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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Welcome to the ALISS FAQs where you can find answers to your questions about the ALISS Programme. 

What is the ALISS Programme?

Funded by the Scottish Government, and part of the wider Health and Social Care ALLIANCE Scotland (the ALLIANCE), the ALISS Programme helps connect people to local community services that can improve their health and wellbeing. 

The ALISS website (ALISS) is at the heart of the Programme. ALISS lists thousands of local and national services that support physical, mental, and emotional health. 

The ALISS Programme has two areas of work:

    • Service Design

We use a person-centred design approach to improve ALISS based on user feedback. Through interviews, surveys, and workshops, we gather insights to create and test new features. This ensures ALISS evolves to meet user needs.

Learn more about our approach on the Person-Centred Design page of the ALLIANCE website.

  • Community, Engagement and Partnerships

Our engagement team works with organisations and communities across Scotland to see how ALISS can meet their needs, they also provide tailored support and training for individuals and teams. 

Find out more on the Community Engagement and Partnerships page of the ALLIANCE website.

Watch the video to learn more about ALISS!

Video Transcript Available Formats

You can access the "What is ALISS?" video content in different formats:

How can I use ALISS?

  • Search

You can search ALISS in a few ways:

    • By location - Enter a place name or postcode to find nearby services. (Where) 
    • By search term – Type in what you want to find, such as "mental health support", "food bank", or walking group. (What)
    • By category - Use the quick access buttons below the search box to browse categories like "Environment" and "Children and Families".

ALISS makes it easy to search in the best way for you.

Click on the image of the ALISS home page to try out the different search options!

The ALISS homepage: At the top are links like "About ALISS" and "Add to ALISS." A main heading says, "Connecting you to your community." Below is a search box with "Where" and "What" buttons. Colorful icons below show categories like Activities and Community Resources.

  • Create an account

An account lets you Add to ALISS, claim organisations and services, become an editor and create collections.

  • Add to ALISS

You can add organisations, services, groups, activities and resources. We split these into organisations and services to make adding simple. (See, "What is the difference between an organisation and a service listing on ALISS?"). 

You can add:

    • A large organisation that provides services in locations all over Scotland, such as Capability Scotland.
    • A small community group running a single activity at a location, such as a knitting group at the local community centre.
    • An online service, available within a region or throughout Scotland, such as an online Facebook group.
    • An outreach service, such as a podiatrist, who offers home visits.

Our video makes it easy to learn how to add to ALISS! 

Video Transcript Available Formats

You can access the "Add to ALISS?" video content in different formats:

Register for an account to Add to ALISS here.

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What are ALISS collections?

A collection is a carefully chosen group of services that can be customised, then emailed or printed to use offline or share.

related to a specific theme, location, or need.

For example, a collection could focus on:

  • Mental health support in Glasgow
  • Food banks in Edinburgh
  • Support for older adults

Collections make it easier for people with low digital skills or don't have online access to still benefit form ALISS.

You can create multiple collections for different needs—for example, "Local Mental Health Support," "Free Community Activities," or "Services for Families."

Collections can be kept private for personal use or shared with others, making it easy to recommend helpful services to colleagues, clients, friends, or family.

 

What is the difference between an organisation and a service on ALISS?

We use the terms "organisation" and "service" to describe the information added to ALISS.

  • An organisation could be a charity, business, or small group.
  • A service is the specific support or activity they provide.

These terms can overlap and, sometimes, mean the same thing.

For example:

These examples show how ALISS includes organisations and services of all sizes. Every "organisation", whether big or small, follows the same format: organisation, service, and location. Some may have multiple services, while others may only have one.

 

What can I find when searching ALISS?

The ALISS search is designed to help you find services, that offer support, and activities in your community. (See: "What is the difference between an organisation and a service listing on ALISS?")

You can discover a wide range of community and online services, including:

  • Physical health – Local clinics, exercise groups, and condition-specific support.
  • Mental health – Counselling, peer support, and wellbeing services.
  • Help for carers – Advice, respite care, and support networks.
  • Community activities – Social groups, hobbies, and volunteering opportunities.

Click on the images to explore the different services available on ALISS!

 

   fork and knife centered in a circular white area, with a light blue background shaped like a location pin, and the text "Food bank" displayed below in bold white letters.      test      t      m       n

Foodbanks      Housing and Homelessness     Money Advice         Walking Groups         Community Cafes

 

How can I see what people are searching for on ALISS?

You can now explore real-time data with ALISS Analytics. This dashboard shows what people are searching for, which services they find most, and how they use ALISS. Use these insights to improve your listings and help more people find support.

Check it out here: ALISS Analytics.

 

How can I get help using ALISS?

You can find videos and downloadable guidance to help you navigate ALISS on the help centre page 

If you need help adding or searching for services on ALISS, we are here to support you!

You can visit our help centre for guidance on using and adding to the website,

What’s Available?

  • Video Tutorials: Learn how to get started, add services, and manage information.
  • Downloadable Guides: Step-by-step instructions on adding services, writing effective descriptions, and more.

Explore the help videos and resources and give ALISS a try! 

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 If you prefer to speak to someone, the ALISS team are here to help:

 

Is ALISS only for people in Scotland?


Yes, ALISS can connect the people of Scotland to health and wellbeing resources in their community. Anyone can look at the ALISS platform and explore the information, but the services listed are mainly for Scottish people and communities.

Explore health and wellbeing services throughout Scotland!

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What does the claimed badge mean?

Some organisations and service listings have this blue claimed badge next to their name:  Small blue rounded rectangle with a white rosette icon and "Claimed in white bold text.

Important things to know when you see the badge:

  • A verified ALISS account is responsible for maintaining the information. They represent the organisation and/or service and have the authority and knowledge to keep the information accurate and up to date on ALISS.
  • Each listing can have one "lead account holder" and multiple "managers" helping the lead to maintain the information.
  • The ALISS team approves every lead claim request.
  • The ALISS team does not check or approve the information on every claimed page.
  • A claimed badge can help people searching ALISS trust the information they find.

You can find information on how to claim an organisation or service using the links below:

 

Is there a cost to use ALISS?


No, ALISS is free to use. You can search the website and add your organisation and service details for free as long as the information complies with the ALISS terms and conditions.

What do I do if ALISS pages aren’t loading correctly?

 

If website pages aren't loading properly, try clearing your browser cache. The cache is temporary data stored on your device.

Click the links below for instructions on how to clear your cache in different browsers.

Where can I find updates about ALISS?

You can stay up to date with the latest developments on our ALISS News page. We share updates on new features, improvements, and ways we're making it easier to find and add local services.

 

FAQs for Organisations

 

How do I display ALISS information on my website?

Use the ALISS Application Programming Interface (API) for flexible integration or the JavaScript Plugin and customisable map for a pre-built solution.

  • API: Gives total flexibility in how you present the ALISS information on your website. However, implementing this requires a web developer with expertise to adapt your website to handle and present the data received from the API.
  • JavaScript plugin: The plug-in is a piece of code that can be added to your existing website to embed an ALISS search box. it is less flexible than the API but easier for a developer to implement. 
  • Customisable Map:

[Link to Swagger]

[Link to JavaScript Plugin]

[Link to Customisable map]

 

What is an API, and how can I use it with ALISS?


An API allows developers to access ALISS data directly and customise its display. It can filter data by location, category, and more.

 

Add a link: Direct to developer resources.
Add an example: Link to websites using the ALISS API.

 

Can I use the JavaScript Plugin with a WordPress site?

Yes, follow the instructions on the ALISS GitHub page.

Add a link: Direct to GitHub.

I do not have the funds for a developer, what can I do? 

You may be able to find a volunteer developer who can assist. The Scottish Tech Army is a volunteer-run initiative that may be able to help you locate a developer. 

Can I bulk upload data to ALISS?

Not at this time.

 

 

Suggestions for anything missing:

  • Privacy and Security: Add a section linking to the privacy policy
  • ALISS News Add a section linking to ALISS news
  • Feedback Option: Add an email address for people to contact if their questions are missing
  • Map: Add a link and blurb about customisable map and show it on a website
  • Governance: Infomation regarding the service review process
  • Age: Is there an age limit to sign up for an ALISS account
  • Who funds ALISS

 

Contact information

You can get in touch with us using the following details:

Find ALISS on social media

Copyright 2024 Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE). Licensed under a Creative Commons Licence (Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0).