The holiday season can be a really difficult time for many in our community – but you don’t have to go through it alone.
We’ve pulled together a list of helpline services and articles, including LGBTQ+ support, during the festive period.
LGBT Foundation
0345 3 30 30 30
The LGBT Foundation are available between 9am until 9pm on a weekday and between 10am and 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays (excluding bank holidays and religious festivals).
MindOut
Online chat
MindOut is a mental health service run by and for LGBTQ+ people.
Their online chat is open during its normal hours over Christmas – Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons.
Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline
0800 0119 100
Switchboard is a national support line, open to anyone in the UK.
Switchboard is open every day from 10am until 10pm via phone, instant messaging and email at [email protected].
Black and Brown Rainbow
0800 054 1097
A peer-led freephone service for Black and brown LGBTQ+ people.
Their helpline opening hours are every Monday and Wednesday at 6-8pm.
Galop
0800 999 5428
Galop is the UK’s LGBT+ anti-abuse charity. They work with and for LGBTQ+ victims and survivors of abuse and violence.
Their helpline will be open at reduced hours and closed during the bank holidays.
- Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 December – webchat (10am-4pm) and helpline (9:15am-8pm) open
- Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 December – helpline and webchat closed
- Friday 27 December – helpline open (9:15am-4:30pm)
akt
akt support LGBTQ+ young people aged 16-25 at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness, or living in a hostile environment.
They’ve created an extensive list of supportive resources over the festive period.
Mindline Trans+
0300 330 5468
Mindline Trans+ is a confidential emotional, mental health support helpline and signposting service for people who identify as trans, a gender, gender fluid and non-binary.
Their helpline is available on Friday evenings.
Samaritans
116 123
Samaritans work to make sure there’s always someone there for anyone who needs someone.
They’re open during the whole of the festive period, 24 hours a day. You can reach them via their free helpline or email at [email protected].
CALM
0800 58 58 58
CALM runs a free helpline and webchat for anyone struggling or in crisis.
Their helpline is available every day, including Christmas, from 5pm to midnnight.
They’ve also shared tips on getting through an anxious Christmas.
Age UK
0800 678 1602
Age UK is the leading charity for older people.
They have several helplines offering support over the holidays, including their Advice Line open from 8am-7pm.
National Suicide Prevention Helpline
0800 689 5652
National Suicide Prevention Helpline support anyone who may be struggling with their mental health and/or thoughts of suicide.
Their helpline is open every day from 6 pm until midnight.
Mind
0300 123 3393
Mind is a leading mental health charity, supporting people across England and Wales.
During the Christmas and New Year period, local and national Mind services will operate at different hours.
Their helpline will be closed on Wednesday 25, Thursday 26 December and Wednesday 1 January. They are open on all other weekdays over this period.
Mind Southwark info and advice service is also closed on Wednesday 25, Thursday 26 December and Wednesday 1 January.
You can view further South East London Mind service opening times here.
Papyrus (under 35)
0800 068 4141
PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide is the UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people.
HOPELINE247 is their helpline service, offering confidential support throughout the year. You can either call, text 88247 or email [email protected]
Their lines are available 24 hours every day.
The Mix (under 25)
0808 808 4994
The Mix is the UK’s leading support service for young people.
They can offer help through their 1-2-1 chat or crisis messaging service, which is available 7 days a week. Text THEMIX to 85258 for crisis support.
Mermaids
0808 801 0400
Mermaids helpline is closed from Tuesday 24 December at 6pm and reopening on Thursday 2 January at 1pm. Their helpline and webchat are available from 1pm-8:30pm before Tuesday 24 December.
Shout
They’re open throughout the festive period, including Christmas Day.
They can provide a confidential, and anonymous mental health support service, available via text messaging or their webchat 24 hours a day.
- Text SHOUT to 85258
- Text YM if you’re under 19
Shelter
0808 800 4444
Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through our advice, support and legal services.
Their helpline is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm. They’re closed on bank holidays.
They use an interpreter service. If you need an interpreter when you contact them, tell the adviser on the phone.
If you need immediate support in a life-threatening emergency, ring 999.
Articles
- A therapist’s guide to navigating the festive season as a queer person
- Queer Christmas: a care guide for LGBTQ+ people
- LGBTQ+ guide for surviving Christmas with a bigoted family
The Centre is closed from Wednesday 25 December and reopening on Wednesday 8 January. During this time we won’t be monitoring our emails or replying to DM’s and comments on social media.