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Community Groups

Advocacy Shetland

Advocacy Shetland is an Independent Advocacy organisation which offers a service to all users of health and social care facilities in Shetland, with specialist advocacy services for:

Clients with Mental Health issues; Clients with Homelessness issues; Care in the Community clients and their Carers.

They provide trained staff who can ensure that a client's voice is heard, and their views taken into account when decisions are made which may affect their life. They will provide support to clients and provide information regarding their options, entitlements and rights.

Contact: Hazel B Anderson, Project Manager, Market House, 14 Market Street, Lerwick, ZE1 0JP.

Tel: 01595 743929/743030

email: advocacy@shetland.org

Shetland Befriending Scheme

One-to-one befriending scheme for young people and young adults aged between 7 and 25, who are experiencing significant social, emotional or behavioural difficulties, or have significant problems forming effective relationships with adults and peers.

Provides a service to young people who lack significant role models, and who would benefit from regular contact with an adult befriender.

Offers friendship & support, to build confidence and enhance all round social development enabling the young person to go forward.

Opening Hours: Mon to Fri 9-5

Contact:

Colleen Flaws, Project Co-ordinator, Market House, 14 Market Street, Lerwick, ZE1 0JP

Tel: 01595 743907

Fax: 01595 696787

email: befriending@shetland.org

website: http://www.shetland-communities.org.uk/shetland-befriending/

Citizens Advice Bureau

Free, confidential and independent advice on issues including debt, consumer rights, benefit entitlements, housing, employment and immigration.

Specialist debt, benefits and employment advice with tribunal representation service.

Opening Hours:

Monday: 0930 to 1230 & 1400 to 1600.

Tuesday: 0930 to 1230, 1400 to 1600 & 1700 to 2000.

Wednesday: 0930 to 1230 & 1400 to 1600*.

Thursday: 0930 to 1230*, 1400 to 1600* & 1700 to 2000.

Friday: 0930 to 1230 & 1400 to 1600.

Saturday: 1030 to 1300.

* appointments only.

Contact:

Shetland Islands Citizens Advice Bureau, Market House, 14 Market Street, Lerwick ZE1 0JP

Tel: 01595 694696

Fax: 01595 696776

email: sicab@zetnet.co.uk

website: www.cas.org.uk

C.O.P.E

This organisation's aims are to enable adults with learning difficulties who are excluded from employment & community service the opportunity to plan, participate in and manage their own small business.

COPE has achieved this by establishing a dedicated enterprise centre where groups conduct social and economic activities and so change perceptions about the contribution Adults with Learning Difficulties can make.

Contact:

COPE, Port Business Park, Gremista, Lerwick ZE1 0TW

Tel: 01595 690011

email: info@cope.ltd.uk

website: www.cope.ltd.uk/

Crossroads Care Attendant Scheme

Caring for Carers

Supporting carers in the community by providing a respite care service for vulnerable people in their own homes, following a full assessment of their individual needs. Crossroads provide information for carers and operate the "Absent Carers Scheme" offering regular visits to older people giving peace of mind to carers and loved ones.

Contact:

Mary Gifford, Crossroads (Shetland), Market House, 14 Market Street, Lerwick, ZE1 0JP

Tel: 01595 743931/2

Fax: 01595 696787

email: crossroads@shetland.org

Crossroads Caring Scotland

Carers Information and Support Line - Tel: 0141 353 6504

Website: www.crossroads-scotland.co.uk/

Disability Shetland logo Disability Shetland

Disability Shetland aims to offer a comprehensive range of services to people with disabilities and their families or carers. They also work closely with other local agencies, both voluntary and statutory, to help deliver the best service to their clients.

They offer various projects including Recreation Club, Children’s club, Swimming club, Computer project and work closely with the Access Panel.

Contact:

Disability Shetland, Market House, 14 Market Street, Lerwick, ZE1 0JP

Tel: 01595 743920

Fax: 01595 696787

Email: dorothy.sales@shetland.org

Website: www.shetlandcommunities.org/disability-shetland

Bruce Family Centre Services

The Bruce Family Centre is a multi-agency team bringing together the Family Centre Manager, the Pre-School Home Visiting Service, Community Alarm Scheme Teacher, a Family Support Worker and four Playworkers. Also based in the Family Centre are the Shetland Childcare Partnership Co-ordinator and the Childcare Development Officer.

This team aims to offer family support services throughout Shetland on an outreach basis by offering parent support groups individual input to more vulnerable families, play opportunities via the Play Van and groupwork sessions with young people. The Family Centre also manages the Islesburgh Pre-school group and the Out-of-school groups in Mossbank, Dunrossness and Lerwick.

For more details please contact:

Family Centre Manager, Bruce Family Centre, Lovers Loan, Lerwick, ZE1 0BA

Tel: 01595 745405

For more information on childcare provision in Shetland contact:

Shetland Childcare Partnership Co-ordinator, Bruce Family Centre, Lovers Loan, Lerwick, ZE1 0BA

Tel: 01595 745403

Firth and Mossbank Family Centre

The Bruce Family Centre operates the Breakfast Club and the Out-of-school club - Kidzone - which is open every morning and evening during school term and operates all day during holiday times.

Contact details are:

Play Practitioner, Kidzone, Firth and Mossbank Family Centre, 21-23 Leaside, Firth, Mossbank, ZE2 9TF

Tel: 01806 242890

Shetland Hospitals & Community Friends

Helps to provide some equipment and comforts not provided by the Health Board, for patients in hospitals and in the community (such as reclining chairs, toiletries for emergency admissions).

Contact: Tel: 01595 693147

Moving On

The Moving On Employment Project is a voluntary organisation, registered as a charity, offering a confidential service to anyone with a barrier to employment, including disabilities and mental health problems, who wants to find work or take part in work experience.

Contact:

Kellie Naulls, Market House, 14 Market Street, Lerwick, ZE1 0JP

Tel: 01595 743926

email: kellie.naulls@shetland.org

British Red Cross logo (Shetland District)

The Red Cross provides voluntary services throughout Shetland, including:

  • First Aid - 24/7 response to SIC called emergencies.
  • First Aid - cover at public events.
  • Hospital Escort Service - accompanying out-patients to mainland hospitals.
  • Car Service - carrying frail/older people in Lerwick & Bressay to medical appointments in Lerwick.
  • Medical Loan - wheelchairs for short term use by injured, frail, or older people.
  • Therapeutic Care - massage therapy for residents in care centres & hospitals.

For Red Cross Services contact:
Services Manager: Richard Hamilton
Address: Reform Lane, Lerwick ZE1 0DQ
Office Hours: 9am-5pm, Mon-Fri
Tel/Fax: 01595 695498
Mobile: 07738 944547
Email: rhamilton@redcross.org.uk

For Red Cross Shop contact:
Shop Manager: Kenneth Hope
Address: 125-127 Commercial Street, Lerwick ZE1 0DL
Shop Hours: 9am-5pm, Mon-Sat
Tel/Fax: 01595 693517

Red Cross website: www.redcross.org.uk

Shetland Alcohol Support Services

Aims to provide a high quality confidential service to all users and to tackle alcohol misuse in Shetland by

  1. The provision of a quality one-to-one counselling service for individuals who misuse alcohol
  2. Advice, support and counselling to families, friends and partners
  3. The promotion of alcohol awareness and health education in alcohol matters
  4. The provision of education, training and advice on alcohol and sensible drinking
  5. Drop-in

We have an outreach counsellor who will see people in their own homes, doctors surgeries or in the centre.

Shetland Alcohol Support Services has a member of staff who works with the schools and community to provide help and support to young people under 16yrs of age.

Please ring for an appointment.

Our main reception is open: Mon, Tues & Friday 9.30am - 5pm. Wed. & Thurs 9.30am - 1pm.

Contact: Shetland Alcohol Support Services, 44 Commercial Street, Lerwick, ZE1 0AB

Tel: 01595 695363

Fax: 01595 692801

email: admin@alcoholsupport.org.uk

SBSS logo

Shetland Bereavement Support Service

Shetland Bereavement Support Service is a registered charity which offers one to one support to individuals who require support after losing someone.

Their support workers are qualified in counselling skills and have received additional specialised training in bereavement support.

Contact details: Shetland Bereavement Support Service, Market House, 14 Market Street, Lerwick. ZE1 0JP

Tel: 01595 743933

website: www.shetland-communities.org/sbss      

Charity Registered in Scotland - Number SC037783National Lottery logo

Shetland Community Bike Project

Aims of this project are to provide therapeutic activities for clients referred from CADSS, Moving On Employment Project, Support Training and Shetland Link Up.

The project also operates an Employability Programme providing 3 x 6 month work placements for long term unemployed clients who have significant barriers to entering mainstream employment. The bike project is signed up to a Local Employment Partnership with Jobcentre Plus.

Contact: Caroline Adamson, Project Co-ordinator, The Cellar, Peterson's Closs, Lerwick ZE1 0EX

Tel: 01595 690077

Fax: 01595 690077

email: shetlandbikeproject@ukfsn.org

Shetland Community Drugs Team

This initiative is jointly funded by the Shetland Islands Council and Shetland Health Board and run by a voluntary Board of Directors. Drug workers and trained volunteers provide specialist help and support. There is a GP prescribing clinic for drug dependent clients.

Shetland Community Drugs Team (SCDT) is a voluntary organisation offering confidential counselling, support, information, advice and practical help to anyone with a drug related problem, their family, partner or friends. Where access to project based services is problematic, arrangements may be made to meet you in your own home or another mutually convenient and confidential place. SCDT will assist you in accessing other appropriate information and support services.

SCDT can also deliver training to other professionals or community groups on drug related issues.

Contact:

Gill Hession, Market House, 14 Market Street, Lerwick, ZE1 0JP

Tel: 01595 743925

email: gill.scdt@shetland.org

Shetland Link Up

Provide a free drop-in service for men and women who are recovering from problems with mental-health and well-being. Opening times are on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11am - 2pm. Tea and coffee etc are free - just help yourself. You are welcome to share a snack meal with us. We play games of various types or just chat. If you want to speak confidentially to a member of staff, we are happy to arrange it.

Contact:

John Hadland, 8 Commercial Street, Lerwick, ZE1 0AN

Tel: 01595 693313

email: shetland_linkup@tiscali.co.uk

website: www.shetlandlinkup.org

Shetland Youth Information Service (SYIS)

Offer free, confidential, advice and information on a variety of topics of particular interest or concern to young people aged 12 to 25.

These include alcohol, drugs, housing, money, sexual matters, relationships, mental health and the Internet.

Opening Hours: Mon - Sat 1pm to 5pm.

They have a drop-in cafe, resource library and operate a Young Parents Group.

Drop-in opening hours: Mon - Fri 1pm to 5pm.

They also offer a range of workshops and group work activities for young people which can be delivered at the SYIS, in youth clubs, in schools etc.

SYIS offer a Children's Rights Service, freephone 0800 100 2353

Contact: SYIS, 64 Commercial Street, Lerwick, ZE1 0DL

Tel: 01595 692002

Fax: 01595 695001

email: info@shetlandyouth.com

website: www.shetlandyouth.com/Home.aspx

Voluntary Action Shetland

An independent organisation which exists to develop voluntary action in Shetland.

VAS provides office space, office services, conference facilities and training for a wide range of social and welfare activities throughout Shetland.

Contact for a copy of an annual report:

VAS, Market House, 14 Market Street, Lerwick, ZE1 0JP

Tel: 01595 743902

Fax: 01595 696787

email: vas@shetland.org

Volunteer Centre Shetland

A volunteer co-ordination agency offering opportunities for people to participate in their communities. It also assists individuals and organisations with information and assistance on all volunteering issues.

Opening Hours: Mon to Fri 9-5

If you would like to offer your services or find out more about the many benefits of volunteering, contact:

Sue, Kathleen or Gwen, Volunteer Centre Shetland, Market House, 14 Market Street, Lerwick ZE1 0JP

Tel: 01595 743910

Fax: 01595 696787

email: vcs@shetland.org

website: www.shetlandvolunteers.org.uk

Women of Worth

This is a group run by women for women who have experienced emotional difficulties and problems with mental health and well-being. We encourage mutual support, a sense of worth, acceptance and respect for all group members, explore aspects of self awareness and develop a sense of acceptance of the self and others. This encourages self-love, self-respect, and self-worth. The aim is for members to become more self-reliant, live more independent lives and make healthy life choices. Women of Worth meets at the Shetland Link Up premises on Mondays and Thursdays from 11am - 2pm.

Contact:

Caron Hadland

Tel: 01595 693313

email: women-of-worth@tiscali.co.uk

website: www.shetlandlinkup.org

WRVS primary logo (colour)

The WRVS is a national organisation that helps people maintain independence and dignity in their homes and communities, particularly in later life.

Throughout the UK, 56,000 volunteers help provide services like meals on wheels, hospital trolleys or Good Neighbour Tasks.

The WRVS in Shetland offers the following services :

  • Social Clubs in Lerwick, Burra, Walls, Whalsay, Brae and Northmavine
  • Lerwick Social Club meets 2-4pm every second Tuesday at the Royal British Legion
  • Burra Social Club meets 2-4pm every second Monday at Hamnavoe Public Hall
  • Walls Social Club meets 2-4pm every second Tuesday at Germatwatt Centre
  • Whalsay Social Club meets 2-4pm every second Monday at Isbister Hall
  • Brae Social Club meets 2-4pm every second Friday at North Haven Care Centre
  • Northmavine Social Club meets 3-5pm every second Wednesday; the club rotates between the local halls.
  • A new club in the South Mainland starts on Tuesday, 28 April 2009, in the Bigton Hall between 2-4pm and will run every two weeks.
  • Lunch club in Sandwick (meets on the last Thursday of the month, 12:30-2:30pm at Sandwick Social Club)
  • Lunch club in Cunningsburgh (meets on the second Tuesday of the month, 12:30-2:30pm at the Cunningsburgh Hall
  • Good Neighbours Scheme - volunteers provide help with shopping, light housework etc.
  • Community Transport Scheme - volunteers provide transport e.g. a trip to the doctor.

Contact:

WRVS, Market House, 14 Market Street, Lerwick ZE1 0JP

Tel: 01595 743914

email: shetland.admin@wrvs.org.uk

website: www.wrvs.org.uk