Mental health support: Christmas and New Year opening times 2025

These services are open every day – including Christmas and New Year – if you just need someone to talk to or want general guidance and support for your mental health. 

Samaritans – whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will listen and support you without judgement or advice. From relationships to money worries, health concerns or family stress, you can talk about anything that is troubling you. You can call for free at any time, day or night, on 116 123, email them, write to them for free, or speak to someone face to face.

Shout – a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging service for anyone who is struggling to cope and needs someone to talk to. Text 85258 (free with all major UK mobile networks).

If you ever feel unable to keep yourself safe, you can reach out for help straight away.

If someone’s life is at risk, call 999 or go to A&E.

You can also contact these local crisis services for face-to-face or phone support.

NHS 111 – if you are experiencing something that makes you feel unsafe, distressed, or worried about your mental health, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. The phone will be answered by a call handler with mental health training who will be able to listen to your concerns and help you get the support you need.

Visit our need urgent help page for a full list of crisis services in Leeds. You’ll find options for face-to-face support, phone calls, online chat, and text.

These helplines can offer information, advice or a listening ear about specific topics if you’re worried about yourself or someone you care for.

Age UK – free information and support for older people. Call 0800 678 1602. Open 8am to 7pm, 365 days a year.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – offers support and advice for your alcohol use or someone else’s. Call 0113 245 4567 (Leeds Helpline – local rates) or the freephone national helpline on 0800 9177 650. Open 24/7 (including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day).    

Beat Eating Disorders – helpline for people of all ages, offering support and information about eating disorders no matter where you are in your journey. Call the helpline for England on 0808 801 0677, available from 3pm to 8pm, Monday to Friday, even over Christmas and New Year. They also have an online web chat.

CALM – helpline, online and WhatsApp chat for anyone affected by suicide or suicidal thoughts. Call 0800 58 58 58. Open 5pm to midnight every day.

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 from 9am to 4:30pm, with an early close on 24 and 31 December. Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Carers UK – telephone helpline providing information and guidance to unpaid carers will continue to be available throughout the festive period, and will be open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm (including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day). The number is 0808 808 7777 and is free to call from landlines and mobiles.

Cruse Bereavement – emotional support for anyone affected by grief. Call 0808 808 1677 (free). Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9.30am to 5pm and Tuesday 1pm to 8pm. Closed weekends.

Deaf Connect – a helpline with a dedicated team of Deaf workers to make support more accessible for Deaf people in Leeds. Runs every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from 7pm to 11pm, text or Facetime with BSL-trained staff. Call or text 07984 396 001. Open with regular hours over Christmas and New Year. 

Frank – offers friendly, confidential advice if you’re worried about your drug use or someone you know. Call 0300 123 6600 (local rates) or text 82111. Interpreters available during calls. Open 24/7 (including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day).  

Leeds Domestic Violence Service – there if you want help, advice, or to refer yourself, call 0113 246 0401, open 24/7, every day of the year (including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day). 

National Gambling Helpline – provides advice and support to people affected by gambling-related harm, whether their own or someone else’s. Open 24/7 (including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day). Call 0808 8020 133 or live chat through the website.

The Silver Line – a free helpline for older people offering friendship, conversation, and support. Open 24/7 (including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day). Call 0800 470 80 90.

Wellbeing support for children and young people

For mental health information for 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.