17 December 2021

Christmas and mental health: Helplines and online resources

Christmas is a time of celebration, but for some, the festive period can be a struggle. This Christmas may be even more difficult for some people due to the worry and uncertainty about the impact of the new Covid-19 variant.

Loneliness, isolation, bereavement, mental and/or physical health problems, domestic abuse, increased alcohol use, worries about relationships, finances, employment or housing and anxiety about what the future might hold can be risk factors for suicide. Christmas and the days and weeks afterwards can magnify all of these stressors.

Support during the festive period from CNWL

  • CNWL’s Single Point of Access is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. You can call us on 0800 0234 650 or email cnw-tr.spa@nhs.net Please only attend A&E if you have an emergency about your physical health. If you are unsure, or have a non life-threatening medical need, call 111 or visit 111 online who can also direct you to your local mental health crisis line if your concerns are related to mental health.
  • If you want to speak to someone who is not a clinician, ask the mental health team looking after you or call our SPA for a referral to The Cove, a local community safe space opening 2pm to 10pm every day, 7 days a week, offering 1:1 appointments in person or virtually. For more information, visit The Coves web page.
  • If you are a young person, you can join Kooth, an online mental wellbeing community and find support you need. Young People can also access the Best for You programme who will quickly and seamlessly assess, transfer and treat young people requiring help.
  • Not ready to speak to someone? Visit Hub of Hope to find what services are open near you.
  • CNWL also runs Talking Therapies Services in London and Milton Keynes. Talking Therapy Services don’t rely on a GP referral, people can self-refer. The service can help if you’re feeling down or depressed. 

It may help you or someone you care for, to know that there are many voluntary and charitable organisations with tips, resources and crisis lines too. They are there to provide support for anyone who might need this, over the Christmas and New Year period and beyond.

You can find a list of organisations and resources online here (opens pdf)