We know this time of year can be particularly difficult for some people.
If you are struggling or need someone to talk to, there are a number of support organisations who will remain open over the festive period.
Samaritans
Samaritans are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year – including Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
Phone: 116 123
Email: jo@samaritans.org
website: www.samaritans.org/scotland
Breathing Space
Breathing Space is a free, confidential, phone service for anyone in Scotland over the age of 16 experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety.
24 hours at weekends (6pm Friday – 6am Monday).
6pm to 2am on weekdays (Monday – Thursday).
Phone : 0800 83 85 87
website: www.breathingspace.scot
Cruse Scotland
Cruse Scotland provide bereavement support to children, young people and adults. From 22 December 2024 – 2 January 2025 their bereavement helpline will be open from 10am – 2pm every day.
You can call for free on 0808 802 6161.
You can also visit the Cruse Scotland website for information about using their web chat for support.
CALM
The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) provides support for male mental health.
Their helpline is open 5pm- midnight, 365 days a year.
Telephone: 0800 58 58 58
You can also get support via their webchat and WhatsApp. Further information is available on the CALM website.
Shout
Shout is a mental health text helpline with professionally trained volunteers at hand.
Shout 85258 is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.
Text: 85258
You can access further information about the support available on the Shout Website.
Beat (Scotland)
Beat is a charity which supports people living with all types of eating disorders.
Their helpline is open Monday – Friday 3pm – 8pm
Scotland Telephone number: 0808 801 0432
You can also contact them via the Beat eating disorder web chat.
Further information and resources are also available on the Beat Eating Disorder website
NHS 24
NHS 24 is a 24 hour telephone health advice and information service for people in Scotland.
Phone: 111
Website: https://www.nhs24.scot
Social Services
Social Services Emergency Duty Team
If you need urgent help from social services over the Christmas period, go to your search engine (e.g Google) and type “Emergency Duty Team” + the name of your local council, to find the contact details of your local social work team over the festive break.
