24/12/2025
The festive season can be a difficult time for many people. Whether you’re struggling with your mental health, money worries, loneliness, bereavement or family challenges - there is help available 24/7.
Below are national helplines offering free, confidential advice and someone to talk to this winter
Samaritans – 24/7 listening support
116 123 (free) | jo@samaritans.org | samaritans.org
Shout – 24/7 crisis text support
Text SHOUT to 85258 | giveusashout.org
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – su***de prevention and support
0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight daily) | thecalmzone.net
Combat Stress – support for veterans
0800 1381 619 (24/7) | combatstress.org.uk
The Compassionate Friends – for bereaved families
0345 123 2304 (10am–4pm & 7–10pm daily) | tcf.org.uk
Cruse Bereavement Support – help after a loss
0808 808 1677 | cruse.org.uk
Survivors of Bereavement by Su***de (SOBS)
0300 111 5065 | support@uksobs.org | uk-sobs.org.uk
Age UK (England)
0800 678 1602 (8am–7pm daily) | ageuk.org.uk
The Silver Line – for anyone aged 55+
0800 4 70 80 90 (24/7) | thesilverline.org.uk
Beat Eating Disorders
0808 801 0677 (England) | 0808 801 0433 (Wales)
Mon–Fri, 3pm–8pm | beateatingdisorders.org.uk
National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge)
0808 2000 247 (24/7) | nationaldahelpline.org.uk
Men’s Advice Line
0808 801 0327 (Mon–Fri, 10am–5pm) | mensadviceline.org.uk
LGBT Foundation
0345 3 30 30 30 | lgbt.foundation
10am–10pm, every day
The Trussell Trust (Foodbanks)
0808 208 2138 | trusselltrust.org
NHS 111 (England) – urgent mental health or medical advice
111 | Text relay: 18001 111 | 111.nhs.uk
Please share this post to help others find the right support this winter.
No one should face things alone — help is just a call or message away.