If you need help and support this Christmas

You are not alone

A gentle reminder this Christmas 🎄

Christmas doesn’t feel joyful for everyone.

For many, it can bring added pressure, loneliness, grief, or fear sometimes behind closed doors.

If this season feels heavy, please consider speaking to someone you trust, whether that’s family, friends, or a support service. You don’t have to manage things alone.

It’s also important to say clearly that domestic abuse often increases over the Christmas period. If you are feeling unsafe at home, or worried about someone else, confidential help is available, even on Christmas Day.

📞 Christmas Helplines – Availability

✅ Available 24/7 (including Christmas Day)

These services are confirmed as operating day and night, including bank holidays:

Samaritans – 116 123

SHOUT – Text SHOUT to 85258

NHS Urgent Mental Health Support – Call 111, press 2 (England)

National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0808 2000 247

⏰ Available over Christmas (hours may vary)

These services provide vital support but do not operate 24/7. Opening hours may be reduced on Christmas Day:

CALM – 0800 585858

Mind – 0300 123 3393

No Panic – 0844 967 4848

Cruse Bereavement Support – 0808 808 1677

Men’s Advice Line – 0808 801 0327

Galop (LGBTQ+ support) – 0800 999 5428

Rethink Mental Illness Advice Line – 0808 801 0525

Refuge – 020 7395 7700

🚨 Emergency

If you are in immediate danger, call 999.

If you cannot speak, dial 999 and press 55.

If one service is unavailable when you call, please try another. Support is there, even on Christmas Day.

Cllr Leanne Stevenson