Where to Turn for Mental Health Help During the Winter Holidays
That’s why we’ve put together a helpful guide to services that remain open throughout the holidays. If you need support, there are people and organisations ready to listen and help—day or night
If you are having an urgent mental health crisis, call 111 and select option 2 to speak to a specially-trained mental health practitioner.
If you think there is a risk to your life, or the life of someone else, please do not call 111. Dial 999 instead.
For urgent mental health help, you can also reach out to:
- Samaritans: 116 123
- Shout: Text 85258
- Papyrus: 0800 068 41 41
Where to Get Help
If you need mental health support over the festive period, there are services ready to help—day or night. Many offer phone or text lines for immediate assistance, so you can reach out whenever you need to.
NHS 111
Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 111 for medical advice and details of local services. For mental health support, choose option 2 when prompted.
Shout
The UK’s first free, confidential 24/7 text messaging service. In an emergency, text SHOUT to 85258 for immediate support.
The Mix
A leading support service for young people under 25. If you’re in crisis, text THEMIX to 85258. The Crisis Messenger service is available 24/7, including Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s.
Samaritans
Whatever you’re going through, Samaritans will listen without judgment. Call 116 123—free, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
Offering support for anyone struggling with life’s challenges. Their helpline is open 5 pm–midnight every day, including through the festive period. Call 0800 58 58 58.
Release the Pressure Helpline
Don’t suffer in silence. Call 0800 107 0160 or text KENT to 85258. This service is available 24/7, all year round. You can also start a webchat via the purple chat box on their website.
Mental Health Crisis Support in Medway
Safe Havens offer mental health support for anyone aged 16+ in the Kent area. They provide information and emotional support for individuals who are in crisis or feel they are heading towards a crisis situation.
Medway Safe Haven
- Phone: 07850 901151 or 07808 795036
- Email: medway.mhm@nhs.net
- Website: https://www.mhm.org.uk/medway-safe-haven
- Address: The Portacabin opposite Urgent Treatment Centre at Medway Maritime Hospital, Windmill Road, Gillingham ME7 5NY
- Christmas Open Hours: from 12pm-midnight every day (including weekends and bank holidays).
Gillingham Safe Haven
- Phone: 01634 962022
- Email: info@sunlighttrust.org.uk
- Website: https://www.mhm.org.uk/gillingham-safe-haven
- Address: 105 Richmond Road, Gillingham, Kent ME7 1LX
- Christmas Open Hours: from 6pm-11pm every day (including weekends and bank holidays).
Tips for Looking After Yourself
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- Reach out and talk: If you’re struggling, speaking to someone can make a real difference. This could be a friend, a colleague, or a trained listener through a helpline or online chat. You don’t have to face things alone.
- Connect in ways that feel right for you: Consider online communities, support groups, or local organisations. Even a short conversation can help you feel less isolated.
- Keep a sense of routine: Simple habits—like regular meals, sleep, and gentle movement—can help you feel more grounded.
- Take breaks and set boundaries: Give yourself permission to step back from stressful situations or social pressures.
- Be kind to yourself: Your feelings are valid. Treat yourself with the same compassion you’d offer to someone else.
- Explore support services: If you’re finding things hard, professional help is available 24/7 through helplines, text services, and online platforms.
If you are looking for online support, you can click through to these websites that have online chat support.
- Side by Side - is a supportive online community for anyone experiencing a mental health problem. You can access the community any time, including on Christmas Day and other bank holidays. Side by Side is moderated daily from 8am to midnight. https://sidebyside.mind.org.uk/
- Shout - Shout’s online chat is open 24/7, even throughout the festive period, and on Christmas day. You can visit their website at https://giveusashout.org/.
- Kooth - is an online service for young people aged 10-25. Once you log in, you’ll see lots of different support options and an online chat to speak to a member of Kooth’s team. Go to https://www.kooth.com/home.
- Qwell - is an online service for those aged 26+. It is a platform where you can speak to an experienced professional and to online peer support communities. Go to https://www.qwell.io
Both the Kooth and Qwell online live chats will be open:
- 24th December 12pm – 8pm
- 25th December 4pm – 8pm
- 26th December 12pm – 8pm
- 31st December 12pm – 8pm
- 1st January 4pm – 8pm
Have you used any of these services?
If you’ve reached out for support and found it helpful, we’d love to hear from you. Your feedback helps us understand what’s working and ensures others have the best possible experience too.
Email us at enquiries@healthwatchmedway.com to share your thoughts.
Wondering what other support is available over the festive period?
Caring Hands are offering a free Christmas meal with no booking necessary.
- Phone: 01634 409768
- Website: www.caringhands.org
- Address: 15a-16 New Road Avenue, Chatham, Kent ME4 6BA
- Open 25th December 12-2pm for a Christmas Meal—no booking necessary. Closed 23rd December—3rd January
Medway Street Angels run a soup kitchen on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, serving home cooked meals and hot drinks. Guests can request clothing items and also give out monthly toiletry packages and non-perishable food.
- Phone: 07564 829189
- Address: Clover Street Car Park at 7pm
One Big Family offer fresh home cooked food and food parcels. Their soup kitchen will be open on 24th and 31st of Decemeber as normal.
- Email: info@helpingthehomeless.org.uk
- Phone: 07865 928 174 Soup Kitchens on
- When: Sundays at 6.30pm at the bottom of Meeting House Lane
Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) before 5pm Comes into place on any evening that the night time temperature is predicted to be below freezing. Emergency overnight accommodation can be found for anyone with no where to sleep.
- Phone: 01634 333600
- Freephone: 0808 164 1444
You’re not alone. Support is available 24/7, and reaching out is a sign of strength. Whether it’s talking to someone you trust, calling a helpline, or simply taking a moment for yourself—every step matters.
Wishing you peace and care this festive season.
