Closing hours over Christmas and support available

For people of any age who need someone to talk to  

• Call 116 123 to talk to Samaritans – they are open 24 hours a day 365 days a year, or email: jo@samaritans.org for a reply within 24 hours

• New 24/7 mental health service via NHS 111 - people of all ages in need of urgent mental health support can now access services through NHS 111 in England and Wales. 

  • “Just call 111, press 2”. The new 111 mental health support service can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Dialling 111 and choosing the mental health support option by pressing 2 will connect you to a local call handler team with mental health training. The team also includes nurses, clinicians, and specialists from local children and adolescent mental health services. 

  • The 111 mental health team can arrange mental health assessments, send out crisis teams, and signpost you to local support. A talking-therapy service is also available, and you can self-refer to this via the NHS.UK Talking Therapies Webpage.

• A GP can advise you about helpful treatments and also help you access mental health services. You may be able to refer yourself to some services. 
• For non-urgent mental health needs, Mind offers advice, support and information to people experiencing a mental health difficulty and their family and friends. Mind also has a network of local associations in England and Wales to which people can turn for help and assistance. 
  • InfoLine: 0300 123 3393 to call, or text 86463
  • Email info@mind.org.uk or visit www.mind.org.uk  
  • Lines are open Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm (except bank holidays).
• Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) - A helpline for people in the UK who are down or have hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support.
  • www.thecalmzone.net
  • Helpline: 0800 58 58 58 5pm to midnight, every day of the year
  • Webchat: www.thecalmzone.net/help/webchat 

For Younger People (under 19) who need someone to talk to

• Shout 85258 is a free, confidential, anonymous text support service. You can text from wherever you are in the UK.
  • Text "SHOUT" to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line, or text "YM" if you're under 19
• If you're under 19, you can also call 0800 1111 to talk to Childline 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. The number will not appear on your phone bill 
• YoungMinds - www.youngminds.org.uk 
  • Parents helpline: 0808 802 5544 (Mon-Fri from 9.30am to 4pm, excluding bank holidays)
  • YoungMinds Crisis Messenger: text YM to 85258 (available 24/7) 

For Young Adults (under 35 years of age) who need someone to talk to 

• PAPYRUS is the national charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide. They support young people under 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide, as well as people concerned about someone else.
  • Their HopelineUK service is open 9am - midnight every day of the year (including weekends and bank holidays). 
  • www.papyrus-uk.org
  • Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org
  • Helpline: 0800 068 4141
  • Text: 07860039967

For Older People who need someone to talk to

• Older people can call the Silver Line Helpline  - 0800 4 70 80 90 - a confidential, free helpline for older people across the UK that’s open 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year, providing information, friendship and support. 

We sincerely hope that you and yours enjoy a wonderful, stress-free time over the festive break, and enjoy a prosperous New Year. 

From all of us here at Shine, Merry Christmas. We look forward to working with, for and alongside you again 2026.