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Helplines and Support: Christmas and New Year 2025

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

The holidays can be an overwhelming time. While for some, this time of year is full of joy and family time, for others, this is not their reality. Whether you're feeling lost, are struggling with loved ones, 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 you are special and matter! Remember to find moments of rest and quiet, to do things that bring you comfort and calm. There is no right or wrong way to approach this time of year. 

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 here to help:

Helplines and organisations

Samaritans offer a 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, 10:00am — 6:00pm.
    • Closed on 25th and 26th December 2025, and 1st January 2026
  • 📧 email: [email protected]  
  • 💻 mind.org.uk

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

  • 📞 0800 678 1602 helpline is open 8:00am — 7:00pm, 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 5:00pm — midnight, every day of the year  
  • 💻 thecalmzone.net webchat open from 5:00pm — midnight, every day of the year  

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

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

LGBT+ Foundation runs a free, confidential helpline for LGBTQ+ people

  • 📞 03453303030 helpline open from 9:00am - 6:00pm, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays and religious festivals).

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-judgmental and compassionate emotional support. Open between 4:00pm to 10:00pm, 365 days a year.

National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK offers help to 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. 

The Silver Line provides support, information, friendship and advice for anyone aged over 55 who may feel lonely or isolated.

  • 📞 08004708090, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
  • 💻 thesilverline.org.uk

If you are supporting somebody else this holiday season, check out these free resources and guidance by Mind, which may have some useful tips for you.

Find out more about our Mental Health services

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