Edinburgh M.E. Self help Group

Lothian Centre for Inclusive Living (LCIL)

Norton Park
57 Albion Road
Edinburgh EH7 5QY

Tel: 0131 475 2350
(Opening Hours: Monday – Friday, 10.00am – 4.00 pm)
Minicom: 0131 475 2463
Fax: 0131 475 2392
Web: www.lothiancil.org.uk

A user led organisation established in 1991 to provide a range of practical services to disabled adults in the Lothian region. It is managed and staffed by a partnership of disabled and non-disabled people. As of January 2009, it changed its name from Integrated to Inclusive Living and unveiled a brand new website.

Scottish Disability Equality Forum (SDEF)

12 Enterprise House
Springkerse Business Park
Stirling FK7 7UF
Web: http://www.sdef.org.uk/

The SDEF works for social inclusion in Scotland through the removal of barriers and the promotion of equal access for people affected by disability. A membership organisation, it represents individuals with any type of impairment, disability organisations and groups who share their values, and aims to ensure the voices of people affected by disability are heard and heeded.

Long Term Conditions Alliance Scotland (LTCAS)

Venlaw Building, 349 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4AA
Tel: 0141 404 0231
Web: www.ltcas.org.uk

The Long Term Conditions Alliance Scotland (LTCAS) aims to bring together hundreds of voluntary and community organisations across Scotland to give a national voice to ensure the interests and needs of people living with long term conditions are addressed.

Update

Hays Community Business Centre
4 Hay Avenue
Edinburgh
EH16 4AQ
Tel: 0131 669 1600
Web: www.update.org.uk

Scotland’s National Disability Information Service. Provides general information to organisations and members of the public both on its website and via its helpline. The website offers a range of information from commonly asked questions through to equipment information, holiday information and local sources of help and advice.

VOCAL (Voice of Carers Across Lothian)

VOCAL Carers’ Centre
8-13 Johnston Terrace
Edinburgh EH1 2PW
Tel: 0131 622 6666
Web: www.vocal.org.uk

Supports carers living in Edinburgh/the Lothians; outreach services in South Edinburgh & Midlothian.

Concessionary Travel – Blue Badges, Taxi Cards and Bus Passes

Clarence

City of Edinburgh Council Tel: 0800 23 23 23

If you are on DLA higher rate mobility allowance, you automatically qualify for a concessionary bus pass (free bus travel throughout Scotland), a blue badge and a taxi card. Previously you could only apply for either a blue badge or a taxi card but you can now get both. If you are not on DLA, it may still be possible to apply for a blue badge and taxi card but you will need to attend an interview and possibly a medical; if your GP fully supports your application there is a good chance of success.

Phone to request application forms which are sent with all the supporting information required to clarify the application processes and exactly what is involved.

Disabled Persons Railcard

Disabled Person’s Railcard Office,
PO Box 163,
Newcastle-upon-Tyne,
NE12 8WX
Tel: 0845 605 0525
Web: www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk

If you are on a disability benefit such as Incapacity Benefit or DLA you may qualify for the Disabled Persons railcard. The railcard allows you – and an adult companion with you – to get a 1/3 off most Standard and First Class fares throughout Great Britain. Buy a one year card for £18, take a journey that usually costs £54 and the card has paid for itself. A three year card is also available for £48. You must provide proof that you qualify for a railcard (copy of your benefits award letter). A Disabled Person’s Railcard cannot be issued at stations. To get a Disabled Person’s Railcard, complete the application form downloadable from the website and send it together with payment and the required proof of disability to the address above.

Patient Liaison Officer – Western General Hospital (Surgical) Tel: 0131 537 2930

Patient Advocate – Edinburgh Royal Infirmary (Medical) Tel: 0131 242 3379
or 536 3232

Members of Parliament
Go to www.parliament.uk/directories/directories.cfm to search for your MP and for contact info.

Members of the Scottish Parliament
Go to www.scottish.parliament.uk/msp/index.htm to search for your MSP and for contact info.

Samaritans
Tel: 08457 90 90 90
Web: www.samaritans.org

Inland Revenue
Go to http://search2.hmrc.gov.uk/kbroker/hmrc/contactus/start.jsp to search for helpline numbers by topic including taxes, tax credits and child benefit.