This information was updated December 2024.
A lot of people register with us for support. Because of the number of people registered, it is not possible for us to work with everyone at the same time. This means that, for now, people are waiting longer than we would like for their support to start.
We understand that waiting for support can be difficult. We are working hard to make sure you can access the service as soon as possible.
Can you tell me how long I will have to wait for support to start?
It is not always possible for us to say how long people will have to wait. This is because timeframes can change. However, at the moment, people are waiting up to 25 months.
We know it can be hard to wait a long time for support. We still hope that you register with us. We will start your support as soon as we can.
I was told that it was not possible to say how long I would be waiting for support. Why was this?
Before now, we did not give people a timeframe for when support would start. This was because our timeframes can change. We wanted to prevent people feeling let down if the waiting time ended up being longer than what we had told them. However, feedback from people registered with us told us that it was important to have information about when support might start, even if that information might change.
The waiting time may still go up or down. We will be checking it every month and will update this page on our website if anything changes.
Can I get any other support from Future Pathways while I wait?
Yes. There is some specific support you can get while you are on the waitlist. You can find out more about this here.
Are some people able to get support before others?
Older adults (people 65 and over) and people living with a terminal illness have priority when accessing support from Future Pathways. For everyone else, we offer support in the order that they registered with us.
How will I know if I am registered?
Once you have registered with us, we will send you an Information Pack within 2 weeks. The pack will confirm that you have been registered. It will also give you more information about Future Pathways and how we work.
The Information Pack will also include a Support Agreement. It is important you sign the Support Agreement and send it back to us.
A copy of the Information Pack is also on our website. You can view it at:
How can I connect with Future Pathways while I wait for support?
You can stay connected with us through our newsletter, Facebook and X/Twitter where we share updates about the service, plus features and articles. Any events we may be having will also be shared through our newsletter and social media.
Where can I find out more information about Future Pathways?
Our FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) answer a range of different questions about the service. You can view the FAQs at www.future-pathways.co.uk/faqs
Can I give feedback about Future Pathways?
Yes. You can give us feedback at any time by completing the feedback form on our website: www.future-pathways.co.uk/feedback
If you would like to get a copy of the feedback form by post instead, you can let us know by:
- emailing engagement@future-pathways.co.uk
- writing to us at Future Pathways, 40 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh EH2 4RT
- calling our Registration Line on 0808 164 2005
FURTHER HELP
Your GP and NHS services
During normal working hours always contact your GP for urgent advice and treatment.
When your GP or Dental Practice is closed and you cannot wait until they are open, you should phone NHS 111 service for out-of-hours advice. The service provides urgent care advice and mental health support.
Call 999 or go to A&E now if you do not feel you can keep yourself or someone else safe.
The Samaritans
The Samaritans offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like. You can talk in your own way about whatever is going on. They have a helpline, email service, letter service and a self-help app. Helpline open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Phone for free 116123
Breathing Space
Breathing Space is a free phone and webchat service. It is confidential. It is for anyone in Scotland over the age of 16. You can contact them if you are experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety. Open 6pm to 2am Monday to Thursday, and 6pm to 6am Friday to Sunday.
Phone for free 0800 83 85 87
Shout
Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.
Text SHOUT to 85258