Forward Mid Directory 2026

Forward Mid Directory 2026, The links above open the pages selected. we hope that you find it enjoyable and useful. If you think Forward Mid has missed something out of this directory we apologise for this please contact us so we can make sure it is included in the next directory. Please inform Forward Mid in one of these three ways:
: Eric.Johnstone@MCA.scot
Phone Eric Johnstone on : 0131-663-9471.
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Eric Johnstone,
Forward Mid,
4-6 White Hart Street,
Dalkeith,
EH22 1AE.
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Alzheimer Scotland Midlothian & National Services
& National Services

Midlothian Dementia Advisor (Michael Huddleston)

Alzheimer Scotland’s Dementia Advisor is a point of contact for people with dementia and their families at any time that you have a question or concern and require information and advice about any aspect of living with the condition. This could include understanding more about dementia and how to adapt to and cope with changes in your condition; identifying what you are entitled to; signposting local opportunities for support; and helping you to know and act on your rights.

There are 2 models of support available for people living with dementia; our Day Opportunities and Enhanced Day Care services specialise in supporting people with dementia through therapeutic activities aimed at preserving and enhancing memory and life skills so that you can stay independent for as long as possible and live well with dementia. You will enjoy social interaction, fun, laughter, and the opportunity to make friends.

Our Enhanced Day Care offers a higher level of support following an assessment of needs.

The expected outcomes for people attending The Bungalow are that they will engage with, participate in, and benefit from the service.

Our Day Services are registered with the Care Inspectorate. It is necessary to complete a referral form if you are interested in attending. To discuss whether this service would benefit you, please contact: Karen Fernie : kfernie@alzscot.org or : 0131 654 4356

D’Cafés

D’Cafés are for people living with dementia and their families. They are an opportunity to meet others in a similar situation, to make connections and develop friendships, and to support and learn from one another as well as Alzheimer Scotland staff and volunteers. The first half hour is spent together, as a whole group, taking refreshments, and getting to know each other. We then split into an activities group and facilitated carer support group for the remaining hour.

Meet ADAM

ADAM is a platform to help you find the right pieces of technology at the right time. Families and carers have told us that they would like to try using digital products and services to look after their health and wellbeing but worry about making the wrong choices or don’t have time to go looking for something that will work. We wanted to make things easier. : www.meetadam.co.uk/

Herbert Protocol (Police Scotland)

The Herbert Protocol is a form recording information on a person who is at risk of going missing and it’s referred to by the Police when there is a missing occurrence for that person. Having the Herbert Protocol to hand when your loved one is missing could speed up the search and mean you don’t have to struggle recalling information when you are stressed. You could share a copy of the Herbert Protocol with others in the family and care team.

For more information and to download the form, visit: : www.scotland.police.uk/what-s-happening/missing-persons/the-herbert-protocol/

Alzheimer Scotland
24 Pendreich Terrace
Bonnyrigg
EH19 2DS
Monday - Sunday: By appointment
: 0131 654 1114
: mhuddleston@alzscot.org

Alzheimer Scotland National Helpline 24/7 : 0808 808 3000 / : www.alzscot.org

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Cancer Journey

Improving the Cancer Journey

Improving the Cancer Journey can offer support with:

(The service works closely with Midlothian Macmillan Benefits Advice Service)

Macmillan Cancer support, Register charity in England and wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604) also operating in Norther Ireland.

Midlothian Care Support

If you have been affected by cancer and live in Midlothian, we are here to support you.

We recognise that cancer can affect every part of your life, so we provide a person centred approach which can include access to the following:

Whatever you need, this service can support you or give you details of the organisations that can help.

Appointments are available:

To make an appointment phone: : 07909 257419 or contact your local GP Practices.

Macmillan Cancer support, Register charity in England and wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604) also operating in Norther Ireland.

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Medical Conditions websites

List of medical condition contacts to help get started on finding information on a specific condition.

A lot of support groups are merging.

If You think we have missed one Please contact : iaintait_01@protonmail.co and we will investigate the web site to verify if it is relevant;

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COMPASS. Therapy, Support

COMPASS. Therapy, Support, Community for people living with neurological conditions,

We help people find direction on their neurological journey. We address an individual’s challenges and symptoms, rather than a particular condition. We offer a choice of options and continuity of support, to help people explore what works best for them now, and in managing change.

Neurological symptoms are wide ranging and specific to the individual and can include both physical and emotional. Many symptoms are common, such as: persistent fatigue, ‘brain fog, weakness, joint pain, depression, non-restorative sleep, decreased alertness. partial or complete loss of sensation, numbness in the legs or arms, changes in coordination or balance, slurred speech and tremors.

Compass. Therapy Support provide:

Compass. Therapy Support offer practical advice and community sharing. We actively encourage befriending, peer support and social activities, and provide career support.

Our trading name change reflects that, in addition to providing self-management support therapies and services for those with living MS, an increasing amount of our work is now supporting people with other neurological conditions.  This includes those living with ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury, Fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s, and severe Migraine/Cluster Headaches.

Therapy Support Fund.

All our therapies and classes are heavily subsidised through our Therapy Support Fund (TSF). This enables us to operate a minimum contribution system for those who can make a payment and provide treatment sessions free (limited, dependent upon funds/availability) for those who cannot: means-tested benefits. All community fundraising activities and events and donations help us maintain this fund. Only 12% of our income is derived from local authority grants.

Compass. Therapy, Support, Community.
Address: 40c Swanfield,
Edinburgh EH6 5RX
Phone: : 0131 554 5384
Email: : info@wearecompass.org.uk
Website: www.wearecompass.org.uk
: x.com/CompassTSC
Facebook: : www.facebook.com/CompassTherapySupportCommunity
: www.instagram.com/compasstsc/
YouTube: : www.youtube.com/channel/UCysTS8pARrn2knj3dUp-h0g

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SAMH

Every year 1 in 4 of us in Scotland will experience a mental health problem.

So it’s important to be ready to talk about mental health. Whether you are living with a mental health problem or supporting someone who is, accessing information is vital. SAMH is here to help you. Building a network of people who you can trust and share things with can help protect your mental health. A person you trust, such as a friend, family member, colleague or community leader, may be able to provide a listening ear.

If you are an employer, you have a responsibility to make sure you provide an environment that is healthy for all. And similarly, if you work in education, you want to be in the position to offer the right support to students with mental health problems.

It can be very difficult to see someone who you care about becoming distressed and unwell, but you don’t need to be an expert on mental health to offer support. Often, small everyday actions can make the biggest difference.

People will want support at different times in different ways, so ask how you can help. It might be useful to help them prepare for a doctor’s appointment. If your friend wants to get more exercise, you could do this together, or if your partner is affected by lack of sleep, you could help them get into a regular sleeping pattern.

Keep in mind that having a mental health problem is just one part of the person. People don’t want to be identified by their mental health problem, so keep talking about the things you always talked about.

SAMH is the Scottish Association for Mental Health.
Brunswick House,
51 Wilson Street,
Glasgow, G1 1UZ
: www.samh.org.uk/
0141 530 1000

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Sight Scotland

Charity Sight Scotland has launched a new Family Wellbeing Service, including a telephone helpline, providing support to people with sight loss and their families in the Lothians.

Individuals affected by sight loss, as well as carers, friends and families with a loved one affected by sight loss at any age or stage, can call the Sight Scotland Family Support Line on : 0800 024 8973 to access the charity’s expert advice, information and practical and emotional support.

The Family Support Line is free to call and open Monday to Friday, 10:00 hrs – 12:00 hrs and 13:00 hrs – 15:00hrs.

Following the new service’s initial launch in Edinburgh and the Lothians, the charity plans to launch its Family Wellbeing Service nationally in the coming months.

Through the Family Support Line, the Sight Scotland team can provide information and advice on a range of topics including emotional support and befriending; advice on a wide range of visual impairments; equipment, aids and home adaptations; maintaining independence; benefits and financial support; and how and where to get support in your local area.

Research by Sight Scotland had shown that visually impaired people and their families had experienced a lack of support in the early stages of a sight loss diagnosis and in helping family members cope with the impact of their loved one’s sight loss on their lives. Sight Scotland’s new Family Wellbeing Service aims to tackle this identified gap in support as the charity reaches out to even more people affected by sight loss in Scotland.

Colin Hilditch, Head of Community Services at Sight Scotland, said: “Sight loss has a huge impact on life, not only for the person with visual impairment themselves, but also for their loved ones. Our research revealed a need for more advice and emotional support for the whole family to help them cope with the impact of their loved one’s sight loss.

“We are proud to launch the new Sight Scotland Family Wellbeing Service and our new helpline to address this need for support. Our friendly team have extensive knowledge and experience to help each individual in any way sight loss is affecting them, and we hope people with sight loss and their families will reach out to us through our helpline for our expert advice and support.”

Other features of Sight Scotland’s Family Wellbeing Service include a befriending service, home visits (when Scottish Government restrictions allow) and online information and advice through Sight Scotland’s website, sightscotland.org.uk

For more information on the Sight Scotland Family Support Line, please visit sightscotland.org.uk/supportline

Supportline : 0800 024 8973
: www.sightscotland.org.uk
: sightscotlandveterans.org.uk

Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans
Tackling vision loss together

Sight Scotland is the new name for Royal Blind,
Scottish Sight Scotland Veterans is the new name for Scottish War Blinded.

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Blue Badge Scheme in Midlothian

The Blue Badge Scheme provides parking concessions nationally and across Europe for people with a permanent and substantial disability, whether that person is the driver or a passenger. : www.gov.uk/government/publications/blue-badge-using-it-in-the-eu/using-a-blue-badge-in-the-european-union

A Blue Badge allows you to park:

To qualify:

or be assessed as scoring:

If you do not meet the criteria above, you may have to attend an independent medical assessment to confirm that you are “unable to walk” or “ virtually unable to walk ”.

Renewals

A Blue Badge cannot be renewed: you must apply for a new one. Please apply at least 6 weeks before your current Blue Badge runs out.

How to apply

You are encouraged to apply and pay online : www.mygov.scot/apply-blue-badge This is the quickest way your application is processed within 4 weeks. Apply online if you need a badge urgently.Paper applications can take up to 12 weeks to be processed.

Paper applications

Download and print forms below, or collect them from your local library.

There are 3 application forms for a Blue Badge:

Use application form (Automatic 498 kb ) if you receive:

Use application form (subject to further assessment 339 kb) if you:

Use the linked application forms if you (both Arms 289 kb) :

Use Application form (risk in traffic 347 kb) for anyone with a diagnosed mental disorder and/or cognitive impairment. Only those most in need will be eligible. This is defined as:-

People, who as a result of a diagnosed mental disorder or cognitive impairment, have no awareness of danger from traffic and are likely to compromise their safety, or the safety of others.

Rerturn your paper application to: to any Midlothian library or post to:
Blue Badges
Midlothian Council
Midlothian House
Buccleuch Street
Dalkeith EH22 1DN

Email: ptu@midlothian.gov.uk
Telephone: : 0131 561 5455

2nd Floor
Midlothian House
Buccleuch Street
Dalkeith
Midlothian EH22 1DN

Scottish Low Emission Zones

A Low Emission Zone (LEZ) is an area which sets an environmental limit on certain city roads, restricting access for the most polluting vehicles to improve air quality.

Vehicles that do not meet the emission standards set for a LEZ may be subject to a penalty charge notice.
If your vehicle is already compliant you do not need to register for a Blue Badge Holder Exemption.

Use the : vehicle checker on the LEZ Scotland website to check if your vehicle is already compliant. Find more information on the : exemption system and how to register on the LEZ Scotland website.

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Buses

Midlothian is served by Borders Buses, Dial-a-Bus, East Coast Buses, LCTS, Lothian Buses, and Prentice Coaches of Haddington. Legislation requires all buses and coaches to be low-floor and accessible for wheelchair.

Please check with individual bus companies for additional information when travelling by wheelchair. Normally buses can only carry one wheelchair. Some buses have 1 wheelchair space and 1 pram space, some buses now have 2 spaces.

Borders Buses : bordersbuses.co.uk/ : 01896 754 350,
LCTS : www.lcts.org.uk : 0131 663 0176,
East Coast Buses and Lothian Buses : www.lothianbuses.com : 0131 555 6363,
Prentice Coaches of Haddington : www.prentice.info 01620 822620.

Bus routes, timetables, special events and diversions are on the bus companies websites.

Lothian Community Transport Services (LCTS) : 0131 663 0176

The Lothian Community Transport Services (LCTS) links some areas in Midlothian that are less well served by the conventional bus network to local shopping centres on Mondays. The network is financially supported by Midlothian Council. Wheelchair users must pre-book the service in advance by calling LCTS LCTS : 0131-669 9959.

HcL also have bus routes see their own section.

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Motability

How the Scheme works

The Motability Scheme enables anyone in receipt of a higher rate mobility allowance (such as the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of PIP/ADP or the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance) to use their mobility allowance to lease a car, scooter, powered wheelchair or Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle. The Scheme provides flexible and hassle-free access to a brand-new, reliable vehicle of your choice – giving you greater freedom, every day.

How it works

You simply exchange all, or part of your mobility allowance to lease the vehicle of your choice. You choose the vehicle you want at a price that works for you, and payments are deducted from your higher rate mobility allowance every four weeks, then paid directly to Motability by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Motability standard lease is over three years or five years if you are leasing a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle and we take care of running costs such as insurance for up to three named drivers (this doesn’t have to be you), servicing, maintenance, breakdown cover and tyre and windscreen repair and replacement. All you need to do is add fuel and go.

Cars

There are various makes, models and types of cars available to lease through the Motability Scheme, from fuel efficient smaller vehicles to roomy estates. Motability know that choosing a car is a big decision therefore Motability are here to help you choose the right car for your needs and budget, Motability have highlighted some of the most important considerations when leasing a car through the Motability Scheme. Electric vehicles now available Motability will arrange and cover the cost of a home chargepoint, : www.zap-map.com/ can show where to charge an EV, All EV cars come with charging cables, However not all EV cars use the same style cables and not all charging points support all cables.

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles

Choosing a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) is a big decision to make, and Motability want to help you find a vehicle that will meet your needs now and in the future.

Scooters and powered wheelchairs

Most scooters and powered wheelchairs cost less to lease per week than your mobility allowance, so the remainder of your allowance continues to be paid directly to you. The cost of your lease includes what Motability call our worry-free package. With over 400 products to choose from Motability want to help you make the right choice.

General Enquires : 0300 456 4566.

more information or to find a specific telephone number please visit : www.motability.co.uk

In order to be entitled to PIP/ADP, claimants have to satisfy a qualifying period of three months and a prospective test of nine months. These two conditions are referred to as the ‘required period condition’ and help establish that the health condition or disability is likely to be long-term.

Forward MID has purchased a booklet called The Disability Rights Handbook, in which information on rights are given as well as an overview of the new Personal Independence Payment. The booklet is available from MVA, 4-6 White Hart Street, Dalkeith.

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National Entitlement Card

The national entitlement card gives those aged 60+ and disabled people free bus travel throughout Scotland.Application for the : getyournec.scot/nec/ and choose one of the three options. Alternitively downlaod and complete a form from : www.midlothian.gov.uk/card_nec_application, once complete email to : PTU@midlothian.gov.uk.

Your bus pass is printed in Hull, England and sent direct to your home address.
On the front of the card will be your name and card number, your photo, the oak leaf logo of Midlothian Council and the expiry date. This card is not transferable and can only be used by the card holder.
Various symbols appear on the lower right side of the card.

All cards show a large orange “C” symbol. A “+1” symbol tells the driver that you are entitled to have a companion travel free with you on your bus journey. The “eye symbol” indicates that the holder is blind or partially sighted and is entitled to the free train travel concessions of the Scottish Blind Scheme in addition to free bus travel.

Local buses that accept this card are: Borders Buses 01896 754 350, East Coast Buses, Lothian Buses and LothianCountry 0131 555 6363, LCTS 0131 663 0176 and Prentice Coaches of Haddington 01620 822620. .

Travelling intercity within Scotland the NEC card is accepted by Stagecoach 0345 241 8000, City link : 0141 352 4444, Megabus   : 0141 352 4444 Flixbus and National Express have online support only. However, wheelchair user should book tickets 24 hours before travel. Individual bus companies website allow you to choose a wheelchair space on the coach, some only allow folding wheelchairs. Some stops are not suitable for wheelchair users this is also on website. It would be advisable to contact the operator before travelling to avoid disappointment.

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Taxis and Private Hire Cars

All Public Hire vehicles must be accessible, under Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982. The Scottish Government have delegated local councils to deem what is accessible. Private Hire Cars are exempt. The difference between a Taxi and Private Hire cars, Taxi can be hailed in the street, Private hire cars must be phoned in advance. All Taxis and Private Hire will have a plate mounted on the vehicle with a number on it, a Taxi plate is red and white and Private hire smaller and yellow, red and white.

When ordering a taxi or Private Hire Car please make the company aware of any special requirements you need for the journey. The size or type of vehicle must be agreed before vehicles are dispatched.

If you are a wheelchair user and your wheelchair exceeds 700mm wide (27 inches wide) and 1200mm long (47 inches long) or has an extended headrest please check with the taxi company to ensure you and your wheelchair can be carried. Some taxi Companies in Midlothian specialise in transporting larger wheelchairs. Chauffeur Drive is one.

Private hire car models are all different. A Taxi must meet the local council laws.

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The Thistle Assistance Card and App

How Thistle Assistance works

We all welcome a little extra assistance now and again, particularly when travelling alone. Thistle Assistance is an initiative to help you feel safer and more comfortable when using public transport.

You may prefer more time to get to your seat. You may like your driver to speak more slowly and clearly. Thistle Assistance’s card and app let transport staff know in an easy and subtle way what extra support you’d like.

Where you can use it

The Thistle Assistance card and app are recognised by many public transport operators across Scotland, from buses and trains to planes and ferries. Simply show your personalised card or app to their staff and they will understand what additional assistance you require. Older style cards are still accepted.

Card and app benefits

The Thistle Assistance card and app are free to use for anyone who requires it. Use the card for one journey or purpose, or use it every day: it’s adaptable and reusable.

The card and app symbols and instructions encompass a range of disabilities and impairments. They are equally useful during pregnancy, or if you have temporary mobility issues, when some extra thought and care are appreciated.

Available online for free from:
Mobile Apps at : www.thistleassistance.com/get-the-app/

You can request a card on the website : www.thistleassistance.com/get-the-card/#card-request and it will be posted out to your home address.

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Trains

Midlothian is served by ScotRail and operates 4 rail stations that are all unstaffed. On-board staff should have been notified if you have booked assistance. If you get to a station but haven’t booked assistance, you can use the Help-Point phone on the platform so the on-board staff can be alerted to your presence. There are ticket-machines on the platform at all the stations – if you are at Shawfair and the machine is on the opposite platform, don’t worry – the conductor is unlikely to charge you more for not getting a ticket in advance.

ScotRail operates a half-hourly service Mon-Sat daytime and hourly Evening and Sundays between Tweedbank and Edinburgh Waverley. If you travel to Edinburgh Waverley, you will find connections to the rest of the rail network.

Tickets can be bought in advance from : www.scotrail.co.uk/, by calling the ScotRail Telesales team on : 0344 811 0141 between 07:00 hrs and 22:00 hrs seven days a week.

Disabled Assistance: If you would benefit from a little extra help when using the trains, you can arrange disabled assistance by advising ScotRail at least 2 hours if travelling solely on a ScotRail service or 24 hours if travelling wider on other train services:

Passenger Assistance App

The app is available in the App store or Play store. You can request assistance on your smartphone, without needing to get in touch with a contact centre via phone or email. You will still need to buy a ticket for your journey.

The app will send your assistance request for each journey to the relevant train company. They will first send an acknowledgement email and then follow up with a confirmation once the request has been checked. Rail staff will then be on hand to deliver the required assistance throughout your journey.

If you have any questions about your assistance or need to make any changes after booking, please contact the train company via the contact details on your acknowledgement or confirmation email. : :www.nationalrail.co.uk/help-and-assistance/passenger-assistance-app/

Wheelchair users

You can buy discounted tickets for your journey. If you’re travelling with a companion, they can also buy a ticket at the discounted price. More information about discounts is available in our Accessible Travel Policy.

Wheelchair space on our trains is restricted to Standard Class carriages and to standard wheelchairs not exceeding 70cm wide, 120cm long, with a combined weight of less than 300 kilograms of user and wheelchair. These dimensions are in accordance with the National Technical Specification Notices 2021.

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Train Discount cards

Disabled Persons Railcard

If you have a disability that makes travelling by train difficult you might qualify for the Disabled Persons Railcard. The Disabled Persons Railcard allows you to get ⅓ off most rail fares throughout Great Britain. If you’re travelling with an adult companion, they also can get ⅓ off their rail fare. It costs £20 for a one-year Railcard. £54 for a three-year Railcard.

You can apply online at : www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk/
: railcardhelp@nationalrail.co.uk
: 0345 605 0525
Textphone: : 0345 601 0132
Disabled Persons Railcard Office
PO Box 6613
Arbroath,DD11 9AN

Scottish Blind Scheme

This scheme was created in the year 2000 and applies to blind persons resident anywhere in Scotland including Midlothian. Cardholders enjoy free travel on buses, trains, ferries, Glasgow Subway and Edinburgh Trams for themselves. There is free travel for a companion on buses [denoted by the two symbols of an eye and a “+1” on the card], but this companion entitlement does not extend to the other modes. SBS is financially supported by the 32 Scottish local authorities, but as far as the cardholder is concerned, the scheme is co-produced with the Scottish Government using their National Entitlement Card [NEC]. Application forms are available at all Midlothian libraries where completed forms must be handed in by the applicant in person [part of the process of verification is that the face of the applicant and the photo image supplied must be cross-checked by the librarian before the application is accepted.]

Veterans rail card

Scottish veterans can now benefit from a new rail card which not only allows a 34% discount on travel but also sees an introductory discount scheme.

The veterans rail card being introduced for purchase from today, initially priced at £21 per year, allows holders to travel across the country at reduced fares.

To apply for a veterans rail card go to : www.veterans-railcard.co.uk/where-to-buy/ to buy on line or to download the appliction form from : www.veterans-railcard.co.uk/where-to-buy/ and click the application form in the by post section.

Mobile phone Passenger Assistance App for all requests for assistance for all train companies and rail stations : www.nationalrail.co.uk/help-and-assistance/passenger-assistance-app/

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Wheelchairs on Public Transport

Before you Travel on public transport in a wheelchair.

The majority of wheelchair users will be able to travel on public transport.

Wheelchairs that cannot fit on public transport include:

This means, for example, making sure that it is correctly maintained, that the tyres are properly inflated, that you have not overloaded the back of the chair with bags (this can cause the chair to tip over backwards on a ramp). If you have a powered chair, you must ensure that the battery is secure. If your chair has adjustable kerb climbers, you should check that they are set so that they do not catch on the ramp.

The transport operator has the right to refuse to let you travel if he believes that your wheelchair is not in a safe condition.

The Ricability guide can be download : www.ridc.org.uk/ then search for wheelchair guide

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