Where To Turn for support over the holiday period
Food Support
A food support leaflet for Christmas and New Year has been produced by Harrogate Borough Council listing some of the community food providers, who may also sign post to further assistance.
Many local charities and volunteer led groups are taking a well-earned break over the holiday period. Please note that in order for people to receive food before Christmas there are cut off dates and these are relevant to donations too so that anything received can be given out in advance of the holiday period. Please check the leaflet for details.
Christmas Day Lunch
As well as the Christmas Day lunch at St Peters in Harrogate included in the leaflet above, there is also lunch available in Knaresborough for anyone in need (updates on the Facebook page) and Portofino Restaurant in Harrogate is offering a free meal on Christmas Day (2-4pm) to anyone homeless.
Community Support
Since March 2020, 6 Coronavirus Community Support Organisations across Harrogate District, including our HELP services, have been here to help people in need and isolated by the pandemic, working together with Harrogate Borough Council and North Yorkshire County Council.
The 6 community support organisations (CSOs) in Harrogate district will be taking some time off over the Christmas and New Year period, but the North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) Customer Service Centre community support line is available every day from 9am to 5pm on 01609 780780 (closed for routine enquiries on 25-28 December and 1 January).
There is information about help and support available on the NYCC website
Local support services and online activities are listed in our searchable HADCA Where To Turn Community Information Directory for Harrogate district
Services available over the holidays
The Silver Line - a free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, including over the festive period.
Just B ‘Hear to HELP’ Support Line - Help for people to manage their anxiety and emotional wellbeing. Call 01423 856799 8am - 8pm every day.
West Yorkshire and Harrogate Grief and Loss Service - This is a free service offering advice and information to anyone struggling with feelings of loss. The helpline will be open through the Christmas period - including Christmas Day.
Harrogate Samaritans Regardless of what happens with Covid restrictions, the Samaritans want people to know that confidential support is available 24/7, and they are there for everyone this Christmas.
North Yorkshire Out of Hours Mental Health Support Helpline - If you need to discuss your mental health or that of someone you are caring for call 0800 561 0076. This is a confidential and anonymous service and is free to use from landlines and mobile phones.
Open from Monday to Thursday, 5pm to 8.30am. Open on a Friday from 4.30pm (24 hours at the weekends, including bank holidays)
Harrogate Borough Council – Christmas and New Year Useful Information
Including bins, parking, things to do, recycling, staying safe and well, emergency contacts
North Yorkshire County Council Christmas and New Year opening times
Including libraries and recycling centres
Updated 21 December 2020
