If you look after someone, need care yourself or are planning for your future care needs, you can get the information and advice you need from Care Information Scotland.

The service has been designed as a central point to help guide people through the maze of resources to ensure they have access to comprehensive, accurate and up to date information, either for themselves, a relative or a friend.

The service is also a helpful source of information for health and care professionals who are able to direct people to the information service as required.

NHS 24, which manages the service, has worked in partnership with the Scottish Government and care organisations in recent months to expand the service to help provide a first point of access to all care information in Scotland.

NHS 24 worked with a wide range of organisations, including Age Scotland, the Carers Trust and Shared Care, to ensure the re-designed website, webchat and telephone service meets the needs of people in Scotland.

NHS 24 Head of Health Information Services, Lynne Huckerby, said: “This fresh new service now offers features such as web chat, direct links to social care across local councils and the ability to share content and information.

“The service is designed to complement service provision in local areas and provides advice and signposting information a range of topics, allowing people to make informed decisions.

This service will be a useful resource for those finding themselves in a caring role for the first time.”

The service includes sections dedicated to where to start, accessing care services, care at home and carers’ health and wellbeing.

For more information, visit www.careinfoscotland.scot or phone 0800 011 3200 (8am to 10pm seven days a week.)