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Helplines and Support: Christmas and New Year 2024

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

The holidays can be hard work. While for many, this time of year is full of joy and celebration, for others, this is not their reality. Whether you're in a stressful, non-affirming environment, or experiencing grief and/or isolation, the festive season can bring up a lot of emotions.

Whatever you're going through this festive season, know that we see you and appreciate you. Remember to take time for yourself, and to practice self-love, and compassion where you can.

If you need to talk to someone throughout the holidays, be sure to reach out. You are not alone, and there are people you can talk to at any time. 

These services are for anyone who's struggling. They won't judge you. They're free, they're anonymous, and they're always open:

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
    • Open Monday to Friday, 10 am—6 pm.
    • Closed on 25 and 26 December 2024, and 1 January 2025
  • 📧 email: info@mind.org.uk  
  • 💻 mind.org.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mindline Trans+ is a confidential emotional, mental health support helpline and signposting service for people who identify as trans, agender, gender-fluid, or non-binary. 

SANEline offers non-judgemental and compassionate emotional support. Open between 4 pm to 10 pm, 365 days a year.

National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK offers help anyone who may be struggling with their mental health and/or thoughts of suicide.

Gendered Intelligence Helpline for trans people, their friends and family and professionals directly impacted by gender healthcare waiting lists. 18+ only.

Papyrus: Are you, or is a young person you know, not coping with life? For confidential suicide prevention advice contact HOPELINE247.