Help is available, even over the holidays

Like many counsellors, I will be taking a break from client work after today until the new year, however I know that the Christmas period can be especially tough for many people. Services may be closed, routines change, and feelings of loneliness, grief or overwhelm can intensify.

If you need additional support over the festive period, please remember that help is still available:

• Visit A&E or call 999 if you or someone else is in immediate danger.

• Call 111 for urgent health advice.

• Call Samaritans on 116 123 (free and available 24/7).

• Text Shout on 85258 for confidential text support (free and available 24/7).

• Call Papyrus Hopeline on 0800 068 4141 for children and young people under the age of 35 years who are at risk of suicide.

Reaching out is brave, and can be life-saving. Please save these numbers and share them with anyone who might need them.