We’re likely to see a different sort of Christmas again this year and many of us could be feeling anxious, stressed or lonely.
Whether you’re celebrating or not, seeing family and friends or on your own, there is help available right through the festive period. If you, or someone you know, is struggling, then reach out, make that call. It’s only a few days to get through, then you can plan what you need to do to help things feel better in 2022.
Support lines
Connect – Leeds-based helpline providing emotional support and information. Open 6pm to 2am every night. Tel 0808 800 1212 or chat online through the website.
West Yorkshire 24 hour mental health helpline offers confidential support, advice and information for anyone in Leeds concerned about their mental health. Call 0800 183 0558. Open 24/7 every day.
NHS 111 – if you need urgent care for your physical or mental health, but it’s not life threatening, call 111 or talk online at www.111.nhs.uk. Open 24/7 every day.
Samaritans – helpline open 24/7 every day to talk about whatever you’re going through. Call 116 123.
Crisis services
If you’re at risk of taking your life, call 999 and ask for an ambulance or go to A&E.
Well-Bean Café offers emotional and practical support to people in crisis, every night 6pm to 12am. Support is currently offered by phone and Zoom with some face-to-face on Tuesdays and Fridays. Call or text first on 07760 173 476.
Dial House – offers sanctuary to people in crisis and emotional distress. It’s open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 6pm to 2am providing support by Zoom or by phone. Ring 0113 260 9328 or text 07922 249 452. Some face-to-face support maybe available on Wednesday and Saturdays (ask for details). BSL users can text to ask an interpreter to be available. Open Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
Dial House@Touchstone is offering telephone support to people from diverse communities. Open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6pm to 12am. Call 0113 249 4675 or text 07763 581 853.
Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s (LYPFT) Single Point of Access (SPA) – if you, or someone you’re worried about, needs urgent care or treatment for a mental health crisis call the SPA on 0800 183 1485, open 24/7, every day.
Other key helplines
West Yorkshire and Harrogate Grief and Loss Support Helpline offers professional support and advice. Open 8am to 8pm 7 days a week. Call 0808 196 3833.
The Silver Line – free helpline, open 24/7, for older people offering friendship and advice. Call 0800 470 80 90.
Leeds Domestic Violence Service – If you want help, advice or to refer yourself call 0113 246 0401, open 24/7, every day of the year.
Carers Leeds Helpline – for information or advice about your caring situation or someone to talk to. Call 0113 380 4300. Regular opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Closed Christmas Day, Bank Holiday Monday, Tuesday and New Year’s Day. Open Christmas eve and New Year’s Eve 9am to 2pm.
National Gambling Helpline provides advice and support to people affected by gambling-related harm, whether their own or someone else’s. Open 24/7. Call 0808 8020 133 or live chat through the website.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) offers support and advice for your alcohol use or someone else’s, 24/7, every day. Call 0113 245 4567 (Leeds Helpline – local rates), 0800 9177650 (freephone).
Frank offers friendly, confidential advice if you’re worried about your drug use or someone you know. Call 0300 123 6600 (local rates) Open 24/7, every day.
MindWell Directory
Find more helplines and services go to the MindWell directory. Check individual service websites for festive opening hours.
Health Services
Go to NHS Leeds CCG website for more information about opening times for health services in Leeds over the holiday period including pharmacies and GPs.
Food Aid
Leeds Food Aid Network has put together information to help people find food aid during the holidays:
Foodbank / food parcel provision over Christmas 2021
Homeless and Food Aid Christmas Provision 2021
Children and young people
Go to MindMate, the mental health website for children and young people in Leeds. You can find self-help resources, information about local services and tools.
Winter wellbeing
Follow our #WinterWellbeing campaign for top tips to help you stay mentally well during the winter season. Twitter @MindWellLeeds.