Christmas is just four days away, and it has only been two since Boris Johnson announced that Greater London and most of the southeast have gone into Tier 4 Lockdown — which means for millions, their Christmas bubbles have been cancelled.
With that in mind, we thought it was important to put together a list of organisations and helplines that are available to support anyone struggling over the Christmas period — whether that is to do with restrictions or not.
There are many helplines open over Christmas. This includes:
Samaritans — 116 123. Samaritans is open 24/7. If you aren’t comfortable calling, you can email them on: [email protected].
Childline — 0800 1111. This helpline offers support to young people under 19. You can talk about absolutely anything, between 7:30am and 3:30am seven days a week.
CALM — 0800 585858. This is a helpline for men, open from 5pm-midnight, seven days a week. They even have a webchat, if you feel more at ease using this service instead.
SHOUT — a text service on 85258. Text SHOUT and receive 24/7 mental health support. It’s a free service, and one that is super comforting when it’s late at night and you don’t know who else to speak to. It’s perfect for anyone who doesn’t wish to speak on the phone.
Switchboard — 0300 330 0630. This is a line for LGBTQ+ support, every day from 10am-10pm.
Beat Helpline — 0808 801 0677. For eating disorder support, this phone line is open from 24 December to 1 January.
Mind — 0300 123 3393. This number can be used for non-urgent information about mental health support and services that may be available to you.
Talk to Frank — 0300 123 6600. For help with drug addiction, Talk to Frank has a phone line, a text service (82111) and a webchat.
SANEline — 0300 3047000. You can call this number for advice, between 4:30pm and 10:30pm every night.
OCD Action — 0845 390 6232. This helpline is open from Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 8pm. You can speak to a trained volunteer if you are struggling with OCD.
Papyrus — 0800 068 4141. Papyrus’ volunteers help young people focus on staying safe from suicide. You can also call if you are someone who is concerned about a young person. They’re available from 8am – midnight 365 days a year.
For Crisis support:
If you feel like you are in Crisis, and need urgent support, there are various ways to seek help in the way that you need.
If you feel like you can’t keep yourself safe, it is so important that you seek help immediately. You can do this by going to A&E (the ER), calling 999, or by asking for an ambulance to take you to A&E, or asking someone you trust to do so for you — or to take you there.
If you don’t want to go to A&E but urgently need support, if you are under your community Crisis team, please do give them a call.
Alternatively, you can call NHS 111, who will do an assessment over the phone and tell you exactly what you need to do.
It’s important to know that there is no shame in seeking help, and though going to A&E may feel daunting, if you’re struggling to feel like you can keep yourself safe, it is the right decision.
Though the experience will be different for everyone, you will generally be seen by an on-duty mental health team of specialists, to talk through what is happening.
Remember that your thoughts and feelings are valid, and that you matter. You deserve to receive help, so please, do seek it.
For information about support bubbles this Christmas, see our article here.