Disclaimer – Community Caring Circle

The Community Caring Circle at Park Ecovillage Trust is providing this page for signposting purposes only.

We are not suggesting, recommending, promoting or endorsing any specific service or organisation listed.

The Community Caring Circle is a volunteer‑led community initiative.

It is not a medical, clinical, nursing or emergency service and does not replace NHS services.

The CCC supports additional comforts, amenities and improvements that are above and beyond statutory NHS healthcare and public social services obligations.

The CCC does not provide medical care, clinical assessment, personal care, emergency response, or professional counselling or therapy.

For any clinical, urgent or emergency health needs, you should always contact your GP, NHS 24 (telephone 111), NHS services, or Emergency Services (telephone 999) directly.

Please scroll for the topic of interest, as the list is in alphabetical order, proceeded by a number.
This page covers 15 health and social support topics. Please let us know if you think other important topic should be included in the list.

Contact [email protected].

This page is intended as a signposting guide. Most services are accessed via your GP, NHS 24 or Moray Council.

1. Emergencies & Urgent Care

Emergency services (for life-threatening problems):

  • Call 999 immediately.

NHS 24 (urgent health advice when GP is unavailable):

A&E and urgent hospital care:

  • Dr Gray’s Hospital, Elgin (NHS A&E)
    Address: Pluscarden Road, Elgin IV30 1SN
    Main switchboard: 0345 456 6000

Minor Injury Units (urgent but not life-threatening):

  • Turner Memorial Hospital, Keith

  • Stephen Cottage Hospital, Dufftown

  • Seafield Hospital, Buckie

Useful Links and Helplines in Forres / Findhorn and surrounding

  • Reception, Care Navigation and Pharmacy teams 0345 337 1120
  • Out of Hours GP / NHS 24 number: 111
  • Community/District Nurses 01309 678899
  • Health Visitors and School Nurses 01309 678875
  • Midwives 01309 678867

FORRES HEALTH CENTRE ONLINE: Engage Consult

  • Samaritans (emotional support): 116 123

  • Breathing Space (mental health support): 0800 83 85 87

  • Alzheimer Scotland Helpline: 0808 808 3000

  • Macmillan Support Line: 0808 808 00 00

2. Abuse, Harm and Vulnerability – what to do and who can help

Understanding Harm

Harm can take many forms, including:

  • Physical abuse

  • Emotional or psychological abuse

  • Domestic abuse

  • Sexual abuse

  • Neglect

  • Financial abuse or exploitation — such as theft, fraud, pressure to give money or sign property over, misuse of benefits or undue influence on financial decisions
    (abuse can happen anywhere — at home, in care settings, online or in public).

Everyone has the right to be safe and treated with dignity, and it’s always appropriate to raise concerns if someone may be at risk.

Statutory and Public Protection Contacts

Adult Support & Protection – Moray

This is the service that investigates and responds to concerns about adults at risk of harm, including financial abuse and neglect.

Adult Protection Unit (Moray Council / Health & Social Care Moray / NHS partners)

  • Telephone (Access Care Team): 01343 563 999 (Monday–Friday)

  • Out of hours urgent: 03457 565 656

  • Email: [email protected]

  • Address: Adult Protection Unit, Moray Council HQ Annexe, High Street, Elgin IV30 1BX

  • Website (Moray Protects / Act Against Harm): https://morayprotects.co.uk/ or visit Act Against Harm (see morayprotects links)

If the person is in immediate danger, call 999; for non-urgent reporting of suspected crime, call Police Scotland on 101.

What they can do

Adult Support & Protection teams can:

  • Investigate concerns about harm or exploitation

  • Assess risk and wellbeing

  • Work with Police, health and social care to protect the adult

  • Refer to advocacy or additional supports

Specific Abuse Support Services

Moray Women’s Aid (Domestic Abuse)

Support for women, children and young people experiencing domestic abuse or controlling behaviour, including safety planning, emotional support, outreach, advocacy and help with housing and debt advice.

Services include 1-to-1 support, risk assessment, safety planning, counselling, peer groups and practical support.

Hourglass (National Older People’s Abuse Helpline)

A free, confidential helpline for concerns about harm, abuse or exploitation of older people (including financial abuse).

This is a UK-wide specialist service that can listen to concerns and signpost next steps, but does not replace statutory reporting where there is immediate danger.

Victim Support Scotland

If someone has experienced a crime, including exploitation, theft, harassment or abuse, Victim Support Scotland can offer emotional support, information about the justice system and referral to other services.

Office of the Public Guardian (Scotland)

If someone has Power of Attorney, financial guardianship or a third party managing their finances and you suspect financial abuse, you can contact the Office of the Public Guardian (Scotland). They can investigate concerns about how appointed proxies are acting with someone’s finances.

What to do if you are worried someone is at risk

  1. If immediate danger or crime:

    • Call 999 (emergency)

    • Call 101 (non-urgent Police Scotland)

  2. If adult is at risk (any form of harm):

    • Contact Moray Access Care Team / Adult Protection Unit: 01343 563 999 or [email protected]

  3. For confidential specialist helpline advice:

    • Hourglass Helpline: 0808 808 8141

    • Victim Support Scotland: 0800 160 1985

  4. For domestic abuse support:

  5. If financial management concerns involve Power of Attorney:

    • Contact Office of the Public Guardian (Scotland) via their website for guidance and possible intervention.

Recognising Financial Abuse

Financial abuse can involve:

  • Someone taking money without permission

  • Pressure to sign over property or assets

  • Scams or fraud targeting a vulnerable person

  • Misuse of someone’s benefits or bank account
    Even if the adult seems to agree, it may still be abuse if pressure or coercion is involved. If you’re unsure, it’s always appropriate to report concerns so professionals can assess the situation.

How Referrals Typically Work

  • Self-referral: People can phone or visit Moray CAB directly for appointments or walk-in sessions.

  • GP / health teams referral: Healthcare professionals can refer individuals to Moray CAB’s Empower Project or Money Advice Moray for benefit checks & financial support advice, especially when financial stress is affecting wellbeing.

  • Moray Council referral: Council teams (e.g., social work or income maximisation) can refer individuals for Scottish Welfare Fund or partner support.

3. Dementia & Degenerative Conditions

Alzheimer Scotland – Moray Service:

  • Provides information, support, groups, and advice for people with dementia and carers.

  • Helpline: 0808 808 3000 (free, national dementia helpline)

  • Website: https://www.alzscot.org

Dementia Post-Diagnostic Support (NHS Scotland):

  • People diagnosed with dementia are offered a Link Worker for advice and support after diagnosis.

  • Details available via NHS and GP referrals.

Community memory and support groups are also available locally — your GP or NHS Grampian can refer you to these.

4. Cancer Support & Palliative Resources

NHS Palliative Care (local):

  • The Oaks Specialist Palliative Care Unit – Elgin
    A specialist palliative care service managed by NHS Grampian, providing day-care support focused on symptom control and quality of life for people living with cancer or other progressive illnesses.

National and local support organisations:

Macmillan Cancer Support: practical, emotional and financial support.

  • Telephone: 0808 808 00 00
    Website: https://www.macmillan.org.uk

  • Local cancer support and benefits advice through Moray Citizens Advice Bureau and regional groups offering counselling and wellbeing services.

    CLAN Cancer Support is a well-established local charity that provides free support for people affected by cancer— including those living in Moray, north-east Scotland, Orkney and Shetland. They support anyone at any stage of the cancer journey: before diagnosis, during diagnosis, through treatment and beyond.

  • What CLAN offers:

    • Emotional support and counselling

    • Telephone and digital support

    • Social and wellbeing groups

    • Complementary therapies (where available)

    • Support for families, carers and friends

    • Child and family support services

    • Accommodation near Aberdeen hospitals when needed

    • Local support groups such as Keith Cancer Link and Buckie & District Cancer Support Group

    Contact details:

    Local CLAN bases include:

    • CLAN Elgin (address and booking details on their website)

    • Aberdeen support centre (CLAN House)

    • Community outreach locations in Mintlaw, Forres, Buckie and elsewhere.

    CLAN’s services are free to anyone affected by cancer — including patients, family members and carers — and they aim to reduce stress, anxiety and improve wellbeing through practical support and community connection.

5. Dental and Oral Health

NHS dental services provide routine, urgent and emergency dental care for children and adults.

Moray residents without a dentist can contact the service on Health & Social Care Moray Council 0345 45 65 990 to access urgent care (Monday to Friday between 8.05am and 6pm). Qualified dental nurses can give advice and will arrange an emergency appointment if necessary.

Accessing NHS Dental Care

NHS Inform, find NHS dentists and dental services in Scotland Website: https://www.nhsinform.scot/scotlands-service-directory/dental-services

You can use NHS Inform to search for dental practices accepting NHS patients and to understand NHS dental charges and exemptions.

Local dental practices can also advise directly on registration, waiting lists and appointment availability.

Urgent and Emergency Dental Care

If you have urgent dental pain, swelling, infection, trauma or bleeding and your dentist is unavailable, contact NHS 24.

NHS 24 Telephone: 111 Website: https://www.nhs24.scot

NHS 24 can assess your symptoms and direct you to an emergency dental service if needed.

Oral Health Advice and Prevention

NHS Inform oral health advice for adults, older people and carers Website: https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/dental-health

This includes guidance on caring for teeth and gums, denture care, dry mouth, oral health for people with long term conditions and support for carers.

6. Neurodiversity and Neurodevelopmental Support: ADHD and Autism

NHS Assessment & Referral Pathways. At present, autism and ADHD assessment pathways are different in Moray. Adult autism assessment in Moray allows self-referral. ADHD assessment usually begins through a GP referral.

Supporting Resources (Non-clinical)

While waiting or if referral isn’t currently accepted, you can signpost to self-management support and information:

Adult Self-Referral (Moray)

Who this is for

  • Adults aged 18 and over

  • People registered with a GP practice in Moray (or Aberdeen City)

Important note

This is a self-referral service. You do not need a GP to refer you, although you may wish to speak to your GP for support.

How to self-refer

If you are an adult and think you may be autistic, you can contact the NHS Adult Autism Assessment Team directly.

Adult Autism Assessment Team (NHS Grampian)

In your email, include:

  • Your full name

  • Date of birth

  • Address

  • Telephone number

  • The name of your GP practice (must be in Moray or Aberdeen City)

  • A short note saying you are seeking an adult autism assessment

If you are registered with a GP in Aberdeenshire

This team cannot accept referrals if your GP is in Aberdeenshire.
Instead, contact:

What to expect

  • The Adult Autism Assessment Team currently meets once a week, so responses may take time.

  • If you are registered with a Moray GP, they will respond as soon as they are able.

  • Waiting times for assessment can be long; this is common across Scotland.

Service address (for information)

Adult Autism Assessment Team
Macrobin Reception
Fulton Building
Royal Cornhill Hospital
Aberdeen
AB25 2ZH

  • ADHD assessments can also start with a GP referral to NHS Grampian mental health services (Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services for young people, adult mental health services for adults).

  • Your GP can advise on eligibility, waiting times and local support.

Support may include diagnosis, strategies for daily life, medication where appropriate, and referral to community supports.

7. Depression, Anxiety & Other Mental Health Support

Urgent Mental Health Support

  • Emergency Services: 999 (if there is immediate danger to life)
  • NHS 24: Telephone 111 (urgent mental health advice when GP is unavailable)

NHS Mental Health Services

  • GP Practices (Moray): The first point of contact for concerns about depression, anxiety, low mood, stress, trauma or other mental health difficulties. GPs can assess needs and refer to appropriate NHS services.
  • NHS Grampian Mental Health Services: Provide assessment and treatment for a range of mental health conditions through community mental health teams.

Self‑Referral and Psychological Therapies

  • Some NHS services offer access to psychological therapies (such as talking therapies) following GP discussion or referral.

National Mental Health Helplines (Scotland)

Single Point of Contact

The Moray Council – Access Care Team
A first point of contact for adult health and social care support in Moray, including care at home, day services, assessment, equipment and advice.

  • Telephone: 01343 563 999 (Monday to Friday 8.45 am – 5 pm)

  • Out of hours urgent number: 03457 565 656 (if your situation is urgent outside office hours)

  • Email: [email protected]

  • Website: http://www.moray.gov.uk/ (search for “Access Care Team”)

  • Address: 2–10 High Street, Elgin IV30 1BY

Carers’ Support

Quarriers Carer Support Service Moray
Support for unpaid carers of all ages in Moray, including advice, emotional support, planning, respite information and carers’ rights.

8. End-of-Life & Palliative Care

NHS End-of-Life Services:

  • Palliative care and end-of-life support are managed through NHS Grampian services.

  • These may include community palliative care teams, hospital support, symptom management and planning support.

Bereavement Support:

  • Voluntary organisations (e.g., Cruse Bereavement Support) provide counselling and bereavement assistance.

Marie Curie

Marie Curie support focuses specifically on end-of-life care and comfort, providing expertly trained nursing care and support for people living with a life-limiting illness in their final months and weeks, alongside emotional and practical support for carers and families.

  • Marie Curie is the UK’s leading end-of-life care charity and provides specialist palliative and end-of-life care nursing support for people with any terminal illness, not just cancer.

  • They offer Marie Curie Nurses, hospice care, companion support and help with symptom management, comfort and dignity as life approaches its final phase. They also provide emotional support for families and carers.

  • Care can be delivered in the person’s home, in hospice settings or in other NHS/partner settings depending on location and commissioning. Referral is usually through a GP, district nurse or specialist team.

Marie Curie contact details:

Macmillan End of Life Cancer Support

  • Macmillan provides support throughout the cancer journey, including towards the end of life, primarily for people affected by cancer.

  • They offer practical, emotional, financial and information support, including benefits advice, symptom information, counselling, support groups and help for carers.

  • Macmillan also works with NHS teams; for example, Macmillan nurses may be part of palliative care teams within NHS settings and help coordinate care and information. They don’t usually provide hands-on clinical care at home like a nurse would, but complement clinical teams with advice and support.

Macmillan contact details:

This service is especially relevant if the end-of-life care relates to cancer and offers a wide range of information and support that continues even after treatment has ended.

9. Injuries, Reduced Mobility, Falls and Rehabilitation

Support for injuries includes assessment, treatment and recovery support.

Minor Injury Units can treat sprains, fractures, wounds and minor trauma.

Falls prevention, mobility support and rehabilitation services are available through NHS services and Moray Council following GP or hospital referral.

Physiotherapy services are usually accessed via GP referral or NHS self referral pathways where available at this link https://www.nhsgrampian.org/service-hub/dr-grays-services/drgrays-physiotherapy/

10. Integrated Support & Advice Points

Access Care Team – Moray Council:

  • A first contact for adult health and social care needs, care planning, and signposting.

  • Telephone: 01343 563999

  • Website: https://www.moray.gov.uk

Carer Support Services:

  • Local carer support offers information, planning help, emotional support and respite advice.

Independent Advocacy Services:

  • Advocacy helps people understand choices, make decisions about care plans and navigate services.

11. Menopause Support

NHS Clinical Support:

Local Awareness:

12. Financial Hardship & Money Advice Signposting

Moray Citizens Advice Bureau – Free Impartial Advice

Moray CAB offers free, confidential advice on benefits, debt, budgeting, income maximisation, help accessing grants/funds, housing, work and more.

  • Telephone: 01343 550 088

  • Address: 6 Moss Street, Elgin IV30 1LU

  • Website: https://www.moraycab.org.uk/
    This is usually the main referral point for people needing help with financial issues (benefits, debt problems, budgeting, appeals).

Empower Project / Cost of Living Assistance (Moray CAB)

A specialist part of Moray CAB offering holistic financial support, including:

  • Benefit checks and income maximisation

  • Help completing benefit or grant forms

  • Crisis assistance referrals (Scottish Welfare Fund or food/fuel voucher help)

  • Simple debt advice and utility issues advice

  • Budgeting support.

  • Telephone (Empower Project): 01343 610 620

  • Email for enquiries: [email protected] (Mon & Tue) / [email protected](Wed–Fri)

  • Moray CAB general phone: 01343 550 088

  • Website: https://www.moraycab.org.uk/

Money Talk Team (Free National Money Advice)

Scotland’s free money advice service helps people with debt, income issues and cost-of-living questions:

  • Freephone: 0800 085 7145

  • Website: https://www.moneymap.scot/
    Moray CAB advisers can also help you access this service via referral.

Moray Council – Debt, Benefits & Income Maximisation

The Moray Council provides local money advice, welfare benefits support and debt advice.

  • Telephone: 0300 123 4563

  • Email: [email protected] (for debt advice) / [email protected] (for benefits advice)

  • Website details (search “Debt/Benefits Advice” at): http://www.moray.gov.uk/
    This team can do full benefit checks, help with applications and assist with statutory debt solutions (such as bankruptcy, the Debt Arrangement Scheme, etc).

Scottish Welfare Fund (Crisis Support)

The Moray Council Scottish Welfare Fund can offer one-off payments such as Crisis Grants or Community Care Grants to people facing urgent financial need (e.g., food, heating, household essentials).

Moray Emergency Relief Fund & Community Funds

Local emergency funds (such as through the Moray Community Foundation) can also provide short-term help for food, fuel or essentials if all other avenues have been exhausted. These require a referee such as Citizens Advice, Money Advice Moray or a community group to support the application.

Debt and Money Help Services (National)

If local help is not immediately available, there are free national phone lines you can signpost:

13. Social Prescribing

Social prescribing is a way for health and care professionals to connect people with non-medical support in their community that can help with practical, social and emotional issues. It’s based on the understanding that health is influenced by many factors outside of clinical care, such as loneliness, isolation, housing, finances or lack of community connection.

Rather than just treating symptoms with medication, social prescribing aims to help people access activities, services and support networks that improve their overall wellbeing. These might include social groups, volunteering, exercise classes, learning opportunities, befriending, mental health and wellbeing support, and help with money, housing or employment.

How it Works in NHS Scotland

  • Social prescribing is often delivered with the help of Social Prescribing Link Workers or Community Link Workers, who can work with a person to understand what matters to them and help them access the right community services or activities.

  • In some areas, people can be referred by their GP, nurse, practice staff or other health/care professionals if they have non-medical needs affecting their wellbeing.

  • Some services also allow self-referral (people contacting the service themselves) or referrals from community organisations and social care teams without needing a clinical appointment.

Social prescribing doesn’t replace medical care — it’s a way of linking people to community-based support that can improve quality of life, reduce social isolation and address non-medical problems that impact health and wellbeing.

Social Prescribing in Moray

There isn’t a single central social prescribing team publicly listed for Moray on NHS Grampian’s website, but social prescribing support exists in practice through GP practices, integrated primary care teams and community initiatives linked with Health & Social Care Moray and voluntary groups.

Typical pathways to access social prescribing in Moray:

  1. Ask your GP or practice nurse — they can make a referral to a social prescribing link worker or community support worker if available in your practice.

  2. Contact local community support services that offer wellbeing, social groups, volunteering or peer support. Social prescribing works by connecting you with these kinds of groups to improve health and reduce isolation.

  3. Speak to the Health & Social Care Moray Access Care Team — they can help identify appropriate community supports and assist in referral pathways.

What Social Prescribing Can Help With

Common types of support linked via social prescribing include:

  • Reducing loneliness and social isolation

  • Access to community activities and social groups

  • Support with long-term conditions, chronic pain or mental wellbeing

  • Help finding activities that improve physical and emotional health

  • Support with practical needs such as money advice, housing, employment or volunteering

  • Befriending, peer support and community engagement

For example, local initiatives and chronic pain programmes in Moray have used social prescribing to provide activities like group exercises, walking, arts, hydrotherapy and social groups designed to help people manage long-term health conditions.

Who Can Benefit

Social prescribing is useful for people of all ages and backgrounds, especially:

  • People with one or more long-term conditions

  • Those experiencing low-level mental health issues

  • People who feel isolated or lonely

  • People with social or practical problems that impact health

  • Those who want to improve their confidence, connect with others or find activities that support wellbeing

How to Start

  • Talk to your GP or healthcare professional first — let them know if practical, emotional or social issues are affecting you.

  • Ask about social prescribing or community link support in your practice. Some practices have specific link workers or wellbeing coordinators.

  • Contact community support services directly (e.g., wellbeing hubs, chronic pain support, aged-friendly activities). Link workers can help match you to these services.

14. Respiratory and Lung Health

Support is available for asthma, COPD and other long term breathing conditions.

GP practices provide assessment, treatment and referral to respiratory services.

Pulmonary rehabilitation programmes support people to manage breathlessness and improve quality of life.

Smoking cessation support is available through NHS services and community programmes.

Please see this guidance from the Moray Council for pupils with asthma.

15. Sensory Support: Hearing or Vision Loss

Health and Social Care Moray Sensory Support Service

Telephone: 01343 563999 Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.hscmoray.co.uk/

North East Sensory Services

Telephone: 0345 2712345 Text: 07968 013951 Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.nesensoryservices.org/

Local sensory groups provide peer support and social connection across Moray.

Health & Social Care Moray is planning to deliver a sensory support service directly from April 2026 for adults with sight and/or hearing loss to help them maintain independence and safety. This brings specialist sensory support into local health and social care planning.

This service includes support to help people with sensory loss remain independent, link with occupational therapy and other care services, and access aids and adaptations.

You can contact Health & Social Care Moray (which oversees community health and care planning with NHS Grampian and Moray Council) for more information:

North East Sensory Services (NESS) — Local Support & Activities

While the statutory sensory service is transitioning, North East Sensory Services (NESS) continues to offer community-based support for people with sight and/or hearing loss in Moray, including:

  • social work, rehabilitation and specialist support

  • practical information and aids

  • social groups and peer activities (e.g., for people with sensory loss in Elgin, Forres, Buckie and Keith)

  • support with daily living skills and independence

NESS Duty Worker (Moray):

  • Telephone: 0345 271 2345

  • Text/SMS: 07968 013 951

  • Email: [email protected]

  • Website: https://www.nesensoryservices.org/clubs-groups/elgin-sips-sensory-impaired-persons/

  • Duty hours (appointments): Tuesdays 10:00 – 12:00 and Thursdays 14:00 – 16:00 (check before attending).

Resource Centre (Elgin):

  • Elizabeth House, 10 Victoria Crescent, Elgin IV30 1RQ

  • Open typically 9:30 am – 1:00 pm (or by appointment) for advice, equipment displays, and support.

Support Activities in Moray

Local sensory groups for peer support and community connection (sight/hearing loss):

  • Elgin SIPS (Sensory Impaired Persons) group – social meetups in Elgin

  • Forres Sensory Group

  • Buckie Sensory Group

  • The Lighthouse Group (hearing loss focus)

  • Keith Sensory Group

  • Kree 8 Klub (craft/social group)

  • Moray Deaf Club & Moray Deaf Church (BSL activities)
    These provide social connection, mutual support and information for people with sensory challenges.

Advocacy Support for Sensory Needs

VoiceAbility Advocacy (Moray)
Free independent advocacy can help people with physical, sensory, mental health, learning disability or other health/care needs to understand their rights, make informed decisions and have their voice heard in care planning.

Anyone can refer themselves, a family member can refer, or professionals can refer someone on their behalf.

Reminder

The Community Caring Circle at Park Ecovillage Trust offers neighbourhood support and signposting: it does not replace medical, clinical or statutory services. For emergencies, urgent health needs or clinical care, contact NHS services directly or your GP.