By My Side has been developed by Simon Community Scotland, through a co-design and co-production process.
On the surface, By My Side may appear to be a database that pulls together resources for people who use drugs, but at its core, it’s so much more than that. By My Side is a digital one-stop shop for harm reduction, a space that holds the person at the centre and gives them access to support they need, when they need it, in the hope that it will support them to stay safe and live well.
By My Side hosts a range of digital resources for people who use or have used drugs regarding issues that may be relevant to them. We recognise that often the people we support have a number of support needs, and want to ensure that the content hosted on By My Side reflects that. Additionally, it is important that By My Side is wholly inclusive of people’s support needs, and that those who use the app are supported to find and use content that is right for them, no matter what is going on in their lives.
Alcohol & other drugs
Education and training resources to support people with their drug use including e-learning modules, webinars, general drugs information, safer injecting information and organisations who can provide additional harm reduction guidance.
Videos on safer injecting, different routes of drug administration, stimulant use, Medication Assisted Treatment Standards, poly-drug use, overdose awareness, sexual health and alcohol use.
Interactive Tools for tracking alcohol usage, safer injecting and drug use.
Online groups and supports for those interested in recovery communities.
Helplines for a range of organisations to support people in their drug use.
Useful apps and links to support people in their drug use.
Podcasts based on a variety of topics related to drug use.
Mental health & wellbeing
Educational resources to support people with their mental health and specific information relating to anxiety, depression, anger management and suicide awareness.
Video courses on anger management, self esteem, worry and anxiety, sleeping better and managing emotions. Videos on meditation and mindfulness, storytelling sessions and soothing sounds for relaxation, focus or deep sleep.
Interactive tools for distraction, relaxation and setting goals.
Helplines for a range of organisations who provide mental health support.
Useful apps and links to support people struggling with their mental health.
Podcasts based on a variety of topics related to mental health and staying well.
Sexual health
Education and training resources to support people living with blood borne viruses, going through menopause or looking for information on consent and reproductive health.
Videos on blood borne virus testing and treatments, sexual health and contraception.
Helplines for a range of organisations who provide sexual health or support to those living with blood borne viruses.
Useful apps and links to support people with sexual health.
Staying safe
Education and training resources to support people engaged in selling sex, to support those concerned about stalking and their personal safety, and to support those with experience of or at risk of domestic abuse, rape/sexual assault.
Videos on personal safety and reporting rape or sexual assault within Scotland.
Helplines for a range of organisastions who provide support to people affected by rape/sexual assault, domestic abuse or stalking.
Useful apps and links for safety apps and support for those affected by domestic abuse.
Local services
Local services within Glasgow offering support to individuals.
Contact details, including telephone numbers and addresses to contact service providers directly.
‘Virtual hello’ videos providing an introduction to each service and the support they can provide.
By My Side is a 'progressive web app'. This means you can click and follow the link on a browser on your device. You can then save it to your home screen and it will operate like any other app.
