On Thursday 7th July 2005 a new service providing free, confidential support and advice to anybody aged 12 and over who is in crisis, self harming or at risk of suicide, was launched in North Glasgow. Royston Stress Centre received support and funding from North Glasgow Healthy Living Community and the Scottish Executive 'Choose Life Fund' to deliver 'LifeLink', a crisis intervention service in the North Glasgow area. LifeLink has also attracted further funding from NHS Greater Glasgow, Glasgow City Council, and Communities Scotland.
Through the establishment of the crisis intervention project ‘LifeLink’ people who are at risk of self harming or suicide will have increased access to support and aftercare. LifeLink aims to provide immediate frontline, short term support to people who are:
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From North Glasgow (Balornock, Barmulloch, Blackhill, Hamiltonhill, Lambhill, Milton, Possil, Provanmill, Ruchill, Springburn)
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In a crisis
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Self harming and/or at risk of suicide
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and offer support to their families, friends & carers
Self harm is a way some people cope with overwhelming feelings of pain, anger or distress. When a person self harms they may experience temporary relief from these feelings and feel more able to cope with their life. Self harm can be the only way a person feels able to stay in control of their life, a way of punishing themselves, a ‘cry for help’ or a way of feeling ‘real’. If anyone feels unable to cope and are in need of support they should call or call in at the project itself.
LifeLink will offer mental, emotional and therapeutic support as close to the initial point of contact as is possible. Thereafter they will assist clients in accessing immediate, relevant support to alleviate factors contributing to their situation, supporting them through onward referral and providing a thorough aftercare service.
Available services include:
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Drop-in services - Mon 10.30 - 1.30, Wed 6 - 9pm (Female/Male groups)
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Under 16 Drop-in Thursdays 4 - 6pm
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Information on harm minimisation
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Training on wound dressing
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Counselling and massage therapy on site
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Support for family, friends and carers - Weekly Support Group
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One to one support, assessment and onward referrals
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Women's Self-injury Support Group
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Mixed Jogging Group
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Men's 5-a-side football
LifeLink will work in partnership with relevant agencies to provide effective support/aftercare and onward referrals for this target group in North Glasgow. They aim to establish positive and effective liaison, networks and partnership working with statutory, voluntary and community services on an on-going basis, to develop and strengthen appropriate service provision for those people who self harm and/or at risk of suicide.
For further information go to www.lifelink.org.uk or contact:
LifeLink
Millburn Centre
221 Millburn Street
Glasgow G21 2QX
Tel: 0141 548 1515
Fax: 0141 548 1353