Helplines and organisations open over the festive break 

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

  •  166123
  • www.samaritans.org  

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

  • 0300 123 3393 Infoline
  • email: info@mind.org.uk  
  • www.mind.org.uk

Open Monday to Friday, 10:00am — 6:00pm.
Closed on 25th and 26th December 2025, and 1st January 2026

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 
  • www.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  
  • www.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 

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

  • www.youngminds.org.uk

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  
  • www.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

  • 0808 2000 247
  • www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk

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

  • 85258
  • www.giveusashout.org

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

  • 0300 304 7000 

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

  • 0800 587 0800

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

  • 0800 068 4141 

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.
  • www.thesilverline.org.uk

 

Photo credit - Photo by Meruyert Gonullu: https://www.pexels.com/photo/vintage-christmas-decoration-with-santa-claus-6161662/