The Christmas and New Year period can be a joyful time of year. A chance to see family and friends, exchange gifts and have some fun. But it can also be a challenging time of year and can be even more difficult to cope for many of us.
If you need help and support during this time, there are many organisations that are available over the Christmas and New Year period.
Help in an emergency
- If your call is an emergency, please call 999.
- For emotional support, you can contact the Samaritans which are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 116 123
- The National Domestic Helpline is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week: 0808 2000 247
Bereavement
Cruse Bereavement Care
If you need support following bereavement, Cruse can provide bereavement counselling and support for both children and adults by telephone. Call 0808 808 1677 (charges apply).
Domestic Violence and Assault
National Domestic Violence Helpline
The National Domestic Violence Helpline runs in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge. It is a national service for women experiencing domestic violence or their friends and families. A translation service is available. Call 0808 2000 247.
Their helpline is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Emotional Support and Health
Mind
Mind provide information and advice on all aspects of mental health as well as emotional support. Call 0300 123 3393 or text 86463.
Their helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9am until 6pm.
The line will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day.
NHS 111
NHS 111 provide general information about health and medical problems on 111.
Their helpline is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
SANE
SANE provide emotional support and information to anyone affected by mental illness.
Call 0300 304 7000.
Their helpline is open 4.30pm to 10.30pm every day of the year.
Samaritans
Samaritans provide emotional support for anyone experiencing feelings of distress or despair. Call them on 116 123.
Their helpline is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Food Banks
If you need emergency food, there are two food banks in Halton. Please note opening dates and times may vary during the Christmas and New Year period.
Runcorn and District Foodbank
Widnes
Money and Welfare
Welfare Benefit Money Advice Team
Halton Housing has a dedicated team of Welfare Benefit Money Advice Advisors who are available for customers and members of their household to seek advice and assistance with all matters relating to welfare benefits, debt and money advice.
If you feel you need help or advice, you can self-refer using our Halton Housing App 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
You can also email welfare@haltonhousing.org or call the team on 07801548205. Please note that if you refer yourself during the Christmas period we will aim to respond within 3 working days of our first working day which is Monday 4th January 2021.
Halton Borough Council Discretionary Support Scheme
The scheme will issue awards for two types of need, to people who require short term Emergency Support with such items as food and energy and to assist people who require Community Support to establish or maintain a home independently in the community. To find out more and to check if you are eligible visit Halton Borough Council’s website.
Loan Sharks
The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) are warning people not to turn to loan sharks to cover the cost of Christmas.
These unlicensed lenders charge extortionate amounts of interest and have been known to use threatening language, intimidation and even violence when demanding payments from their desperate victims.
You can safely report a loan shark to the illegal money lending team on 0300 555 2222 or visit The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) website.
Help for Halton residents
Further help and advice for Halton residents can also be found on the Halton Local Offer website.