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Helplines and Support: Christmas and New Year 2023

As many of our services temporarily pause over the holiday season, see what other services are available below.

As we enter the festive season, it's important to acknowledge that for many of us, this time of year can bring unique challenges and difficulties. While it's a period associated with joy and celebration, it's important to recognize that not everyone finds it easy.

Whether it's the pressure of expectations, feelings of loneliness, or navigating through personal struggles, the holiday season can be a tough time for many.

If you're in need to talk to someone throughout the holidays, remember you are not alone, and support is available.

Helplines and organisations

Samaritans offer free help and support line 24 hours a day, 365 days per year

Mind's helplines provide information and support by phone and email.

  • 📞 0300 123 3393 Infoline is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm. It will be closed on 25 and 26 December 2023, and 1 January 2024
  • 📧 email: info@mind.org.uk  
  • 💻 mind.org.uk

Age UK (England) provide information and support for older people.

  • 📞 helpline is open 8am to 7pm, every day of the year 0800 678 1602
  • 💻  ageuk.org.uk

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) provides listening services, information and support for anyone who needs to talk, including a web chat.

  • 📞 helpline open from 5pm to midnight, every day of the year 0800 58 58 58  
  • 💻 webchat open from 5pm to midnight, every day of the year thecalmzone.net  

Switchboard runs a confidential LGBTQ+ telephone helpline staffed by LGBTQ+ volunteers

  • 📞 helpline open from 10:00am-10:00pm every day 0300 330 0630
  • 💻 chat support: switchboard.lgbt

YoungMinds provides mental health support for young people and children

GALOP supports LGBT+ people who are victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime, so-called conversion therapies, honour-based abuse, forced marriage, and other forms of abuse

  • 📞 LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 999 5428
  • 📞 Conversion Therapy Helpline: 0800 130 3335
  • 📞 LGBT+ Hate Crime Helpline: 0207 704 2040  
  • 💻 galop.org.uk   

National Domestic Abuse Helpline is a free 24-hour helpline for women who have experienced domestic abuse and violence, with all female advisors

SHOUT is a 24/7 text support line for young people who would prefer to be supported over messages