are also available on the 800 4444, (9am - 5pm), Monday website www.bspc.co.uk to Friday.

In 2015 you should be paying the REGISTERED SOCIAL following for a property or room LANDLORDS (also known as (this is a guide only): Housing Associations) Social rented accommodation Property type/size provides affordable homes for 1 bedroom flat people in housing need and Housing £250 - £400 per month* Associations are the main providers 2/3 bedroom flat of affordable social housing for £295 - £600 per month* people in the Scottish Borders. 2/3 bedroom townhouse Each Housing Association allocates £375 - £625 per month* their homes according to their 3/4 bedroom detached house rules set out in their Allocations £550 - £950 per month* Policy and decide who gets housed

12 | WELCOME TO THE SCOTTISH BORDERS | INFORMATION GUIDE INTRODUCTION | HOUSING | EMPLOYMENT | HEALTHCARE | EDUCATION, SKILLS AND TRAINING WELFARE ADVICE AND SUPPORT | CONTACTS | COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND VOLUNTEERING based on the priority awarded to These Housing Associations award applicants from the information priority for housing to serving they provide on their application personnel and their families form. Your priority will be based planning on leaving the armed on your housing need and forces or those who have recently situation. Generally, the higher left and wish to return to the your priority, the more likely you Scottish Borders to live, subject to are to be offered a home, but this specific criteria being met. also depends on the needs of other people on the housing list Some Housing Associations in and the size and type of houses the Scottish Borders also provide that become available. mid-market rental homes which are aimed at helping households For a full list of housing providers on modest incomes to rent in the Scottish Borders, visit accommodation at an affordable www.scotborders.gov.uk/ level. As well as lower rents directory/27/registered_ than the private rental market, landlords_and_housing_ mid-market rent offers tenants associations. Several of the assurance that they will be housing providers on this getting a good quality home with a site specialise in providing landlord who offers high standards accommodation for older people of service. and those with special needs or disabilities. To apply for a Housing Association home you should contact your The four main housing preferred housing provider for associations with homes in the information and advice about their Scottish Borders are: application process.

Berwickshire Housing BORDER CHOICE HOMES - Association HOMEHUNT™ Tel: 01361 884 000 Berwickshire Housing Association, Eildon Housing Association ltd Eildon Housing Association and Tel: 0845 604 3733 Waverley Housing, along with Cairn Scottish Borders Housing Housing Association (a national Association Ltd housing provider) advertise their Tel: 01750 724444 vacant properties through Borders Waverley Housing Choice Homes. Tel: 01450 364200

WELCOME TO THE SCOTTISH BORDERS | INFORMATION GUIDE | 13 You can register with Borders WAVERLEY HOUSING Choice Homes online at www. Hawick (Head Office) homehunt.info or by contacting 51 North Bridge Street, TD9 9PX one of the participating landlords. Tel: 01450 364237 Properties available for rent are www.waverley-housing.co.uk advertised each week in the press (Berwickshire News and Southern SCOTTISH BORDERS Reporter), in participating HOUSING ASSOCIATION landlords’ offices and on freephone 0800 587 4868. (SBHA) - HOMECHOICE With over 5800 affordable rental If you would like to speak to houses throughout the Scottish someone for more information, Borders, Scottish Borders Housing contact any of the Borders Home Association (SBHA) is the largest Choice housing associations: operating Registered Social Landlord in the Scottish Borders BERWICKSHIRE HOUSING with approximately 700 homes becoming available to let each year, ASSOCIATION LTD across a range of types and size. Duns (Head Office) 55 Newtown Street SBHA lets its houses through the Tel: 01361 884 000 SBHA HomeChoice allocations system. Homes available to rent Eyemouth from SBHA are advertised on 38 Church Street SBHA’s HomeChoice website at Tel: 01890 750888 www.sbhahomechoice.org.uk, www.berwickshirehousing.org.uk on facebook www.facebook.com/pages/SBHA- EILDON HOUSING HomeChoice/785422111538869 ASSOCIATION and in all SBHA Offices and weekly Selkirk in the local press including the The Weaving Shed, Ettrick Mill, Southern Reporter and the Hawick Dunsdale Road, TD7 5EB News. Reception: Tel: 01750 725900 Customer Services: SBHA HomeChoice offers you a Tel: 0845 604 3733 quicker and easier way to register www.eildon.org.uk for housing by completing a simple application form either online at

14 | WELCOME TO THE SCOTTISH BORDERS | INFORMATION GUIDE INTRODUCTION | HOUSING | EMPLOYMENT | HEALTHCARE | EDUCATION, SKILLS AND TRAINING WELFARE ADVICE AND SUPPORT | CONTACTS | COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND VOLUNTEERING www.sbhahomechoice.org.uk or by SCOTTISH HOUSING returning a completed form to any OPTIONS (SHOP) SBHA office. Once registered, you SHOP is a national common can apply for properties advertised housing register developed by at any time (24 hours a day, 7 days a Bield, Hanover (Scotland) and week) either by visiting the website, Trust Housing Associations, using the SBHA HomeChoice who provide housing options for automated bidline by telephoning people, including some designed 0845 873 6464 or visiting the specifically for older people. website. The aim of SHOP is to make If you are interested in housing applying for housing as simple with SBHA and would like as possible. Only one single further information and advice application is needed to apply on your housing situation, for all three associations, please contact SBHA by emailing which manage more than 400 [email protected] developments - around 10,000 or contacting any SBHA Office where properties across 30 council areas staff will be happy to help you. in Scotland. email: info@ SCOTTISH BORDERS scottishhousingoptions.org HOUSING ASSOCIATION LTD Selkirk (Head Office) Bield Housing Association South Bridge House, Whinfield Road Tel: 0131 273 4000 TD7 5DT Tel: 01750 724444 Hanover (Scotland) Housing Association Galashiels Office Tel: 0131 557 7404 2-12 Church Street TD1 3JN Trust Housing Association Tel: 01896 662870 Tel: 0131 444 1200

Hawick Office HOMELESSNESS SERVICES West Port, Drumlanrig Square Scottish Borders Council operates TD9 0BG this specialist service. It offers Tel: 01450 360650 support and advice on all matters www.sbha.org.uk relating to homelessness and re- housing. All offices open: Mon-Thurs 08:45 – 17:00 Fri – 08:45 – 15:45

WELCOME TO THE SCOTTISH BORDERS | INFORMATION GUIDE | 15 The office can be contacted at: Scottish Borders Children1st Paton Street Domestic Abuse Community Galashiels Support service provides long TD1 3AS term practical and emotional Tel: 01896 661385 support to adults (men and Freephone: 0800 376 1138 women) and children/young people to support their recovery Making an appointment is from domestic abuse. Available recommended. Office hours are: across the Scottish Borders, Mon – Thurs 08:45 – 17:00 the service provides face to face Fri 08:45 – 15:45 and telephone support, is a confidential service and free to Information and advice relating to access. Contact Children1st on homelessness is free. But you may 01750 22892. have to meet criteria to get funding for accommodation. Shelter Scotland helps over half a million people a year struggling SCOTTISH BORDERS with bad housing or homelessness COUNCIL’S DOMESTIC ABUSE by providing free legal and impartial advice in confidence to ADVOCACY SUPPORT (DAAS) anyone with a housing problem. SERVICE Call Shelterline Freephone The Domestic Abuse Advocacy 0808 800 4444 from 09:00 - 17:00, Support (DAAS) Service is a Monday to Friday. dedicated service established to support victims of domestic abuse Scottish Borders Council gives and in particular, high risk cases housing information and advice on in the Scottish Borders. The DAAS a wide range of housing subjects, Service will take referrals for both such as: female and male victims of domestic • information on your housing abuse. You can phone DAAS directly options and local housing for confidential advice, support and providers information on 01835 825024. • information on housing issues, such as rent arrears or If you are a woman who is homeless AntiSocial Behaviour through escaping domestic abuse • advice on what to do if you are you can contact: homeless or threatened with • Borders Women Aid on homelessness. 01835 863514 • The National Domestic Abuse Visit www.scotborders.gov.uk/ Helpline on 0800 027 1234. Life/housingservices/index.html

DEPOSIT GUARANTEE Prospective tenants will not be SCHEME eligible if they have: The Deposit Guarantee Scheme • rent arrears on previous tenancies (DGS) helps people who are • been served with an Antisocial homeless or who are at risk of Behaviour Order becoming homeless to secure • other reasons that may jeopardise private rented sector housing. access to a tenancy. You need to meet certain criteria. Information is provided by Scottish For more information visit: Borders Council’s Homelessness www.scotborders.gov.uk/info/1053/ Services Team (contact details private_housing/439/deposit_ provided in the previous section). guarantee_scheme

Some tenants who want to rent HOUSING BENEFIT privately cannot afford to pay the Housing Benefit is available to deposit required by landlords. Under people on a low income and who the Deposit Guarantee Scheme, require assistance to pay their rent. Scottish Borders Council provides Eligibility depends on individual a guarantee that the deposit will be circumstances but you can find out paid if any damage is done to the whether you are likely to qualify by property while the tenant is living using the calculator available at there. www.scotborders.gov.uk/ benefitscalculator/wbc.html Additional benefits for landlords include help with drawing up For further information you should tenancy agreements and making contact Customer Service staff at inventories and inspection checklists Scottish Borders Council on 0300 for properties, as well as information 100 1800 or by visiting your nearest and advice on good practice. Council Contact Centre (details on page 40). Who is eligible? The prospective tenant must be Your local citizens advice bureaux homeless or at risk of becoming (CAB) can also give you information homeless and be able to provide and advice to help you access all the evidence of the following: benefits you are entitled to. You can • a low income find out where your local CAB office • eligible for housing benefit is on their website, www.cas.org.uk, • unable to raise the full rent or you can visit www.adviceguide. deposit by own means org.uk/scotland, their information • have difficulty in accessing social website. housing.

SECTION B EMPLOYMENT

SPECIFIC SUPPORT AVAILABLE FOR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES

THE CAREER TRANSITION RFEA – THE FORCES PARTNERSHIP (CTP) EMPLOYMENT CHARITY The Career Transition Partnership Along with the Officers’ Association delivers free resettlement services and Officers’ Association to all ranks of the British Armed (Scotland), RFEA delivers the Forces, to make the transition employment arm of the CTP, from military to civilian life providing job-finding assistance to as smooth and successful as all leavers of the Armed Forces. possible. Depending on length of This support includes advice and service, the CTP provides flexible guidance on the local job market, support from two years before CV and interview techniques and discharge, through to two years job matching, and is available after, including careers guidance, from the day of discharge without workshops, vocational training restriction of time thereafter. and access to employers who Further information can be found value the considerable skills and at www.rfea.org.uk experience ex-military personnel bring to the civilian workplace. OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION Service leavers should speak to (OA) (SCOTLAND) their Service Resettlement Adviser As part of the CTP’s employment to check eligibility and register. For arm, the Officers’ Association more information on the Career (Scotland) provides professional, Transition Partnership, visit impartial and practical advice www.ctp.org.uk to commissioned officers and ex-officers on all aspects of transition and employment. The OA (Scotland) delivers a detailed one to one package which as well

WELCOME TO THE SCOTTISH BORDERS | INFORMATION GUIDE | 19 as providing relevant contacts JOBCENTRE PLUS from their network, seeks Jobcentre Plus has thousands of to refine skills such as self- new jobs available every week. You appraisal interview techniques and can also look for voluntary work preparation, networking and CV which can help you develop and construction. Further information learn new skills while you’re looking can be found at for a new job. www.oascotland.org.uk The central contact number for all JOBCENTRE PLUS ARMED three offices in the Scottish Borders FORCES CHAMPIONS is 0845 6043719 or 0345 6043719. Jobcentre Plus has one of Britain’s Contact numbers for specific largest databases of job vacancies, enquiries such as new and existing which is updated constantly. benefit claims, getting a National Launched in 2010, regional Armed Insurance number, Universal Forces Champions offer a link Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, between Jobcentre Plus and the Income Support, Incapacity Benefit, Armed Forces community. The Maternity Allowance and more can Champions are the main point of be found at: www.gov.uk/contact- contact for the Armed Forces to jobcentre-plus tackle issues or problems relating to employment and work-related To find JobCentre Plus offices benefits, such as Jobseeker’s elsewhere visit Allowance. www.gov.uk/jobsearch

In the Scottish Borders, Jobcentre SKILLS DEVELOPMENT Plus can be found at: SCOTLAND Skills Development Scotland • New Reiver House, High provides you with all the advice Street, Galashiels TD1 1TD and guidance necessary to get the • 5-9 North Bridge Street, right job or develop your career. Hawick TD9 9RH Whether you’re at the stage of • Upper HoundLaw, Eyemouth choosing subjects at school, TD14 5BS selecting training, furthering your education, deciding upon a career or managing your career, you will be helped to uncover new opportunities to fulfil your potential. For further information visit www.skillsdevelopmentscotland. co.uk

Skills Development Scotland has Starting your business could be the offices in Galashiels and Hawick best career move you ever make, and operates drop-in centres but it’s not something you should in Peebles, Kelso, Duns and do without taking advice. At Eyemouth. You must call 01896 Business Gateway, you can access 754884 to book an appointment for a range of professional resources, all the centres. support and tools, all of which are designed to help you learn new Waukrigg Mill, Duke St, Galashiels skills, create opportunities and Tel: 01896 754884 or develop your idea or business. 0800 917 8000 Monday 10:00 – 12:30 Within the Scottish Borders, 13:30 – 17:00 Business Gateway have a range Wednesday and Friday of free workshops which can help 09:00 – 12.30 you develop your business concept, 13:30 – 17.00 ensuring you know the areas to be researched, and you have 12 Howegate, Hawick addressed any legal obligations Tel: 01450 372724 or including tax and business 0800 917 8000 insurance. Tuesday and Thursday 09:30 – 12:30 With regard to further support 13:30 – 17:00 available, Business Gateway will Recruitment opportunities within highlight any potential financial local authorities can be found by and advisery support channels visiting available including Princes Trust www.myjobscotland.gov.uk Youth Business Scotland, Skills Development Scotland, and the SELF-EMPLOYMENT government’s New Enterprise Business Gateway Allowance Scheme to ensure that If you dream of being your own you and your business receive boss and starting your own the most appropriate support business, but not quite sure how to available. make it happen, Business Gateway can help make it happen with you. To find out how Business Gateway The team of enthusiastic Business Scottish Borders can help your Advisers will work with you, business visit www.bgateway. providing free impartial advice, com/scottishborders, or call our information and support to help local office on 01835 818 315. you through the start-up process.

WELCOME TO THE SCOTTISH BORDERS | INFORMATION GUIDE | 21 If you want to start your own If you are self-employed you will business you need to register have full free rights of movement with HM Revenue & Customs and can apply for an EU Residence (Inland Revenue), either as soon Permit which can be downloaded as you start marketing your from www.ukba.homeoffice. gov.uk business, or as soon as you start An information message by the UK trading. Call its helpline on 0845 Border Agency is available by calling 915 4515 for advice on the steps 0870 241 0645. you need to take, or visit www.hmrc.gov.uk FINANCIAL SERVICES Capital Credit Union is a not for profit If you are self-employed, the member owned financial cooperative income tax you will need to providing savings plans, lending pay will be based on your own facilities and insurance services assessment of your income, for anyone living or working within which will then be checked by the Edinburgh, Lothian and the Scottish Inland Revenue. You also have Borders. You can call the Capital to pay National Insurance under Credit Union on a different classification from 0131 225 9901. employed people. Information on setting up business for Capital Credit Union yourself can be found on the HM 62 Hamilton Place Revenues and Benefits website Edinburgh page www.gov.uk/browse/ EH3 5AZ business/setting-up Email: enquiries@ capitalcreditunion.com It is important that you get www.capitalcreditunion.com professional advice as early as possible so that your business is legal and you are aware of your responsibilities.

Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce also provides services and information to help local businesses email: enquiries@ borderschamber.org.uk or visit www.borderschamber.com

SECTION C HEALTHCARE

MEDICAL Apart from emergencies, GP The route into all medical care Practices do not operate a in the NHS is via a General ‘walk-in’ service and may have Practitioner (GP.) All veterans and different consulting hours, so families should register with a you should call or go to the local GP Practice once you arrive reception to register and get in the area. If you are on leave or information on making an a temporary resident, treatment appointment. When registering, can be sought as a ‘temporary inform the receptionist that you resident’. Please note: A GP is are a member or ex-member of like your Resident Medical officer the Armed Forces or a Forces (RMO) – if you do not register with dependant. It is in your interests one you will not gain access to the to declare it. healthcare you need.

GPs operate from Health Centres and GP Surgeries in most of the Border towns and villages. Each GP Practice covers a defined area so that patient needs can be met appropriately. The Practice you approach will advise you if you fall within their area or will need to register with a neighbouring Practice.

WELCOME TO THE SCOTTISH BORDERS | INFORMATION GUIDE | 23 HEALTH CENTRES AND SURGERIES

The GP Practices within NHS Borders are:

Merse Medical Practice South Crofts, Chirnside 01890 818253 Coldstream Medical Practice Kelso Road, Coldstream 01890 882711 Merse Medical Practice The Knoll, Station Road, Duns 01361 885030 Duns Medical Group The Knoll, Station Road, Duns 01361 885040 Earlston Medical Practice Kidgate, Earlston 01896 848333 Eyemouth Medical Practice Houndlaw Park, Eyemouth 01890 750599 Waverly Medical Practice Currie Road, Galashiels 01896 661350 Braeside Medical Practice Currie Road, Galashiels 01896 661360 The Ellwyn Practice Currie Road, Galashiels 01896 661355 Glenfield Medical Practice Currie Road, Galashiels 01896 661363 Roxburgh Street Surgery Roxburgh Street, Galashiels 01896 752557 Greenlaw Surgery Duns Road, Greenlaw 01361 810216 Teviot Medical Practice Teviot Road, Hawick 01450 370999 The O’Connell Street Medical Practice O’Connell Street, Hawick 01450 372276 St Ronan’s Health Practice Buchan Place, Innerleithen 01896 830203 Jedburgh Medical Practice Queen Street, Jedburgh 01835 863361 Kelso Medical Group Practice Inch Road, Kelso 01573 224424 Stow & Lauder Health Crofts Road, Lauder 01578 718670 Melrose Health Centre St Dunstan’s Park, Melrose 01896 822161 Newcastleton Medical Practice Moss Road, Newcastleton 013873 75100 The Neidpath Practice Neidpath Road, Peebles 01721 720380 The Tweed Practice Neidpath Road, Peebles 01721 720601 Eildon Surgery Auction Mart, Newtown St 01835 822777 Boswells Selkirk Medical Practice Viewfield Lane, Selkirk 01750 21674 Stow & Lauder Health Station Road, Stow 01896 661440 West Linton Medical Practice Deanfoot Road, West Linton 01968 660808

For information about all medical services in the Borders and how to register with a GP visit www.nhsborders.scot.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/

SPECIFIC SUPPORT AVAILABLE FOR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES

PRIORITY HEALTH standard of ‘state of the art’ TREATMENT prosthetics from NHS Scotland to All Veterans receive priority that provided by the MOD Defence access to NHS primary (GP and Medical Services. community services), secondary (consultant specialist services) and NHS WAITING LIST tertiary (specialist centres outside Service personnel and their Scottish Borders) care for any families who move within Scotland conditions likely to be related to or across the UK will have their their service. This includes those previous waiting time taken into not in receipt of a war pension account with the expectation that and those who have served as treatment will be within national reservists, and is subject to waiting time standards. individual clinical needs. All GPs in the Scottish Borders are aware of THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE their obligation to provide priority MEDICAL ASSESSMENT treatment to Veterans. PROGRAMME (MAP) MENTAL HEALTH The Ministry of Defence Veterans and Reserves Mental Health Arrangements for access to Programme (MAP) provides specialist mental health services general medical examinations for for Veterans resident in Scotland those deployed on any operation have been extended and simplified. since 1982. This includes: Please see information on Combat • The Falklands conflict Stress and Big White Wall (details • Operation GRANBY (the on page 24). 1990/91 Gulf conflict) • Porton Down Volunteers PROSTHETIC LIMB (PDV-Government and Military PROVISION Research Facility) The Prosthetic Limb project • Operation TELIC (the Iraq started at NHS Lothian deployment) Rehabilitation to ensure that • Operation HERRICK (the Veterans who lose limbs whilst current operation in on active service receive a similar Afghanistan)

WELCOME TO THE SCOTTISH BORDERS | INFORMATION GUIDE | 25 The MAP also provides mental multi-disciplinary team who have health assessments for those specialised knowledge of military Veterans concerned that they related PTSD. There are also two have a service related mental community outreach teams who health problem that is not fully visit Veterans in their own homes. understood within the NHS. www.combatstress.org.uk

Referrals to the MAP are made Hollybush House via your GP and where possible Veterans Treatment Centre all NHS and service medical Hollybush, Ayr KA6 7EA records are obtained and read Tel: 01292 561 322 before you are seen. Costs for email: contactus@combatstress. Veterans and if required, their org.uk carers, are covered by the service, including overnight BIG WHITE WALL accommodation and travel. Big White Wall is a free web-based support network which offers: Helpline: 0800 0326258 • A community of thousands email: [email protected] providing peer support. • Talk therapy in community, ORGANISATIONS groups and one-to-one. • Creative self expression PROVIDING HELP AND through art and writing ADVICE SPECIFICALLY TO therapies. VETERANS • Guided groups informed by (further details are also provided recognised therapies such in the Welfare Advice and Support as cognitive behaviour and section on page 41) interpersonal therapies. • Relationship building using COMBAT STRESS online social networking Combat Stress looks after practices. Veterans with a wide range of • Extensive Useful Stuff for mental health issues related self-managing psychological directly to their service, including distress. those suffering from Post- • Member safety through Traumatic Stress Disorder anonymity and 24/7 facilitation (PTSD). The treatment centre at from trained staff. Hollybush near Ayr offers short- • Accessible at any time of day or stay treatment, administered by night. a highly trained and qualified For more information visit www.bigwhitewall.com

RIVERS CENTRE FOR some equipment to help with TRAUMATIC STRESS daily living and in certain cases, The Centre offers assessment financial assistance. and treatment of psychological reactions to trauma including Social Work PTSD, major depression and Borders General Hospital other anxiety disorders. They Melrose TD6 9BS offer help to people who have Tel: 01896 826272 experienced traumatic events. Fax: 01896 826270 SMS Text Messaging: All NHS referrals will be made 07747 456831 through a General Practitioner or email: sensoryservices@ Psychiatrist. scotborders.gov.uk Self-referrals are not accepted. VETERANS F1RST POINT The Rivers Centre (V1P) Tipperlinn House, Veterans First Point is committed Tipperlinn Road to learning from you in order Royal Edinburgh Hospital to improve the services they Edinburgh EH10 5HF provide. Help inform the future Tel: 0131 537 6806 work for Veterans and their Fax: 0131 537 6104 families in Scotland. They offer email: Rivers.centre@ help and assistance to Veterans, nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk in confidence, no matter what your needs may be. For more SENSORY SERVICES TEAM information visit The Sensory Services Team www.veteransfirstpoint.org.uk works closely with people who have either low vision or Veterans First Point Lothian who are deaf (sign language Floor K, users),deafened or hard or Argyle House, hearing. Service users will 3 Lady Lawson Street, usually be offered a home visit Edinburgh, when the kind of help required EH3 9DR. and the support needed will be Tel: 0131 220 9920 discussed. The Team also works email: enquiries@ closely with the Scottish War veteransfirstpoint.org.uk Blinded (further info on page 45) www.veteransfirstpoint.org.uk who are able to provide support,

WELCOME TO THE SCOTTISH BORDERS | INFORMATION GUIDE | 27 NHS 24 HELPLINE ACCIDENT AND If your local surgery is closed, you EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT should call the NHS 24 helpline AT THE BORDERS on 111. NHS 24 is available for Text Phone users with hearing GENERAL HOSPITAL, and speech difficulties by calling MELROSE 18001 111. The Accident and Emergency Department treats urgent NHS 24 staff will assess your medical conditions and condition and recommend a accidental injuries 24 hours per course of action: day, seven days a week. • you may be asked to see a GP or nurse based at the Borders DENTAL General Hospital, Melrose. NHS Borders Dental • you may be asked to attend Service one of the local minor injuries Anyone declaring themselves as units at: returning service personnel or • Kelso Hospital dependants will be given priority • Hawick Community on the NHS Borders Dental Hospital Service waiting list. If you want • Peebles Hay Lodge to register with a dentist, you Hospital should complete a dental needs • Duns Knoll Hospital assessment form. • for a minor illness, you may These forms are available by be advised to treat yourself, contacting the Dental Enquiry attend another available Line on 0845 300 0930 or from doctor in the area or to visit the Coldstream and Hawick your local pharmacy for Dental Centres, Hawick further advice. Community Hospital, Kelso • if the problem is more Health Centre, Galashiels Health serious, NHS 24 will arrange Centre or Eyemouth High School for a nurse or doctor to visit Dental Department. you at home or will call an ambulance for you if you need Completed forms should be one. returned to the address on the bottom of the form or handed in to a dental department.

Priority is also given to: Services • patients with certain medical • Advice on sexual health for men conditions. and women. • children. • Testing for sexually transmitted • patients with special needs. infections (STIs),Chlamydia, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C & HIV. Borders Emergency Dental • Advice on contraception, Service (BEDS) Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), There is an out of hours dental the menopause and Hormone service for emergencies only. If Replacement Therapy (HRT). your local surgery is closed, you • Most clinics offer Intrauterine should call the NHS 24 helpline Contraceptive Device (IUCD), 08454 24 24 24. implantable contraception, emergency contraception and BORDERS SEXUAL HEALTH pregnancy testing. Genito Urinary (GU) Medicine and Family For all enquiries or to make an appointment call 01896 663700 or Planning visit This service is based at: www.borderssexualhealth.org.uk The Health Centre Currie Road, Galashiels TD1 2UA MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES Tel: 01896 663700 Borderline www.nhsborders.scot.nhs. 46 Bank Street, Galashiels uk/patients-and-visitors/our- TD1 1EL services/general-services/ Freephone Helpline 0800 027 4466 borders-sexual-health/our- Monday-Sunday 19:00 – 22:00 clinics/galashiels/ Borderline offers out-of-hours All clinics, services and emotional and listening support. treatments are FREE. Confidentiality is guaranteed. New Horizons Borders 6B Island Street, Galashiels TD1 1NU Tel: 01896 755510 Call in or telephone for information and support on mental health issues.

WELCOME TO THE SCOTTISH BORDERS | INFORMATION GUIDE | 29 Breathing Space GENERAL HEALTH ADVICE Tel: 0800 83 85 87 AND INFORMATION Monday-Thursday 18:00 - 2:00 Borders Independent Friday 6pm - Monday 6am This is a national helpline offering Advocacy Service Low Buckholmside, Galashiels a free and confidential service TD1 1RT for people who are feeling sad or Tel: 01896 752200 depressed and operates at a time email: info bordersadvocacy. when many people feel low and @ org.uk need to talk to someone. Promoting the welfare for Scottish Association of people with physical disabilities and sensory disabilities in the Mental Health (SAMH) Scottish Borders. 50-52 Island Street, Galashiels www.bordersadvocacy.org.uk TD1 1NU Tel: 01896 759746 Borders Voluntary Care email: communications@samh. org.uk Voice Roxburgh House Court, Provide a crisis support service Roxburgh Street and day time drop-in offering Galashiels TD1 1NY support in seeking employment. Tel: 01896 757290 Penumbra email: admin@ borderscarevoice.org.uk 47b Ladhope Vale, Galashiels TD1 1BW Supports the Mental Health and Youth Project Well Being Forum. www.borderscarevoice.org.uk/ Tel: 01896 751177 Supported Living Service Tel: 01896 758217 ’BISSY’ Website (Borders email: bordersyp@penumbra. Public Information Support org.uk offers a number of mental Site for You) health services including a youth NHS Borders has a health project, homelessness service and information service on the tenancy support. Internet. It has information on medical conditions, surgical operations, support groups and healthy living. Although the site is not an alternative to consulting your doctor, it will provide

30 | WELCOME TO THE SCOTTISH BORDERS | INFORMATION GUIDE INTRODUCTION | HOUSING | EMPLOYMENT | HEALTHCARE | EDUCATION, SKILLS AND TRAINING WELFARE ADVICE AND SUPPORT | CONTACTS | COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND VOLUNTEERING information at times when you Borders Health in Hand are not able to visit your local The Borders Health In Hand surgery. There is also a kiosk in website provides health the Borders General Hospital information and support, a with a touch screen, keyboard directory of services and contacts and printer where you will find and health improvement advice this information. Log on to for people living with a long term www.bissy.scot.nhs.uk To condition in the Scottish Borders. contact NHS Borders direct, Visitors to the website will be tel: 0800 7314052 or able to find out about services email: [email protected]. provided for people with diabetes, nhs.uk asthma, heart disease and other health conditions. HEALTH RIGHTS INFORMATION SCOTLAND The website can be viewed (HRIS) in Scottish Borders Council HRIS provides accurate and up libraries and library staff can to date information about your help you to search online for health rights. good quality health information. Tel: 0141 226 5261 or log on to Visit www.bordershealthinhand. www.hris.org.uk scot.nhs.uk

NHS Inform Provides quality assured health information for the public in Scotland. Tel: 0800 224488, or log on to www.nhsinform.co.uk

If you have any comments or questions or would like more information about how NHS inform is developing, please email: [email protected]. nhs.uk

SECTION D EDUCATION, SKILLS AND TRAINING

SCHOOL EDUCATION If you live more than two miles All children in Scotland attend from a primary school or three school from the age of four or miles from a secondary school, five until they are ages 16, 17 or transport to and from school is 18. If they attend a state school, usually free of charge. their education is free during that Support can be provided if your time. If your children are of school child needs help with learning age, you must register them in a English or with behavioural, school in the ’catchment area’ you emotional or physical needs. live in. Scottish Borders Council’s Education service will tell you your EARLY LEARNING AND nearest catchment school. CHILDCARE Early Learning and Childcare is For further advice visit the new name for what was pre- www.scotborders.gov.uk/ school education. Early Learning info/827/education_and_learning and Childcare is available in the or call 01835 825090. All schools Scottish Borders for all 3 and 4 are open to both boys and girls. year olds and for 2 year olds who meet the eligibility criteria. The school year begins in August. Children in the Scottish Borders 2-4 year olds are entitled to 600 can attend one of 64 primary hours of free Early Learning and schools from ages four or five to 12 Childcare in a setting of their and one of nine secondary schools parent’s choice. from age 12 to 16, 17 or 18. There are also four primary schools These hours can be taken as a linked to the Roman Catholic number of sessions in morning Church – in Selkirk, Hawick, and afternoon slots in schools. In Galashiels and Peebles. Private and Voluntary providers

WELCOME TO THE SCOTTISH BORDERS | INFORMATION GUIDE | 33 there is more flexibility where parents can often choose times that suit their needs.

Early Learning and Childcare is delivered through a number of different places. • School provision as part of the local primary school. • Play groups – usually run by parents through a committee. • Private Nursery – run by a private or voluntary agency.

For further information and a full list of providers is available on the Family Information Service www.scottishfamilies.gov.uk

SPECIFIC SUPPORT AVAILABLE FOR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES

EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP FURTHER EDUCATION SCHEME FOR BEREAVED The scheme will provide a SERVICE CHILDREN scholarship to enable a bereaved The Education Scholarship child to stay in further education Scheme was launched on 8 (5th year in Scotland/college/ April 2011 and provides further training course etc). This will education and university normally be paid for 2 years but scholarships within the UK for may be extended to 3 years if the children of Servicemen and required by the syllabus. It will not women who died whilst serving in be extended in order to repeat part the HM Armed Forces since 1990. of a syllabus or retake exams.

UNIVERSITY Providing you meet all the criteria, The scheme will provide a personnel can make ELC claims up contribution towards the cost of a first to three separate financial years undergraduate degree for both tuition (which need not be consecutive and maintenance fees. Since tuition and may be a combination of lower fees vary across the UK according to tier and upper tier funds) either place of domicile and place of study, while in service or for up to ten this scholarship is adjusted to provide years after leaving. a similar level of support to all applicants across the UK. It will not ELC support may be claimed be extended in order to repeat part of for part-time or full-time study, a syllabus or retake exams. whether by individual or group tuition or distance learning. For further information, please visit Learners must have enrolled www.gov.uk/government/publication to undertake a higher level qualification. The course of study ENHANCED LEARNING must be a nationally recognised CREDITS (ELC) qualification at Level 6 or above on the Scottish Credit and The MOD’s Enhanced Learning Qualifications Framework (SCQF). Credits Scheme is an initiative to promote lifelong learning amongst Details of the ELC scheme can members of the Armed Forces and be found in the Course 4 Forces is available to ex-service personnel magazine as well as visiting who have completed at least 4 years www.enhancedlearningcredits. service on discharge, on or after com/ 2010. The ELC scheme provides financial support in the form of a single up-front payment in each of a VETERANS HELPING maximum of three separate financial VETERANS years. Funding is available both in SOUTH EAST SCOTLAND service and 10 years after leaving the We are a local charity based in Armed Forces. the Borders helping veterans with PTSD to overcome their fears ELC awards are available in two tiers: in their daily lives by arranging • the lower tier level of up to £1000 activities such as Archery, horse per annum for those with four or riding and many more exciting more years eligible service. activities. • the upper tier level of up to £2000 per annum for those with eight or For more details contact us on more years’ eligible service. 01890 883196 or 07419319215

WELCOME TO THE SCOTTISH BORDERS | INFORMATION GUIDE | 35 FURTHER EDUCATION AND HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITY TRAINING Heriot-Watt University offers Scottish Borders campus in undergraduate and post- Galashiels is home to Borders graduate courses in the world College and Heriot-Watt renowned School of Textiles & University’s world class School Design. of Textiles and Design. In a pioneering co-location project, The campus recently underwent the campus provides a centre a multi-million pound for educational excellence from refurbishment to create an both institutions, providing inspiring learning environment the perfect environment for and centre for excellence which students and staff within one includes integrated learning vibrant educational hub, whilst facilities, computer suites, still retaining their own distinct specialised workshops, spacious identities. studios, a library and a gallery. Call 08700 505152 or visit www.hw.ac.uk/student-lite/ BORDERS COLLEGE campas-life/scottishborders Borders College operates from five locations in the Borders, the main one is the Scottish LEARNING IN THE Borders Campus in Galashiels COMMUNITY which it shares with Heriot- There are many opportunities Watt University. It offers a wide to learn across a wide range of range of courses up to HND subjects and interests in your level, particularly in subjects local community. Courses, where there are local job or workshops and activities take opportunities to progress on to place in a variety of venues study at university. Courses are including community centres. run in Galashiels and throughout There is a community centre in the Borders both during the most towns: day and in the evening. For a prospectus and to find out about Chirnside Community Centre English speaking courses call Main Saint East End, Duns, 0870 050 5152 or visit TD11 3XR www.borderscollege.ac.uk. Tel: 01890 818885 Coldstream Community Centre HighStreet, Coldstream, TD12 4AP Tel: 01890 883332

Southfield Community Centre For more details of what is on Station Road, Duns, TD11 3EL offer locally, visit the Community Tel: 01361 882184 Grid for Learning at Eyemouth Community Centre www. onlineborders.org.uk or Albert Road, Eyemouth, contact Community Learning and TD14 5DE Development on 01896 755110. Tel: 01890 750458 Focus Community Centre ADULT LITERACY Livingstone Place, Galashiels, If you want to work on your TD1 1DQ reading, writing and number skills Tel: 01896 753873 and build confidence to use your Langlee Complex skills as part of your everyday life, Marigold Drive, Galashiels, you can contact the Learning For TD1 2LP ALL Partnership in the Scottish Tel: 01896 753873 Borders. Burnfoot Community School Kenilworth Avenue, Hawick, A tutor will help you to: TD9 8EQ • understand how you learn best. Tel: 01450 373043 • see the difference that literacy St Ronan’s Community Centre and numeracy can make to St Ronan’s School, Pirn Road, your life. Innerleithen, EH44 6PB • plan your learning goals. Tel: 01896 830349 • take small steps to achieve Abbey Row Community Centre your learning. The Knowes, Kelso, TD5 7BJ • review your learning and Tel: 01573 223595 understand the difference it Newtown St Boswells has made. Community Wing, Old Primary School Contact your local worker: Tel: 01835 823738 Eyemouth Peebles Community Centre Tel: 01890 750458 Walkershaugh, Peebles, Duns and Coldstream EH45 8AU Tel: 01361 882623 Tel: 01721 720975 Galashiels Philiphaugh Community School Tel: 01896 755110 2 Linglie Road, Selkirk, TD7 5LT Kelso Tel: 01750 721774 Tel: 01573 228968 Tweedbank Community Centre Hawick Tweedbank, Galashiels, TD1 3RT Tel: 01450 364777 Tel: 01896 756167

WELCOME TO THE SCOTTISH BORDERS | INFORMATION GUIDE | 37 Burnfoot LEARNING ENGLISH Tel: 01450 375147 How to book a place: Peebles • Telephone Borders College on Tel: 01721 720975 08700 50 51 52 or email: esol@ Innerleithen/Walkerburn borderscollege.ac.uk for a Tel: 01721 720975 booking form Selkirk • Complete booking form and Tel: 01750 720684 return to ESOL, Borders College, Scottish Borders Campus, LEARNING DISABILITY Nether Road, Galashiels SERVICES TD1 3HE The Scottish Borders Learning • You can get help to complete the Disability Service is a Borders booking form at your local library wide, joint Scottish Borders or community centre Council and NHS Borders service. It provides a range What happens next? of services for adults with Classes are run in several towns in learning disabilities including the Borders throughout the year and assessment, care management, are free for beginners. You can study treatment, specialist advice, at a range of levels, from beginners consultation and training and through to SQA certificate classes. support as well as a local area Once you have registered, you will co-ordination service. The service be invited to an assessment session is responsible for commissioning where you will work with trained and monitoring support services tutors to decide what level of class from other organisations. is best for you. You will receive a letter when your chosen class is due Operating hours are Monday to to start. You may have to wait for an Friday and closed at weekends assessment session or for a suitable and public holidays although a class to start. You will receive a crisis response services can be letter with more information if there provided if assessed and planned is going to be a long delay. Please in advance. tell Borders College if you change For more information please your address. telephone 01896 824582 or email lds.admintasks@borders. scot.nhs.uk

Libraries: by using an Individual Learning You can learn English on the Account (ILA). To find out what’s computers in your local library available locally and for more using the English In Action information contact language course. As you will www.myworldofwork.co.uk or need to book a computer space your local library. to learn, please speak to your local library staff. There are learndirect scotland Polish, Russian and Portuguese This is a national organisation language books available to that can provide free advice on borrow by library members, as training and education. There well as information about local may be a charge for the courses groups and events. that are available from training providers. Telephone the helpline Library facilities are free to use, on 0808 100 9000 or visit however you will need to register www.myworldofwork.co.uk to use the computers and borrow items, please consult library staff. INTERNET ACCESS/ PUBLIC LIBRARIES For more information telephone Free internet access and your local library or Library computing facilities are Headquarters on 01750 726400 available at all Scottish Borders or visit www.scotborders.gov.uk/ Libraries/ Free Wifi is available libraries at all libraries. Please note all computers users are required Learning English at Work: to adhere to the Acceptable Use Some employers offer English Policy. Parent/guardians must classes at work. Ask your sign a consent form before under employer for more details. 16s are allowed access.

Conversational English: To help you use the computer Classes may be available in some facilities, IT classes are available areas. Look for local publicity or in each library, please ask staff ask at your local library. for details visit the libraries website at www.scotborders. Private lessons: gov.uk/libraries or call Library Are available from a range of Headquarters on 07150 726400. providers. You may be able to get help with the cost of these

WELCOME TO THE SCOTTISH BORDERS | INFORMATION GUIDE | 39 Software applications and ICT Innerleithen Library Contact equipment are provided in every Centre library allowing users to create Buccleuch Street their own documents, graphics Tel: 01896 830789 and web pages and to access the Jedburgh Library Contact Centre internet. Many websites have a 15 Castlegate built-in translation facility – visit Tel: 01835 863592 www.translate.google.co.uk/ Kelso Library Contact Centre The Babel Fish facility can also Bowmont Street translate words and phrases to Tel: 01573 223171 and from a various number of Melrose Library languages including English, Market Square Spanish, French, German, Tel: 01896 664171 Portuguese, Italian and Russian. Peebles Library Library staff will help users to High Street access the ICT facilities to find Tel: 01721 726333 information, but cannot currently Selkirk Library provide training. Ettrick Terrace Tel: 01750 726410 Coldstream Library Contact Centre As Library and Library Contact Gateway Centre Centres have different opening Tel: 01890 883314 hours across the region, please Duns Library Contact Centre check these before visiting. 49 Newtown Street Tel: 01361 882662 Library facilities are free and Earlston Library open to everyone but you need Earlston High School, East End to register to use the computer Tel: 01896 664172 facilities and to borrow books Eyemouth Library and other items. You may join Manse Road the library as an Online Only Tel: 01890 752767 member or as a visitor member Galashiels Library for up to three months. A visitor’s Lawyer’s Brae membership can be renewed if Tel: 01896 664162 your stay is longer than three Hawick Library months. North Bridge Street Tel: 01450 364640

Membership is free if you • Scottish Borders Council bring proof of your identity and information. residence, such as a council tax, • Community information gas, electricity or telephone bill. • Tourist information. (These are not required for Online • Reference and enquiry Only members) Once you are a services. member or a visitor member, you will be able to use the library For details of copy, print and fax facilities immediately. Online fees and other library charges , Only Members can upgrade visit the libraries website at their membership if they want to www.scotborders.gov.uk/ borrow books or DVDs. libraries or ask at your local library. All libraries stock books, DVDs and Audio Books which Mobile libraries provide library can be borrowed once you facilities to the rural communities have registered. We also on a three week rotation. For have eAudiobooks, eBooks further details please contact and eMagazines available for Library Headquarters on 01750 download and provide access 726400 or visit www.scotborders. to a variety of online reference gov.uk/Libraries databases. Hire charges apply for the loan of CDs and DvDs. Some libraries have small collections of foreign language books that can be requested and supplied to any library or mobile library at a small charge. Other services provided by libraries include:

• photocopying. • fax service. • concessionary fax and photocopying charges for jobseekers. • free newspapers (to be read on site).

SECTION E WELFARE ADVICE AND SUPPORT SPECIFIC SUPPORT AVAILABLE FOR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES

The national organisations listed in Blesma, The Limbless Veterans this section provide advice, support 185-187 High Road and guidance to Veterans and their Chadwell Health families. Romford. Essex RM6 6NA Tel: 02085901124 THE ARMY BENEVOLENT email: [email protected] FUND (ABF) THE SOLDIERS’ www.blesma.org CHARITY The Association aims to promote the The Castle, Edinburgh EH1 2YT welfare of all those who have lost a www.soldierscharity.org limb or limbs, or one or both eyes, or email: Scotland soldierscharity. @ the use of limbs as a result of their org service in any branch of the Armed Tel: 0131 310 5132/5516 Forces or auxiliary forces. It also This is the Army’s national charity aims to help dependants. and is committed to the welfare of Army and ex-Army personnel and their dependants. CITIZENS ADVICE The Armed Services Advice Project BRITISH LIMBLESS (ASAP) provided by the Scottish Citizens Advice Service has been EX-SERVICE MEN’S created to be the focal point for ASSOCIATION (BLESMA) the Armed Forces Community Blesma Blackpool in Scotland for access to advice, 539 Lytham Road information and support. Blackpool, FY4 1RA Tel: 01253343313 email: [email protected]

WELCOME TO THE SCOTTISH BORDERS | INFORMATION GUIDE | 43 Please call 0845 231 0300 and FORCES PENSION SOCIETY talk to a trained adviser. Contact 68 South Lambeth Road, London details for offices throughout the SW8 1RL Borders can be found on page 52. www.forcespensionsociety.org email: [email protected] CRUSE BEREAVEMENT Tel: 020 7820 9988 CARE SCOTLAND National Phoneline: The Society protects the pension 0845 600 2227 interests of ex-Service personnel of www.crusescotland.org.uk all ranks and their dependants. Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland exists to promote the LOTHIAN VETERAN CENTRE well-being of bereaved people 11 Eskdail Court, Dalkieth, in Scotland, whatever their Midlothian age. They seek to help anyone email: contact@ experiencing bereavement themarkwrightproject.org.uk to understand their grief Tel: 0131 660 5537 and cope with their loss. The scottishveteransassociation.co.uk/ South East Scotland Region is mark-wright-project comprised of teams based in: The Mark Wright Project actively Edinburgh, East Lothian and the supports ex-Service men, women Borders, covering Galashiels, and their families in addressing Melrose, Hawick, Kelso and the the invisible wounds of war and surrounding area. easing the transition into civilian life. The centre is a very laid-back ERSKINE informal, non-clinical, social and Erskine, Bishopton PA7 5PU friendly environment where people www.erskine.org.uk are made to feel comfortable and email: [email protected]. safe and able to discuss the issues uk affecting their lives. Additionally, Tel: 0414 812 1100 ex-Service personnel and their Erskine offers ex-Service men family members can access a wide and women all over Scotland range of information, support and nursing, dementia and respite advice services, complementary care and support they need to therapies, gym facilities, an outdoor overcome physical and emotional activity programme, mental health scars, often long after they have therapists and counselling. left active duty. Housing and employment opportunities are also available.

OFFICERS ASSOCIATION veterans. Poppyscotland also SCOTLAND (OA SCOTLAND) supports ex-Servicemen and New Haig House women through Small Business Logie Green Road, Edinburgh Loans and retraining grants, and EH7 4HR provides access to respite breaks. www.oascotland.org.uk email: oasadmin@oascotland. REGULAR FORCES org.uk EMPLOYMENT ASSOCIATION Tel: 0131 550 1575/1581 66 Logie Green Road, Edinburgh There are two areas of activity EH7 4HR undertaken by OA Scotland. www.rfea.org.uk Firstly, it provides grants to Tel: 0131 557 1747 relieve financial distress to those Assists ex-regular Servicemen who have held a commission and women find employment in any branch of the Armed throughout their working life. Forces, be it Regular or Reserve. Financial assistance is also ROYAL AIR FORCE available to the dependants of BENEVOLENT FUND those who have served. Secondly, the Association provides support (RAFBF) into employment for those who 20 Queen Street, Edinburgh have held a commission. EH2 1JX www.rafbf.org.uk POPPYSCOTLAND Tel: 0131 225 6421 New Haig House The RAFBF exists to help serving Logie Green Road, Edinburgh and ex-serving members of the EH7 4HR RAF, their children and their www.poppyscotand.org.uk dependants. email: enquiries@ poppyscotLand.org.uk ROYAL AIR FORCES Tel: 0131 557 2782 ASSOCIATION (RAFA) Poppyscotland provides practical 20 Queen Street, Edinburgh help to ex-Servicemen, women, EH2 1JX and their families across www.rafa.org Scotland through direct financial Tel: 0131 225 6421 assistance to those in urgent The Association gives help need. They also help to fund and advice to ex-RAF and specialist services including Commonwealth Air Forces advice, long term care, housing personnel and their dependants. and the employment of disabled

WELCOME TO THE SCOTTISH BORDERS | INFORMATION GUIDE | 45 THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION any service charity. The RMCTF SCOTLAND IN THE SCOTTISH is run by Royal Marines for Royal BORDERS (LEGION Marines. It is governed by a group of serving and retired Trustees SCOTLAND) who have a very wide view of need The Royal British Legion Scotland and a determination to ensure (Legion Scotland) helps ex-services that any money donated is used men and women of all ages across to best effect to help serving and Scotland to adapt to civilian life by retired Royal Marines and their providing community, friendship dependants. and practical advice, whether they left military service yesterday or 50 ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION plus years ago. (RNA) Room 209, Semaphore Legion Scotland provides specialist Tower, PP70, HM Naval Base, disablement pensions advice, Portsmouth PO1 3LT wellbeing support, comradeship www.royal-naval-association. events both nationally and locally co.uk and a range of other services email: paul@royalnavalassoc. dedicated to making a real com (General Secretary) difference to the lives of ex- Tel: 01316692294 servicemen and women and their The Association offers friendship families. Information on branches and personal support to its and clubs close to your area is members. available on the website.

Opening hours are ROYAL NAVAL BENEVOLENT Monday – Friday 09:00 – 17:30 TRUST (RNBT) (except public holdiays) Castaway House, 311 Twyford Tel: 0131 550 1583 Avenue, Portsmouth PO2 8RN email: [email protected] www.rnbt.org.uk www.legionscotland.org.uk email: [email protected] Tel: 02392 690112 ROYAL MARINES The RNBT exists to give help at CHARITABLE TRUST (RMCTF) times of need to the members of the RNBT family – those who www.rmctf.org.uk/ are serving or who have served The RMCTF is the overarching as Royal Naval ratings or Royal Royal Marine charity and money Marine other ranks and their raised can be used for many wives, husbands, partners and purposes, probably the widest of dependants.

SOLDIERS, SAILORS, SCOTTISH WAR BLINDED AIRMEN AND FAMILIES Outreach Service PO Box 500 ASSOCATION (SSAFA) Gillespie Crescent SSAFA Central Office Edinburgh, EH10 4MZ 4 St Dunstan’s Hill Tel: 0131 229 1456 London, EC3R 8AD The Linburn Centre www.ssafa.org.uk Louis Braille Avenue email: [email protected] Wilkieston, EH27 8EJ Tel: 02074038783 www.scottishwarblinded.org.uk email: enquiries@ scottishwarblinded.org BORDERS BRANCH Tel: 0131 333 1369 Branch Secretary - Scottish War Blinded offers Deborah Stokes assistance to any person who SSAFA forces help borders branch has been a member of the Helpline: 01361883335 Armed Forces and has a visual email: dsquareddeb1@talktalk. impairment or who has acquired net a visual impairment in later SSAFA Forces Help serves life. Sheltered workshops and the Armed Forces and their housing is provided at Linburn families. Their services reflect and an After Care Department the financial, practical and attends to the welfare and emotional issues people face today pension needs of Scottish blinded and they are freely available to ex-servicemen and women and virtually everybody with a Service their dependants. The service connection. also provides an outreach worker in the Borders. SCOTTISH VETERANS’ RESIDENCIES 53 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8BS www.svronline.org email: [email protected] Tel: 0131 556 0091 Scottish Veterans’ Residencies provides independent living within a supportive caring environment for the ex-Service community in their residences in Edinburgh, Broughty Ferry and Glasgow.

WELCOME TO THE SCOTTISH BORDERS | INFORMATION GUIDE | 47 MOD- VETERANS UK/ BLIND VETERANS UK VETERANS WELFARE 12-14 Harcourt Street, London SERVICE W1H 4HD www.gov.uk/veterans-uk www.blindveterans.org.uk/ Tel: 020 7723 5021 email: [email protected] Tel: 0808 1914 2 18 (national) We are Blind Veterans UK and Veterans Welfare Service we believe that no one who has (Scotland): 0141 224 2709, served our country should battle email: Veterans-UK-VWS-Scot- blindness alone. [email protected] Veterans UK and the Veterans That’s why we’re here to help with Welfare Service (VWS) are part lifelong practical and emotional of the Ministry of Defence and support which we provide to provide personnel, pensions, Armed Forces and National welfare and support services to Service Veterans regardless of members of the Armed Forces when they served or how they lost and Veterans. VWS has a network their sight. of welfare offices across the UK and Ireland. Welfare Managers We help Veterans recover their are available to provide one independence and discover a life to one assistance, in the home beyond sight loss. if needed, offering support on liaising with local authorities, VETERANS ASSIST housing, completion of forms SCOTLAND and claiming benefits. The We are Veterans. We recognise Veterans UK helpline (above) that for many Veterans and provides a telephone enquiry their families, aspects of life service on government after leaving the Services can compensation schemes for those be challenging. With over 50 injured or bereaved by service Veterans’ organisations in Scotland in the Armed Forces and how to alone, we understand that it can access support from VWS and be frustrating to find just the right other charity partners. An out of person to help with a problem. hours crisis service is provided in And we know that whether you partnership with Combat Stress have been “in” for 3 years or 30 and The Samaritans. years, or “out” for 6 weeks or 6 years, problems will arise that could use some help.

So we have set up this website WINSTON’S WISH which we believe will put in one Helpline: 08452 03 04 05 place most of the resources you www.winstonswish.org.uk might need; Winston’s Wish is the leading http://www.veterans-assist.org/ childhood bereavement charity and the largest provider of VETERANS FIRST POINT services to bereaved children, Veterans First Point (V1P) has young people and their families been developed by veterans in the UK. for veterans and is staffed by veterans. Funded by the Scottish The Helpline is open from Government and NHS Lothian, it Monday to Friday between 9am aims to provide a one-stop shop and 5pm and calls are charged at for veterans and their families the local rate. living in Lothian. Veterans First Point offer help and assistance to veterans, in confidence, no matter what your needs may be. Veterans First Point is committed to learning from you in order to improve the services they provide. Help inform the future work for veterans and their families in Scotland.

VETERANS FIRST POINT LOTHIAN Floor K, Argyle House, 3 Lady Lawson Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9DR Tel: 0131 220 9920 email: enquiries@ veteransfirstpoint.org.uk www.veteransfirstpoint.org.uk

WELCOME TO THE SCOTTISH BORDERS | INFORMATION GUIDE | 49 ORGANISATIONS Integrated Children’s PROVIDING HELP AND Services ADVICE If you have concerns in relation There are many organisations to children or are seeking help or locally and nationally that can advice please call your Locality give you help and advice on a office as detailed below: variety of issues. Monday –Thursday 08:45 – 17:00 Scottish Borders Council Friday 08:45 – 15:45 has a range of care and support services: Berwickshire 4-6 Newtown Street, Duns, SOCIAL WORK SERVICES TD11 3DT Tel: 01361 886115 Social Work The Social Work Services Cheviot provides a wide and important R o s e L a n e , K e l s o , T D 5 7 A P range of services for individuals, Tel: 01573 227421 families and communities. You can contact them on 0300 100 Eildon 1800 –Option 4 10-12 Galapark, Galashiels, TD1 1EU Mon – Wed 08:00 – 17:00 Tel: 01896 664158 Thursday 08:00 – 20:00 Friday 08:00 – 16:00 Teviot & Liddesdale Saturday 09:00 – 12:00 Town Hall, High Street, Hawick, Emergency Services out of hours TD9 9EF can be contacted on 01896 752111 Tel: 01450 364777 or by visiting www.scotborders. gov.uk and following the links. Tweeddale Rossetta Road, Peebles, EH45 8HG Tel: 01721 726310

WELFARE BENEFITS Eyemouth Contact Centre SERVICE Old High School Building, The Welfare Benefits service Coldingham Road specialises in welfare benefits, Eyemouth TD14 5AN tax credits, educational and Tel: 0300 100 1800 health benefits and can provide Galashiels Contact Centre information, advice and Paton Street, Galashiels TD1 advocacy. 3AS Tel: 0300 100 1800 Opening hours are:- Hawick Contact Centre Mon – Thurs 08:45 – 17:00 High Street, Hawick TD9 9EF Fri 08:45 – 15:45 Tel: 0300 100 1800 Tel: 01896 661394 Innerleithen Library email: [email protected]. Contact Centre gov.uk Buccleuch Street, Innerleithen www.scotborders.gov.uk/ EH44 6LA info/603/benefits_advice_and_ Tel: 0300 100 1800 assessment/1147/welfare_ Jedburgh Library Contact benefits_service Centre 15 Castlegate, Jedburgh TD8 6AS CONTACT CENTRES Tel: 0300 100 1800 Contact centres in each town Kelso Library Contact Centre will provide advice on all Council Bowmont Street, Kelso TD5 7JH services that are not related Tel: 0300 100 1800 to Social Work, such as refuse Newtown St Boswells collection. These are located as Council Headquarters, follows: Bowden Road TD6 0SA Tel: 0300 100 1800 Coldstream Library Peebles Contact Centre Contact Centre High Street, Peebles EH45 8AG Gateway Centre, High Street, Tel: 0300 100 1800 Coldstream TD12 4AE Selkirk Contact Centre Tel: 0300 100 1800 High Street, Selkirk TD7 4JX Duns Library Contact Centre Tel: 0300 100 1800 49 Newtown Street, Duns TD11 3AU The majority of these Contact Tel: 0300 100 1800 Centres provide free on-line access to all Council Services via self-service PCs. Unless

WELCOME TO THE SCOTTISH BORDERS | INFORMATION GUIDE | 51 stated, all SBC Contact Centres Eyemouth Community Centre are open from 09:00 – 17:00 Albert Road, TD14 5DE Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, Tel: 01890 750500 09:30 – 17:00 on a Wednesday email: eyemouthcab@ and 09:00 – 15:45 on a Friday. roxburghcab.casonline.org.uk Monday 12:00 - 15:00 You can contact Customer Wednesday 10:00 – 13:00 Services on 0300 100 1800 for Friday 09.30 - 12.30 all Scottish Borders Council *First Wednesday in each month Services. Debt Clinic – appointments needed. Call centre opening hours are:- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday Central Borders Citizens Advice and Friday 08:00 – 17:00 111 High Street, Galashiels, Thursday 08:00 – 20:00 TD1 1RZ Saturday 09:00 – 12:00 Tel: 01896 753889 Mon – Wed 10:00 - 16:00 CITIZENS ADVICE Thursday 10:00 - 18:00 The Citizens Advice gives free, Friday 10:00 - 13:00 confidential, independent and *First Wednesday in each month impartial advice on your rights. Debt Clinic – appointments These include benefits, housing, needed. employment, debt, consumer affairs and legal issues. Offices Roxburgh and Berwickshire can be found in most of the 1 Towerdykeside, Hawick, Border towns, but note that TD9 9EA not all the offices are open Tel: 01450 374266 every day. You can also visit the email: enquiries@roxburghcab. website www.cas.org.uk casonline.org.uk Monday 10:00 – 16:00 Citizens Advice contact Tuesday – Wednesday 10:00 – 13:00 details in the Borders Thursday 10:00 – 18:00 Southfield Community Centre Friday 10:00 – 16:00 Station Road, Duns Tel: 01361 883340 email: dunscab@roxburghcab. casonline.org.uk Tuesday 12:00 - 15:00 Wednesday 10:00 - 13:00 Thursday 10:00 - 14:00

20 Shedden Park Road, Kelso, As volunteers we’re ordinary people TD5 7AL carefully trained to put aside any Tel: 01573 223516 personal beliefs. We won’t give you Tuesday 10:00 – 13:00 a label, a diagnosis or think we know Friday 10:00 – 16:00 best. We keep all our conversations *Last Tuesday in each month Debt private; whatever you tell us stays Clinic – appointments needed between us.

Peebles and District We’re a charity and always here, Chambers Institution, High across the UK, round the clock, Street, every single day of the year. You Peebles, EH54 8AJ can get in touch any time by phone, Tel: 01721 721722 email or post. If you’d like to know email: manager@peeblescab. more have a look at our website. casonline.org.uk Monday 10:00 – 16:00 call: 08457 90 90 90 (UK)* Tuesday – Friday 10:00 – 13:00 *charges apply 01750 20000 (Borders branch)* Berwick Voluntary Forum email: [email protected] 5 Tweed Street, Berwick-upon- web: www.samaritans.org Tweed, TD15 1NG write: Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK Tel: 01289 330222 Chris, PO Box 90 90 email: [email protected]. Stirling FK8 2SA co.uk If you’d find it easier to talk to a SAMARITANS volunteer face to face, we can meet We’re someone to talk to when you at our local branch: things are getting to you. We give Borders Samaritans anyone struggling to cope the 21 West Port time and space to talk. You don’t Selkirk TD7 4DG have to be suicidal or you might feel that things have reached a Times for a face to face meeting are point where you’re thinking of below. It’s best to phone ahead if ending your life. We can help you you can (01750 20000) to make sure explore your options, understand a volunteer is definitely available. your problems better, or just be Monday 17:00 - 20:00 there to listen. Tuesday 17:00 - 20:00 Wednesday 17:00 - 19:00 Thursday 08:00 - 13:00 & 17:00 - 20:00 Friday 18:00 - 20:00

WELCOME TO THE SCOTTISH BORDERS | INFORMATION GUIDE | 53 Should you need to discuss the the event that you want to above entry, please contact: speak to police but it is not an emergency, call 101. Heather Johnston Publicity Secretary If you, or someone you know is Borders Samaritans experiencing domestic abuse Tel: 01578 730507 or you would like to speak to Mobile: 07704 653316 a professional, listed below email: heather@southcottage. are the agencies based in the co.uk Scottish Borders who can help you by providing practical help ONLINE BORDERS and emotional support. www.onlineborders.org.uk is a community website with useful BORDER WOMEN’S AID information about the Borders. Border Women’s Aid Ltd is a It provides: voluntary sector organisation. We offer safe accommodation, • help for local voluntary advocacy, advice and support to organisations to develop an women and their children (if any) online presence to promote who wish to escape domestic their work. abuse. We offer emotional and • advice on careers guidance, practical support, information employment, skills and on legal rights, benefits and training. housing options amongst many • learning materials and others. The refuge, located at courses. an undisclosed address, is a • a database of services and modern, clean, well equipped organisations. house. Each family has their own bedroom although the rest DOMESTIC ABUSE AND of the house is shared. Border SEXUAL VIOLENCE Women’s Aid Ltd works in Getting help for yourself, partnership with Children 1st family or friend who may be in order to provide a Children’s experiencing harm or abuse: Service that works with children and young people affected In an emergency dial 999 or by domestic abuse. A follow for 24 hour support, call the on service is also provided to National Domestic Abuse families who have lived in the helpline 0800 027 1234. In refuge but have now moved on to rebuild their lives in their own

54 | WELCOME TO THE SCOTTISH BORDERS | INFORMATION GUIDE INTRODUCTION | HOUSING | EMPLOYMENT | HEALTHCARE | EDUCATION, SKILLS AND TRAINING WELFARE ADVICE AND SUPPORT | CONTACTS | COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND VOLUNTEERING accommodation elsewhere. This Call DAAS directly on 01835 service, along with our outreach 825024 for confidential advice service allow Border Women’s and information, make a referral Aid Ltd to support the women, or ask for support. DAAS is open children and young people both 9:00 to 17:00 Monday to Thursday practically and emotionally until and 08:45 to 15.45 Friday they feel safe and secure. CHILDREN1ST BORDERS Opening hours - DOMESTIC ABUSE Monday - Friday 09.30 - 17:00 SERVICES 8 Burnwynd, Jedburgh TD8 6BY Children1st support victims of Tel: 01835 863514 domestic abuse, whether still www.borderwomensaid.co.uk living with domestic abuse or having experienced it in the past. The service supports adults DOMESTIC ABUSE (both men and women), including ADVOCACY SUPPORT victims of abuse within a same (DAAS) SERVICE sex relationship, as well as The Domestic Abuse Advocacy children and young people up to Support (DAAS) Service is a the age of 18 years. If you have dedicated service established suffered domestic abuse, time is to support victims of domestic taken to hear how you feel that abuse and in particular, high you can best be supported, and risk cases in the Scottish support on a long term basis can Borders. be offered if you need it.

The DAAS Service will take Call Children1st direct on referrals for both female and 01750 22892 to talk to someone male victims of domestic abuse. about getting support for All referrals will be responded yourself or someone you know. to within a 24-48 hour period after the incident. You can phone DAAS directly for confidential advice and information. Staff will ensure that any contact with you will be using a safe contact number.

WELCOME TO THE SCOTTISH BORDERS | INFORMATION GUIDE | 55 SCOTTISH BORDERS RAPE MENS ADVICE LINE CRISIS CENTRE Advice and support for men 1A Wilderhaugh, Galashiels experiencing domestic abuse - TD1 1PW 0808 801 0327 Call SBRCC on 01896 661070 for support or information. ABUSED MEN IN Visit the website SCOTLAND (AMIS) www. scottishbordersrapecrisis. AMIS is a national organisation org.uk based in Scotland dedicated Scottish Borders Rape Crisis to supporting men who are Centre provides emotional and experiencing, or who have practical support and information experienced, domestic abuse. to women and girls aged 12 and AMIS welcomes calls from men over who have experienced rape in need of support or advice, or sexual violence in their lives. and from men and women This includes sexual assault, seeking help for male friends or childhood sexual abuse and relatives. other forms of sexual violence. • visit the Abused Men in The Centre is run by women for Scotland (AMIS) website or women. • call them on 0808 800 0024.

RESPECT Further information: please visit Freephone 0808 802 404 http://www.scotborders.gov. Mon-Fri 09:00 – 17:00 uk/info/1400/domestic_abuse email: info:@respectphoneline. org.uk. VICTIM SUPPORT www.respect.uk.net 72 High Street Respect works with domestic Galashiels TD1 1SQ abuse perpetrators, male victims Tel: 01896 751212 and young people. If you have been the victim of a The confidential helpline offers crime, or have been harassed advice, information and support or bullied, you should report to stop you being violent and the incident to the police. If you abusive to your partner. need support, whether or not a crime has been commited, contact Victim Support.

DRUG & ALCOHOL Action for Children SUPPORT SERVICES Tel: 01896 750173 There are three direct drug and • Support to children and young alcohol services in the Scottish people at risk of harm due to Borders. If you are concerned their own alcohol/and or drug about your own or someone use. else’s drug or alcohol use you • Support to children and young can speak to your doctor, or people affected by parental contact one of the services alcohol and/or drug use. direct: • Parents and expectant parents experiencing Addaction Borders problematic alcohol / drug Tel: 0800 028 6664 (Freephone) use which is significantly Support to anyone 16yrs and impacting on their child(ren) / over concerned about their own unborn baby. drug or alcohol use or someone else’s. Other support available: • One to one support to help you cut down or stop. MUTUAL AID • Employment support. Alcoholics Anonymous • Injecting Equipment/Blood 0845 769 7555 Borne Virus Tests. Narcotics Anonymous • Take Home Naloxone Kits. 0300 999 1212 • Support for adult family Scottish Families Affected by members affected. Drugs & Alcohol: 08080 10 10 11 NHS Borders Addictions Service Tel: 01896 664430 Support to anyone 16 years and over with drug/alcohol dependency and physical/ mental health needs. • Medical treatment. • Detoxification. • Substitute prescribing. • Access to residential rehabilitation. • Take Home Naloxone Kits.

WELCOME TO THE SCOTTISH BORDERS | INFORMATION GUIDE | 57 INJECTING EQUIPMENT SERVICES There are seven community pharmacies that can provide you with injecting equipment.

VENUE TEL OPENING HOURS

MON-FRI SAT

Addaction Borders 01896 757843 09.00 - 16.45 Closed Lindsay & Gilmour, Hawick 01450 372757 09.00 - 18.00 09.00 - 17.00 09.00 - 17.00 (Tues only) Eyemouth Pharmacy 018907 50374 Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri 09.00 - 15.00 09.00 - 13.00 and 14.00 - 18.00

Thurs 09.00 - 13.00 and 14.00 - 17.00 Lloyds Pharmacy, Peebles 01721 720729 09.00 - 17.30 09.00 - 17.00 Lloyds Pharmacy, Kelso 01573 224613 09.00 - 17.30 09.00 - 17.00 Lloyds Pharmacy, Galashiels 01896 755948 09.00 - 17.30 09.00 - 17.00 Jedburgh Pharmacy, 01835 863489 08.45 - 17.30 09.00 - 13.00 Jedburgh GLM Romanes, Duns 01361 883753 10.00 - 17.00 09.00 - 17.00

For further information on any of the above visit www.badp.scot.nhs.uk

SECTION F USEFUL CONTACT NUMBERS

POLICE Trained staff can offer support Local policing is dealt with by and advice or tell you about an Police Scotland. There are police agency that can help. They can stations in the larger towns also act as a link to the police. although most are not open 24 hours a day. Opening hours will For any non-emergency issues be displayed at the entrance. or enquiries you can also access In an emergency you should use the Police Scotland website 999 and use 101 for all other www.scotland.police.uk where reasons. you will find an online reporting form, links to local policing plans If you do not want to speak and details of local community directly to the police to report a officers. crime then you can use one of the Third Party Reporting sites, In addition you can also contact which are located at Crimestoppers, who are independent of the police, via Scottish Borders Council Contact 0800 555 111 Centres (Hawick, Galashiels, Peebles, Duns) FIRE AND RESCUE Victim Support (72 High Street SERVICE Galashiels 01896 751212) The fire service will fit free Heriot Watt University smoke alarms in your home and (Netherdale Campus Galashiels give free advice on fire safety. If 01896 892178) you would like a free home safety check, call Freephone 0800 169 0320 or visit www.firescotland.gov.uk

WELCOME TO THE SCOTTISH BORDERS | INFORMATION GUIDE | 59 NHS 24 EMERGENCY ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR MEDICAL HELPLINE TEAM NHS 24 is a 24 hour telephone The Antisocial Behaviour Unit helpline where you can get within Scottish Borders Safer medical advice when your local Communities is a confidential surgery is closed. You will reporting centre for people speak to a nurse advisor who who have problems with will assess your condition and noisy neighbours, vandalism, recommend a course of action. harassment or general This may involve arranging for antisocial behaviour. a doctor or nurse to visit you at home, or for an ambulance. Everyone is entitled to live in peace without harassment, Call 08454 24 24 24, or Text intimidation or general nuisance Phone on 0845 606 4647 or visit behaviour. If someone’s the NHS 24 website behaviour is putting you in a www.nhs24.com state of fear or alarm then the Antisocial Behaviour Unit SCOTTISH BORDERS can take action working with COUNCIL SOCIAL WORK police, landlords and other partners. This can range from SERVICES warning letters and face-to-face If you need urgent help from meetings through to Antisocial Social Work Services at Behaviour Orders. weekends or after working hours, call 01896 752111. The Unit can be contacted via Scottish Borders Council Council Headquarters Newtown St Boswells 0800 028 5711 (freephone) The freephone number 0800 028 5711 is available from 08:45 to 17:00 Monday to Thursday, and 08:45 to 16:00 on a Friday.

SECTION G COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND VOLUNTEERING

SCOTTISH BORDERS If you would like to find out more COUNCIL about your local Community Scottish Borders Council is Council, contact us at; responsible for delivering local email: communitycouncils@ government services in the area, scotborders.gov.uk or call such as schools, social services 01835 825005. and the libraries. For the full range of services and more Or if you are looking for more information about the Council, information visit; visit www.scotborders.gov.uk www.scotborders.gov.uk/ communitycouncils www.sbccn.org.uk/ COMMUNITY COUNCILS Community Councils represent their local area and are made COMMUNITY CENTRES up of groups of local people The Community Centres in most who have an interest in the towns have social activities and community. events and further education facilities. They can also be used The main role of Community for private bookings. (see section Councils is to represent their D for a list of community centres). area, to consult with local residents and pass their views on to organisations such as Scottish Borders Council and NHS Borders.

WELCOME TO THE SCOTTISH BORDERS | INFORMATION GUIDE | 61 BORDERS EQUALITY The website scottishchristian. FORUM com/churches list all churches Under the banner ‘One Borders, that have a website. Both the Many Cultures’, the Forum aims Church of Scotland and the to support members of the Roman Catholic Church have international community who their own websites, which give live in the Scottish Borders. details of each parish, locations It encourages community and times of services. Visit integration and promotes good www.churchofscotland.org.uk relations. The Forum also gives and click on ’Contact us’, also members the chance to make www.archdiocese-edinburgh. their views known on how public comand click on ‘Parishes’. services could be improved. Social and cultural events are Followers of Islam can join the held throughout the year. Borders Islamic Group who meet every Friday at the Focus Contact George Higgs on Centre in Galashiels. For further Tel: 01835 823328 or information please email Shikat email: higgs@stboswells. Aziz on [email protected]. demon.co.uk Edinburgh has more churches and places of worship including CHURCHES AND PLACES those of other faith groups. OF WORSHIP GYPSY/TRAVELLING You will find most of the main denominations of church in PEOPLE the Scottish Borders, the Scottish Borders Council and its most widely represented Community Planning Partners being the Church of Scotland have a long and interesting (Presbyterian). The Roman history with Gypsy/Travellers Catholic Church is present in and their culture, tracing back most towns and Methodist, to before 1600. The famous St Baptist and others can also be Boswells Fair takes place each found in the area. Locations July. and services can be found in a number of places, including The authorised site for gypsy/ websites, local newspapers and travelling people to stay is in libraries. Innerleithen.

For more information, please Gytes Leisure Centre (Peebles) contact: Tel: 01721 723688 Douglas Scott on 01835 825155 Kelso Swimming Pool or Borders Equality Forum Tel: 01573 224944 Chairman George Higgs on Peebles Swimming Pool 07762 403531. Tel: 01721 720779 Selkirk Fitness Centre LESBIAN GAY BI-SEXUAL Tel: 01750 20897 & TRANSGENDER Teviotdale Leisure Centre (Hawick) Tel: 01450 374440 GROUPS (LGBT) TriFitness (Galashiels) There are LGBT groups and Tel: 01896 757 224 networks throughout Scotland, Tweedbank Outdoor Complex mainly in the larger towns (Galashiels) and cities. There is a Scottish Tel: 01896 750456 Borders LGBT Equality Forum Queens Leisure Centre which can be contacted at Tel: 01896 752233 https://www.facebook.com/ Borders Tennis Centre (Galashiels) scottishborderslgbt. There Tel: 01896 750456 is also an LGBT Youth project 3G Arena (Netherdale) based in the Scottish Borders Tel: 01896 800340 and the contact for this is www.lgbtyouth.org.uk For further information on venues, facilities and membership, log on For more information to www.bslt.org.uk nationwide, visit Stonewall Scotland’s website at Two further facilities in the area www.stonewallscotland.org.uk are run by other Trusts:

SPORTS AND LEISURE Laidlaw Memorial Swimming CENTRES Pool and Fitness Centre Borders Sport & Leisure Trust Tel: 01835 863430 operate sports facilities across (run by the Jedburgh Leisure the region: Facilities Trust)

Eyemouth Leisure Centre Duns Swimming Pool Tel: 01890 750557 Tel: 01361 883397 Galashiels Swimming Pool (run by the Berwickshire Tel: 01896 752154 Recreation Education Sports Trust)

WELCOME TO THE SCOTTISH BORDERS | INFORMATION GUIDE | 63 There are also a number of private Volunteer Centre Borders health clubs and fitness centres. First Floor, Riverside House Look in the telephone book or ask Ladhope Vale at your community centre. Galashiels TD1 1BT Tel: 0845 602 3921 Most towns have amateur football www.vcborders.org.uk clubs and rugby union (15-a-side) clubs where new members, COUNCILS FOR VOLUNTARY especially playing members, SERVICE NETWORK are always welcome. Rivalries Scottish Borders Community between all the Borders towns Development Company known are demonstrated strongly on as The Bridge, along with the rugby pitch and abbreviated Berwickshire Association of 7-a-side rugby was actually Voluntary Service, support the ’invented’ in Melrose more than voluntary sector in the Scottish 100 years ago. Borders. If you would like advice on setting up a local group or VOLUNTEER CENTRE keeping an existing one going, BORDERS contact: The Volunteer Centre’s aims are to involve more people more The Bridge, Central Borders effectively in volunteering to help 6A Roxburgh Street, Galashiels make the Borders a better place Tel: 01896 755370 to live. Part of the Borders Third email: [email protected] Sector Partnership, and working with Voluntary Action Scotland, the The Bridge, Tweeddale Centre can place volunteers with Newby Court many different organisations in School Brae, PeebLes the Borders. Activities can include Tel: 01721 723123 befriending, gardening, DIY, pet email: tweedale@the-bridge. fostering and work with special uk.net needs groups. Some opportunities will require a PVG check, but the The Bridge, Roxburgh Volunteer Centre can advise on Veitch’s Close this. Visit our website for more Castlegate, Jedburgh information. Tel: 01835 863554 email: roxburgh@the-bridge. uk.net

Berwickshire Association for For more information contact: Voluntary Service Langlee Complex, Platform One Marigold Drive North St, Eyemouth Galashiels TD1 2LP Tel: 01890 750212 Tel: 01896 755110 email: [email protected]

YOUTH WORK SERVICES Throughout the Scottish Borders there are a wide range of youth work opportunities for young people. Delivered by Community Learning and Development (CLD) and voluntary sector partners, youth clubs offer young people a safe, fun environment to try new experiences, learn new skills and develop personal and social relationships.

Young people also have a range of exciting opportunities to get involved and influence the way services are delivered. They can become involved in decision making processes and work in partnership with service providers through a range of Borders wide youth projects. These include HYPPE (participation groups), MSYPs (Scottish Youth Parliament), BYHF (health services), Wired (radio broadcasting) and YOB (newspaper journalism). Young people also have the opportunity to develop content for the Young Scot Borders website www.youngscot.org/scotborders

WELCOME TO THE SCOTTISH BORDERS | INFORMATION GUIDE | 65

ALTERNATIVEAlternative format/language FORMAT/LANGUAGE paragraph You can get get this this document document on tape, audio in large CD, print, in large and various print other and formatsvarious by computer contacting formatsus at the address by contacting below. In usaddi attion, the contact address the address below. belo In waddition, for information contact on the addresslanguage translations,below for additioinformationnal copies, on or language to arrange translations,for an officer to meet additional with you to copies, or to arrange for an officer to meet with you to explain any areas explain any areas of the publication that you would like clarified. of the report that you would like clarified.

其他格式／外文譯本這份資料冊另備有錄音帶、大字體版本以及多種其他格式。你可以透過以下地址與我們聯絡，索取不同版本。此外，你也可以聯絡以下地址索取本資料的中文和其他外文譯本或索取更多拷貝。亦可要求我們做出安排，由我們的工作人員當面為你解釋你對這份出版物中的不明確之處。

[Alternatywny format/język] Aby uzyskać kopię niniejszego dokumentu w formacie audio, dużą czcionką, oraz innych formatach prosimy o kontakt na poniższy adres. Uzykać tam można również informacje o tłumaczeniach na języki obce, otrzymaniu dodatkowych kopii oraz zaaranżowaniu spotkania z urzędnikiem, który wyjaśni wątpliwości i zapytania związane z treścią niniejszej publikacji.

Parágrafo de formato/língua alternativos Pode obter este documento em cassete audio, impressão aumentada e vários outros formatos contactando a morada indicada em baixo. Pode ainda contactar a morada indicada em baixo para obter informações sobre traduções noutras línguas, cópias adicionais ou para solicitar uma reunião com um funcionário para lhe explicar quaisquer áreas desta publicação que deseje ver esclarecidas.

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STRATEGIC POLICY UNIT LNC/BIU/AUPara/08/07SCOTTISH BORDERS COUNCIL | NEWTOWN ST BOSWELLS | MELROSE | TD6 0SA tel: 01835 824000 | www.scotborders.gov.uk

WE ARE KEEN TO HEAR YOUR VIEWS .... By completing and returning this feedback page you can share your views on this Veterans Handbook with us so that we can make improvements for the future.

1. Did the handbook have the information you were looking for?

2. Did the handbook give a clear picture of living and working in the Scottish Borders from the perspective of an Armed Services Veteran?

3. Are there any areas that were not included that you feel are important?

4. Did you find the information provided well written and easy to understand?

5. Do you have any other comments on the handbook or on any of the services covered?

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Please return this form to us at the: Strategic Policy Unit Scottish Borders Council Newtown St Boswells TD6 0SA

DATA PROTECTION ACT 1998: Please note that the information you provide will be held only in relation to your request for further information regarding the Veterans Handbook.

WELCOME TO THE SCOTTISH BORDERS | INFORMATION GUIDE | 67 This booklet is intended to provide general guidance only. We have taken care to ensure that the information is correct at the time of printing, but it is not legal advice. If you decide to take any action based on the information in the booklet, you should consult the appropriate agency or public body first. If anything is missing or you have any other comments please return the questionnaire at the end of the booklet to us at the address that has been provided. This booklet can be downloaded by visiting www.scotborders.gov.uk and www.ourscottishborders.com

STRATEGIC POLICY UNIT Scottish Borders Council | Newtown St Boswells | MELROSE | TD6 0SA tel: 01835 824000 | www.scotborders.gov.uk

Printed in the Scottish Borders. Designed by Scottish Borders Council Graphic Design Section. KG/05/15.