Community Organisation List

Free, confidential peer-support groups for men aged 18+ who want a safe space to talk openly about mental health, wellbeing, stress, anxiety, depression or life challenges. Groups are non-judgemental and facilitated by trained volunteers with lived experience.

Surf-therapy programmes for young people referred by professionals, using surfing to build confidence, resilience and wellbeing.

Support for families with a pre-school-age child with a diagnosis of autism, including 1:1 appointments, small workgroups, ASD-friendly play sessions and parent coffee mornings.

Football-based projects for young people with autism (10–16), helping them have fun, enjoy sport and make friends; also manages the Autism Football Association league.

Early years support for parents and carers across East Lothian, including “Raising Children/Teens with Confidence” and a Pathway of Support in each school catchment.

Youth organisation working with 11–18-year-olds and their families in the Fa’side area, building confidence, self-esteem and life skills.

Course for parents/carers focusing on promoting children’s positive mental health, resilience and emotional wellbeing (delivered locally via Support from the Start).

Youth café and groups for young people (P7 to age 18), including a group for young people with additional support needs (ZAP).

Volunteer-led centre providing free equine therapy sessions for children and adults in East Lothian.

Youth and community organisation re-engaging young people through music technology, martial arts, bike maintenance, mentoring and outreach projects.

Voluntary service offering tailored, relationship-based support to families, helping them manage challenges and thrive in their communities.

Support for children and young people who help care for a family member, offering information, groups, fun activities, school support and family help.

Educational psychologists supporting nurseries and schools to meet learners’ needs, working with staff, parents/carers and other professionals.

Whole-family support service promoting children’s healthy development, working alongside schools, GPs, health visitors and other agencies.

One-stop family support service offering help with wellbeing, school issues, money advice and employability for families with children aged 0–12 in specific areas.

Support for unpaid carers looking after family or friends, including information, advice, advocacy, counselling, groups and workshops.

Practical support for people at crisis point with money worries, housing, health changes, caring responsibilities and family concerns.

Local charity supporting young people to manage the transition from adolescence to adulthood, offering 1:1 and group support around life skills, education, work and independence.

Parent/carer support group for those with a child or young person with autism or ADHD/ADD (diagnosed or being assessed) in East Lothian.

Programme offering school-aged children and young people opportunities to take part in sport and physical activity before, during and after school.

Advice, emotional support and signposting for parents/carers worried about a child or young person’s mental health (up to age 25).

Support, safety planning and advice around domestic abuse for women and children in East and Midlothian.

What it offers: Community-hub hosting local support services — including group meetings (e.g. for youth or wellbeing support), social and community activities; sometimes used by services working with young people and families.
Who can access: Residents of Tranent or East Lothian needing community-based support or attending group sessions / club-based mental wellness or social support services.
How to access: Attend in-person when groups are scheduled (e.g. MYPAS youth-group nights), or check the centre’s event calendar / contact via phone or email for activity information.

What it offers: Counselling, art-therapy, LGBT+ support, drug & alcohol support, and mental-health support for young people.
Who can access: Young people aged 12–21 in East Lothian (or Midlothian), including those needing support with mental health, substance use, LGBT+ issues, or general emotional wellbeing.
How to access: Self-refer via their website or by phone/email. First-time users — contact via phone or email before attending.

East Lothian Mental Health & Wellbeing Hub — drop-in hub for mental-health information, advice and practical support, including welfare, employment and community referral support.
Who can access: Any adult in East Lothian concerned about their own mental health or supporting someone else.
How to access: No appointment needed — drop in any Wednesday 12:00–14:00 at the hospital foyer.

CHANGES East Lothian — free counselling, CBT courses, mindfulness groups and wellbeing coaching for adults in East Lothian.
Who can access: Adults (18+) in East Lothian experiencing stress, anxiety, low mood, or wanting to build wellbeing skills.
How to access: Self-refer online or by phone. No GP or professional referral required.

Recovery-focused mental-health support, emotional-wellbeing coaching and personalised assistance to build resilience.
Who can access: Adults (18+) living in East Lothian needing mental-health support, recovery help or wellbeing assistance.
How to access: Through referrals by third parties (e.g. health professionals) — this service does not accept direct self-referrals.

Port Seton Community Centre — local wellbeing hub offering inclusive activities supporting mental health, social connection and gentle physical activity.
Who can access: Open to all East Lothian residents; suitable for adults, older people, and community members seeking social connection or low-pressure wellbeing activities.
How to access: Attend drop-in activities, sign up for classes via East Lothian Council, or contact the centre directly for programme information.