Support during Christmas
Christmas is not always a happy time of year for everyone. Add in the effects of the current pandemic and Brexit in the UK, and this year is likely to be especially stressful.
Many families will be spending the festive period apart from their loved ones and many others will be spending it on their own. This is particularly so for our elderly relatives, who may have been shielding all year and isolated from their normal way of life. Loneliness has become a big and valid mental health issue in 2020.
Thankfully, there are some really good support organisations whose lines will be staying open over the festive holidays. I’ve put together a quick round up of some UK based ones, but feel free to add any others you know about in the comments below.
Cruse Bereavement Care
Information and support after a bereavement.
0808 808 1677
Website
Open every day (hours vary)
Shout
Confidential 24/7 text service offering support if you are in crisis and need immediate help.
Text SHOUT to 85258
Papyrus UK
Support for young people thinking of suicide
0800 068 4141
Website
Open every day of the year.
CALM (Campaign against living miserably)
Suicide support
0800 58 58 58
Website
Open 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Free 24 hour helpline for women who have experienced domestic abuse.
0808 2000 247
Website
Open 24/7, 365 days a year
Age UK
Free, confidential national phone service for older people, their families, friends, carers and professionals.
0800 678 1602
Website
365 days a year
Men's Advice Line
Advice and support for men experiencing domestic violence and abuse by a current or ex-partner or family member.
0808 801 0327
Website
Closed bank holidays
The Silver Line
Free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people, open 24/7, 365 days a year.
0800 4 70 80 90
Website
Childline
Free, private and confidential service where you can talk about anything, open 24 hours.
0800 11 11
Website
National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline (Galop)
Supporting all LGBT+ people who've experienced hate crime, domestic abuse or sexual violence.
0800 999 5428
Website
Drinkline
Free, confidential helpline for anyone who is concerned about their drinking, or someone else's.
0300 123 1110
Website
Weekdays 9am–8pm, weekends 11am–4pm
Other support organisations are also available and can be found online.
Please take a look if you are struggling with anything and reach out to someone.
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