Help & Resources for Individuals and Families in Isolation

Empowering lives every day

GCA (Glasgow Council on Alcohol) is a not-for-profit organisation that provides alcohol counselling, COSCA counselling training courses, group work and deliver Alcohol Brief Interventions in Glasgow and surrounding areas. We promote Health and Wellbeing and provide introductory to advanced Counselling training courses. Our Counsellors are still available to speak to our clients by telephone and will continue to do so in the meantime. Our Course tutors are continuing to run courses online where possible.

Are you having problems with alcohol? You can refer yourself now to our service, just fill in the form.

Get Help Now

You can refer to our alcohol counselling service if you are a GP or health professional

Refer Someone Now

You can call our Freephone Helpline to get help and speak to someone.

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What do we do?

We work in Schools

The Which Way? programme focuses on increasing understanding of issues related to risk taking behaviours, such as substance misuse anti-social behaviour, social media etc. The programme also focuses on building resilience and improving mental wellbeing in children and young people.

We work in Communities

GCA Alcohol and Drug Prevention and Education Service is an alcohol and drug prevention and education service which aims to reduce alcohol and drug related harm and risk of harm, at an individual and community wide level through a long-term multifaceted approach to changing the culture of alcohol and drug use.

We offer Training & Courses

GCA offer Introductory to advanced COSCA Counselling training courses. We have a bespoke training room at our main offices in Claremont Street. Specific training can take place at your own organisation or workplace.

Book a place

Our Services

Alcohol Counselling

GCA offer individual, free and confidential counselling for people experiencing alcohol-related difficulties and those affected by someone else’s alcohol issue. The service is provided by trained staff and volunteers over five days and three evenings a week. You can access the service by contacting GCA directly or by being referred by another source such as a GP or CAT Team. Our counsellors are available in Glasgow City Centre, East End, Yoker, Drumchapel and East Dunbartonshire.

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ABI Service

GCA have been delivering Alcohol Brief Interventions (ABI’s) within community settings in Glasgow for over 7 years. During this time the team have delivered hundreds of screenings and ABIs to members of the public they have engaged. We have delivered ABIs in Pharmacies, Health Centres, Job Centres, Colleges, work places, supermarkets and at community events such as Gala days.

Building Positive Pathways

GCA offers different Groupwork programmes to support people either to stop drinking or to reduce their alcohol use. Each programme will help you understand the effect alcohol has on your health, lifestyle and relationships. We offer a structured programme which includes a Wellbeing Wednesday and Friday Drop In at our head office. We currently also run “Reconnecting Women” groups in various venues across Glasgow.

Which Way? Schools Programme

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Know Your Way Service

Our Know Your Way programme helps young people Increase knowledge in risk taking behaviour, develop decision making skills and improve their mental wellbeing. Young people will be offered a combination of set 1-2-1 and group work activity based sessions at a location suitable for them, with tailored support based on personal goal setting and a choice of diversionary activities.

ROC – Community Justice Service

Our ROC (Reconnecting with Options in the Community ) comprises of the ACE Programme 10 Achieving Compliance through Education (10 session structured group work programme) Prison throughcare support (prison connections and bridging the gaps) the Reconnecting women’s programme (1-2-1 engagement and self-development programme) and the Mentoring , Volunteering and Training (building skills for independent living) elements.

Volunteer with us

GCA are always looking for motivated individuals who are interested in giving their time to help our organisation. Volunteer opportunities in Counselling, Reception, Groupwork, IT and on our Board, are just some of the opportunities available.

Make a Donation

Would you like to support GCA’s work supporting families, individuals and communities by reducing the harm of alcohol and drugs? Donate and make a difference.

Donate

Work with us

Would you like to work with us? Find details of our Job vacancies and further information.

Job vacancies

What our clients say

You guys do a brilliant job. Keep on changing and saving lives!- Emma Christie

Brilliant and so friendly if there's a problem l 100% recommend it- Janette Marshall

Very efficient staff, you are well looked after and never feel looked down upon or patronised, been a godsend for me. You will get back ten fold what you put in.- Neil Campbell

“Thank you very much for everything. I believe the class will grow together in trust and friendship due to the discussion and empathy that has been created throughout the last few weeks. Sincere thanks!”- St Vincent’s Primary School

If you're struggling with alcohol you'll find a listening ear and support😊- Helen Mcluskie

“The young person really understood the dangers and implications of risk taking behaviour and took on board the support given”- Pastoral Care, Holyrood Secondary School