Christmas is a wonderful time, but it can also be a lonely, scary time for a lot of people. If you’re stressed, worried or lonely, please talk to someone – you are not alone.
Christmas can be a stressful time so if you are in need of support, please talk to someone. The situation may feel hopeless, but it can really help to share your worries with someone.
If you don’t feel able to talk to a friend or family member, there are plenty of organisations who are ready to listen and help. Please do get in touch with one of them if you are in need of support
You are not alone.
All numbers that start with 03 are charged at the same rate as standard landline numbers starting with ’01’ or ’02’. If your phone tariff offers inclusive calls to landlines, calls to 0330 numbers will also be included on the same basis.
Calls to 0800 and 0808 numbers are free of charge from mobile phones and landlines.
Alcoholics Anonymous
www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
0800 9177 650
Email help@aamail.org
Anxiety UK
www.anxietyuk.org.uk
03444 775 774 – helpline available on weekdays between 9.30am–5.30pm (except bank holidays)
Text Service: 07537 416905
Beat – Beating eating disorders
www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Helplines are open 365 days a year: 9am – midnight during the week, and 4pm – 8pm on weekends and bank holidays. If you can’t get through immediately, do try again or try the web chat.
Helpline for England: 0808 801 0677
Helpline for Scotland: 0808 801 0432
Helpline for Wales: 0808 801 0433
Helpline for Northern Ireland: 0808 801 0434
Email support for England: help@beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Email support for Scotland: Scotlandhelp@beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Email support for Wales: Waleshelp@beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Email support for Northern Ireland: NIhelp@beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Beaumont Society
www.beaumontsociety.org.uk
National self-help body for the Transgender community
The information line is available 24/7, 365 days of the year
01582 412220
Bipolar UK
www.bipolaruk.org
Email: info@bipolaruk.org
Bipolar UK does not offer emergency support but you can leave a message through the chatbot at www.bipolaruk.org/support-line to speak to the Peer Support Line
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
www.thecalmzone.net
If you’re a man experiencing distressing thoughts and feelings, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is there to support you. Their phone lines are open from 5pm–midnight, 365 days a year.
They also have a webchat service if you prefer not to talk on the phone.
Nationwide: 0800 58 58 58
Childline
www.childline.org.uk
0800 1111
You can also send them an email or use the confidential online chat
Cruse (Bereavement Care)
www.cruse.org.uk
Helpline open Monday-Friday 9.30-5pm (excluding bank holidays), with extended hours on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, when they’re open until 8pm. Also open 10am-2pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
0808 808 1677
Grief Encounter
www.griefencounter.org.uk
Supporting bereaved children and young people, and their family and friends.
You can call the Grieftalk phone line on 0808 802 0111, 9am-9pm Monday to Friday.
Webchat is also available on their website or you can email Grief Encounter at any time.
Marie Curie
www.mariecurie.org.uk
Care and support through terminal illness for patients and their loved ones.
Call 0800 090 2309 for practical information and emotional support.
Support Line is open 8am – 6pm Monday to Friday and 11am – 5pm on Saturdays. On bank holidays it is open 10am – 4pm.
You can speak to an Information and Support Nurse 10am – 4pm, Monday to Friday.
You can also use the online chat service
MIND
www.mind.org.uk
Mind’s Infoline is open from 9am–6pm weekdays on 0300 123 3393
Email: info@mind.org.uk
Mind’s Legal Line is open from 9am–6pm weekdays on 0300 466 6463 (except bank holidays)
Email: legal@mind.org.uk
Non-emergency NHS line
For non-emergency medical information call 111 or visit the website
In Wales, call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47
Nightline
If you are a student, you can visit the Nightline website to see if your university or college runs a nightline listening service.
No Panic – Anxiety Support
www.nopanic.org.uk
Helpline open 10am-10pm 365 days a year: 0300 772 9844
Youth Helpline for 13 to 20 year olds: 0330 606 1174
The Youth Helpline is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 3pm to 6pm | Thursday 3pm to 8pm and Saturday 6pm to 8pm
Calls cost the same as a 01 or 02 numbers and are included in minutes packages
Email: info@nopanic.org.uk
During the night hours the crisis message is played. This is a recorded breathing exercise that can help you through a panic attack and help you learn diaphragmatic breathing. You can also access the crisis message 24hrs a day by calling 01952 680835.
Papyrus – Prevention of young suicide
www.papyrus-uk.org
If you’re under 35 and struggling with suicidal feelings and self-harm, the Papyrus HOPEline can offer practical advice.
0800 068 4141 – open 9am to midnight, 365 days of the year.
Text: 07860 039967
Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org
Refuge – Domestic Violence support
www.refuge.org.uk
Free 24-hour national helpline
0808 2000 247
Live chat available Mon-Fri 3-10pm at www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
Samaritans
www.samaritans.org
116 123 – this is a free-to-call number, open 24/7 365 days a year and calls to this number will not appear on your phone bill
You can also email jo@samaritans.org, responses may take a few days.
More information about contacting via letter or in office on their website
SANELine
SANEline offers emotional support and information from 4.30pm-10.30pm, 365 days a year.
0300 304 7000
You can also email support@sane.org.uk, and they will respond as soon as possible, usually within 24 hours.
Shelter – Homelessness support
www.shelter.org.uk
0808 800 4444 – open every day, 8am – 8pm on weekdays, 9am – 5pm on weekends
Stonewall
www.stonewall.org.uk
LGBT+ Advice service
08000 50 20 20 – advice line available Monday to Friday, 9.30am-4.30pm
The Silver Line
www.thesilverline.org.uk
If you are over 55, the Silver Line is there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to provide information, support and friendship.
0800 4 70 80 90
Switchboard – the LGBT+ helpline
switchboard.lgbt
Available from 10am–10pm, 365 days a year, to listen to any problems you’re having. All phone operators identify as LGBT+
0300 330 0630
You can also email chris@switchboard.lgbt – emails are typically answered within 3 days
Live chat is also available on the website from 6.30pm