Inverclyde - Help and support

Hope and optimism are good for mental and physical health.  A diagnosis of dementia can bring with it uncertainty and even fear. That is all the more reason to  do things that spark joy and make you smile. 

If you do not feel in good spirits it is important to tell someone close to you. Hiding, or trying to cope with difficult feelings on your own can make you feel worse.

Talking things through with someone can lift your mood.

Try Alzheimer Scotland 24 hr helpline – 0800 888 6678 - or Silverline Scotland – 0800 4 70 80 90.

Details of local groups can be found at Inverclyde Life. 

If you need support to access groups, try Inverclyde Community Connectors  Speak to a local Community Connector 01475 728628  or email enquiries@yourvoice.org.uk. They may be able to help you link in with local support services. 

Speak to a Community Link Worker who works in your local GP practice: call your GP Practice, or call 01475 711 733 or email admin@cvsinverclyde.org.uk.Community Links Workers can help you to access relevant local services. 

The  Inverclyde Life webpage has details of local groups and services.

Everyone experiences times when they feel a bit down.

If you have tried some of the activities list and have linked in with some of the community supports but still feel down and struggle to enjoy things, you can contact the Inverclyde Primary Care Mental Health Team on 01475 558 000. 

You can contact the team directly or ask your GP to make a referral.

This team can offer an assessment and, if needed, short term psychological intervention. 

Peace and quiet often help us to feel calm and relaxed. So does being in a comfortable environment. 

It is helpful to have a familiar physical space that you enjoy spending time in, perhaps a favourite chair with photos of loved ones nearby.  

Having a regular daily routine that you are accustomed to and includes things that you enjoy will also help you to feel confident and relaxed.

When experiencing stress or anxiety, it can be helpful to tell others about how we are feeling. Reaching out to family, friends or carers and letting them know that you are struggling can help.   

Try Inverclyde Community Connectors Speak to a local Community Connector 01475 728628 or email enquiries@yourvoice.org.uk. They may be able to help you link in with local support services.

Speak to a Community Link Worker who works in your local GP practice: call your GP Practice, or call 01475 711 733 or email admin@cvsinverclyde.org.uk. Community Links Workers can help you to access relevant local services. 

Your local Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Advisor may also be able to offer support and can be contacted on: 01475 261100. 

Mind UK offers useful tips and exercises on relaxation.

No one feels calm and relaxed all of the time, but if none of the things that you are doing to help you feel calm or relaxed are working, then it is a good idea to reach out for some additional support.  

Telephone support lines may be helpful: Alzheimer Scotland 24 hour helpline – 0800 888 6678 - or Silverline Scotland – 0800 470 8090.  

The Primary Care Mental Health Team (01475 558 000) can also provide support with managing stress.

Feeling able to do the things that you would like to do is important.

Maintaining your physical health and wellbeing will help with this. This includes managing any other conditions you may have, managing your medications and looking after your general health.

Services and resources to try

Quit your way  Quit your way Inverclyde is a community service to help you to stop smoking. 

Try Inverclyde Community Connectors Speak to a local Community Connector 01475 728628 or email enquiries@yourvoice.org.uk. They may be able to help you link in with local support services.

Speak to a Community Link Worker who works in your local GP practice: call your GP Practice, or call 01475 711 733 or email admin@cvsinverclyde.org.uk. Community Links Workers can help you to access relevant local services. 

 Live Active The Live Active referral scheme is a joint partnership between Inverclyde Leisure and NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde. It aims to help people increase their level of physical activity, and gain core skills to lead an active life. Participants must be referred by their GP, practice nurse or other health professional who will assess their suitability to be referred onto the scheme.

The Paths for All project in Inverclyde offers a number of health walks.

Sleeping well is important and poor sleep patterns have been linked to poor physical and mental health. Most older adults find 7-9 hours of sleep is enough. Common sleep problems include difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or waking early in the morning.

NHS Inform has information on sleeping well in its insomnia section

If sleeping is a problem for you, you’ll find some helpful tips in the Activities to try tab.

A variety of community activities are available in Inverclyde. Try keeping up an activity that you enjoy – or try something new. For ideas on what you can do, and information about organisations that provide local activities, follow these links: 

• Inverclyde Leisure
• Discover Inverclyde

There are many benefits of doing things that you enjoy and find meaningful.

There are things you can do at home such as cooking, baking, household tasks and gardening. It is also good to try new things and do activities outside of the home that give you an opportunity to connect with others.

It is important that you still do things that you enjoy. This can be things you like doing in your own home or in your local community. Research shows that doing things you enjoy will help you adapt and cope with stress.

There are lots of things you can do in your local community. Try the Inverclyde Life Directory. 

Alzheimer Scotland staff and volunteers have videos showing activities you can be involved in, such as gentle exercise and reminiscence.

You can speak to a dementia advisor at Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Resource Centre in Inverclyde:  

Telephone: 01475 261100

Address: 

Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Resource Centre 
1 Nicol Street 
Greenock
PA16 7EN

Starting a new activity can be daunting but the rewards can be great! If you feel worried about starting something new or would like someone to help you link with things that you are interested in, you can either:  

Try Inverclyde Community Connectors Speak to a local Community Connector 01475 728628 or email enquiries@yourvoice.org.uk. They may be able to help you link in with local support services.

or

Speak to a Community Link Worker who works in your local GP practice: call your GP Practice, or call 01475 711 733 or email admin@cvsinverclyde.org.uk