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By My Side

Simon Community Scotland (SCS), in partnership with tech consultancy AND Digital, have developed ‘By My Side’,  a digital app allowing easy access to evidence-based harm reduction support, advice and resources. 

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Access the app here. 

 

Once the app has been accessed you can save it to the home screen on your phone / tablet for easy access using the following instructions: 

On iPhone or iPad (Safari) 

  • Tap the Share button at the bottom or top of the screen. (Some devices may require you to tap the three-dot menu icon in the bottom-right corner first). 

  • Scroll down and tap Add to Home Screen. 

  • Turn on Open as Web App if available, then tap Add. 

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On Android (Google Chrome) 

  • Confirm by tapping Install. 

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Originally designed 'for women, by women', the By My Side app has been co-developed with women supported by SCS, directly addressing the challenges they face in gaining access to the right information. 

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Initially focused on advice to prevent drug-related harm, the app is now home to wider resources such as mental health guidance, support for those affected by domestic or sexual violence and information for managing sexual health.   

 

Key features include: 

 

  • My Resources - a range of videos, e-learning sessions, webinars, written resources and podcasts that may help to prevent drug-related harm and keep you informed on a range of often interrelated topics from mental health, sexual health and domestic violence 

  • Check on me – an SMS safety feature that allows the person using the app to send a pre-populated message if they want someone to check in on them and would like some extra support. They can choose which contact to send it to and if they choose to, they can include their current location 

  • Talk to someone – direct link to Samaritans helpline for crisis situations 

  • Drug alerts – accessible information regarding national and local alerts 

  • Get out button – automatically redirects you to random webpage if you do not want people to be aware that you are using the app 

  • I’m looking for help near me – lists local services by category in either a map view or list view. Note: local service information is drawn from ALISS (A Local Information System for Scotland) and requires some pre-work to ensure area categories are captured. If services not showing for your area please contact:  kimberley.bell@simonscotland.org 

 

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Find out more about the app and access the training video at the Simon Community website:

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