Support is always available – you are not alone

The festive season can be a difficult time for many people. Whether you’re struggling with your mental health, money worries, loneliness, bereavement or family challenges – there is help available 24/7.

Below are national helplines offering free, confidential advice and someone to talk to this winter

Samaritans – 24/7 listening support

116 123 (free) | jo@samaritans.org | samaritans.org

Shout – 24/7 crisis text support

Text SHOUT to 85258 | giveusashout.org

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – suicide prevention and support

0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight daily) | thecalmzone.net

Combat Stress – support for veterans

0800 1381 619 (24/7) | combatstress.org.uk

The Compassionate Friends – for bereaved families

0345 123 2304 (10am–4pm & 7–10pm daily) | tcf.org.uk

Cruse Bereavement Support – help after a loss

0808 808 1677 | cruse.org.uk

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS)

0300 111 5065 | support@uksobs.org | uk-sobs.org.uk

Age UK (England)

0800 678 1602 (8am–7pm daily) | ageuk.org.uk

The Silver Line – for anyone aged 55+

0800 4 70 80 90 (24/7) | thesilverline.org.uk

Beat Eating Disorders

0808 801 0677 (England) | 0808 801 0433 (Wales)

Mon–Fri, 3pm–8pm | beateatingdisorders.org.uk

National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge)

0808 2000 247 (24/7) | nationaldahelpline.org.uk

Men’s Advice Line

0808 801 0327 (Mon–Fri, 10am–5pm) | mensadviceline.org.uk

LGBT Foundation

0345 3 30 30 30 | lgbt.foundation

10am–10pm, every day

The Trussell Trust (Foodbanks)

0808 208 2138 | trusselltrust.org

NHS 111 (England) – urgent mental health or medical advice

111 | Text relay: 18001 111 | 111.nhs.uk

No one should face things alone — help is just a call or message away.