Christmas and the new year can be a difficult time for many people. This year especially, we know it’s going to be tough. With COVID-19 affecting our ability to see loved ones, or just making it much harder to do the things we might normally do, the need for support could be greater than ever.

While Devon Mind will be closed for much of the Christmas period (click here for details), there are a range of services available for people who need support or assistance with their mental health during this time. We’ve pulled together a few options, in case you need to talk to someone this season.

If you or someone else is at risk of death or serious injury, call 999 immediately and ask for the police and/or ambulance.

24/7 support helplines

Samaritans: Open for support to anyone 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 116 123 free or email jo@samaritans.org.
Devon Partnership Trust First Response Service: Local mental health support line also available 24/7/365. Call 0300 555 5000.
Livewell Southwest First Response Service: 24/7 mental health support for anyone over 18 in Plymouth. Call 01752 434922.
Shout: National mental health text support service also available 24/7/365. Text SHOUT to 85258 (free and confidential).

Help for young people

Childline: Support for anyone under 19 years of age. Open 7:30am—3:30am every day. Call 0800 1111 free or use webchat.
YoungMinds: Operates a 24/7/365 text support service for young people across the UK. Text YM to 85258 (free to text).
Papyrus Hopeline: Support line for people under 35 feeling suicidal. Open 9am—midnight every day. Call 0800 068 4141.

LGBTQIA+ support

Switchboard: Support for the LGBTQIA+ community. Open 10am—10pm every day. Call 0300 330 0630. Webchat open from 6:30pm.
LGBT Foundation: Support and advice on LGBTQIA+ topics. Open 9am—9pm weekdays and 10am—6pm weekends. Call 0345 3 30 30 30.

Other out-of-hours support

Head Space: Local support service for people approaching a mental health crisis. Open 6pm—midnight every day. Call 07890 257 614.
CALM: Support line dedicated to helping men who feel suicidal. Open 5pm—midnight every day. Call 0800 58 58 58 or use webchat.
The Silver Line: Confidential, free helpline for older people across the UK. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 0800 4 70 80 90.