Merry Christmas – Don’t Feel Alone

Well, what can I say about 2025 – it has been a year that has passed by in the blink of an eye. I can hardly believe we are at Christmas already. Personally my health has really gone down hill this year (who thought that was possible not me for sure) and I end the year with a couple of new diagnosis, a old one returned (thanks asthema) and corneal hydrops which means I didn’t even get to enjoy the lights this year so fingers crossed that 2026 brings us all many happy memories and moments to be enjoyed alongside good health.

Personally, I’ve spoken before about why I find Christmas hard, and I think while many do love the season for others, it can be a really hard time of year. Support systems shut down, which means people can access help so easily, while the world around them seems to come to a standstill as well.

So as I do every year I want to just list some numbers of helplines across the UK.

These are not all open 24/7, so please check their websites for opening hours, and remember my email is always open if you want a chat. I can’t promise I’ll email straight back, but I’ll do so ASAP.

Helpline Numbers – Remember always dial 999 in an emergency.

The Samaritans
Phone: 116 123
Email: jo@samaritans.org
They are also trialling an online chat, but this isn’t open all the time.

Mind– they have some great resources on coping techniques.
Infoline – 0300 123 3393
Support line – 0300 102 1234

CALM
Nationwide: 0800 58 58 58
Webchat via website.
Whatsapp

Shout
Text: 85258

Sane Line
Voice Mail: 0300 304 7000
Email: via website, they also offer a support forum, textcare and a call back service. 

National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK
Phone: 0800 587 0800 or 0800 689 0880.

Childline
Phone: 0800 1111
1-2-1 counsellor chat via the website, a sign-with-us video chat service, and 24-hour reply email.

The Mix – Support for under 25s.
Text: THE MIX to 85258
AI Chatbot via website.

Survivors UK – Male Rape and Sexual Abuse Helpline.
Phone: 0808 801 0332
WhatsApp or SMS: 07860 031252
Web Chat via Website

No Panic
Phone: 0300 7729844
24h Crisis Line: 01952 680835

Beat – Eating Disorders Helpline
Phone – Check this link for your local number.
Email: Same as Above

Premier Lifeline – Christian Helpline
Phone: 0300 111 0101

Alcoholics Anonymous
Phone: 0800 9177 650
Email: help@aamail.org

Frank – Drug Help and Advice Line.
Phone: 0300 123 6600
Text / Email / Live Chat on Website.

Alzheimer’s Society
Phone: 0333 150 3456

GALOP – LGBT+ Anti-Violence Charity.
LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline 0800 999 5428
Email help@galop.org.uk
A Webchat is Available on the Website.

Rape Crisis 
Phone: 0808 500 2222
Live Chat: 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support.

Switchboard – The LGBT+ Helpline
Phone: 0800 0119 100
Webchat and Email via Website.

Refuge
Phone: 0808 2000 247
Chatbot via Website

Women’s Aid
Informational articles and links to resources.

The Men’s Advice Line – For Men Going Through Domestic Abuse
Phone: 0808 8010327
Webchat via the Website

SilverLine
Phone: 0800 4 70 80 90

Cruse
Phone: 0808 808 1677

Papyrus HOPELINE247
Phone: 0800 068 4141
Text: 88247
Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org

Victim Support
Phone: 08 08 16 89 111
Text Relay and Online Chat via website

NSPCC
Phone:  0808 800 5000 
Email: help@NSPCC.org.uk

National Stalking Helpline (Suzy Lamplugh Trust)
Phone: 0808 802 0300

Shelter
Check the website for your local number.

GamCare
Phone: 0808 8020 133

NHS 111
Phone: 111
They also now offer mental health support. Access this by pressing option 2.

To all of you, from both of us, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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