A Guide to Support Organisations this Christmas
The festive season is often considered a time of joy, celebration and togetherness. However, for many individuals, Christmas can be a challenging time, filled with loneliness, stress and financial strain. If you find yourself in need of support over Christmas, know that there are organisations and helplines ready to provide assistance and a listening ear.
We hope you don’t need these services but here they are if you do:
Samaritans
When the weight of Christmas becomes overwhelming, the Samaritans are there to offer a compassionate and non-judgmental ear. Whether you are experiencing loneliness, grief, or any emotional distress, the Samaritans provide a 24/7 helpline that you can reach out to. Your call is confidential, and the empathetic volunteers are dedicated to providing emotional support. Remember, you are not alone, and the Samaritans are here for you.
https://www.samaritans.org/ | 116 123
Mental Health in Portsmouth
Mental Health in Portsmouth have a variety of free support services and resources to help you through any time of the year.
https://mentalhealthinportsmouth.co.uk/learn-about-mental-health/
Tonic Music’s Never Mind the Stigma
The Never Mind The Stigma banner groups various aspects of community support, fundraising and event participation. Check out their groups and resources below:
https://www.tonicmusic.co.uk/nmts
Local Support in Solent
Solent Mind is a local mental health charity committed to supporting individuals in the Solent region. If you are struggling with your mental health during Christmas, Solent Mind offers various services, including counselling and peer support.
https://www.solentmind.org.uk/
Kooth and Shout – Online Support
Recognising that not everyone may be comfortable seeking help through traditional means, online platforms like Kooth and Shout offer confidential support. Kooth provides online counselling and emotional well-being support for young people, while Shout is a text-based support service for people of all ages.
Kooth https://www.kooth.com/
Shout https://www.giveusashout.org/
List of food services in Portsmouth
Here is a link to Portsmouth City Council’s directory of food banks and places to find hot meals across Portsmouth.
https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/services/benefits-and-support/help-and-support/help-with-food/
Safer Portsmouth
Here is a link to a variety of services and support available in Portsmouth if you are feeling unsafe at home.
https://www.saferportsmouth.org.uk/domestic-abuse/help-for-victims-of-domestic-abuse/useful-links/
Childline
Online, on the phone, anytime, if you’re a child feeling concerned about your welfare there are people to help:
https://www.childline.org.uk/
0800 1111
If you are in immediate danger, call 999 straight away.
NSPCC
If you have a concerns about a child speak to someone:
0808 800 5000 | [email protected]
If you think the child is in immediate danger, call 999 straight away. Christmas is a time for compassion and understanding. If you find yourself in need of help during this season, remember that there are organisations and helplines ready to provide support.
Whether you choose to reach out to the Samaritans, local food banks, or online platforms like Kooth and Shout, help is available. Do not hesitate to seek assistance and remember that you are not alone in facing the challenges of the festive season.
