Services available over the holidays
The Silver Line - 0800 4 70 80 90 - is 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’ - Whether you’re feeling isolated, experiencing anxiety, of low mood, experiencing bereavement or struggling with any aspect of your mental health, Just B is a local service providing emotional wellbeing and bereavement support 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday. The service is unavailable from the 24th-27th December, but is back from 30th December.
Age UK's advice line is a free, confidential national phone service for older people, their families, friends, carers and professionals.
Age UK Advice Line: 0800 678 1602. Lines are open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year.
Samaritans - The Samaritans want people to know that confidential support is available 24/7, and they are there for everyone this Christmas. Call 116 123
In a mental health crisis, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option (2). Available 24/7, you will speak to a mental health professional who can listen to you and help you find the right support.
More information at https://www.tewv.nhs.uk/services/crisis-advice/
Information about children’s crisis services is here.
Childline is here to help anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through. You can talk about anything. Whether it’s something big or small, trained counsellors are here to support you. Childline is free, confidential and available any time, day or night, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Contact 0800 1111 or visit www.childline.org.uk
IDAS ( domestic abuse) helpline is open 7 days a week - for North Yorkshire call 03000 110 110
Live chat is available on the IDAS website 1pm – 4pm Monday to Friday excluding bank holidays
The National 24 hours helpline is 0808 2000 247.
Find out more about support over the festive season.
Citizens Advice North Yorkshire are closed from 24th December and open again on Thursday 2nd January, however online advice on many issues including benefits, work, debt and money is available 24/7 at citizensadvice.org.uk
Food Support
Many local charities and volunteer led groups are taking a well-earned break over the holiday period. Please check the opening times for the Resurrected Bites Community Groceries and Give As You Can Cafes at https://resurrectedbites.co.uk/
Gracious Street Grocery is open on 27th December 10-2pm to customers of the New Park Grocery too, which opens again on 2nd January 10am-1pm.
St Peters Church in Harrogate provides breakfasts and mini supermarket produce for those in need on a no questions asked basis.
Christmas Day Lunch
There is a Christmas Day lunch available in Knaresborough for anyone in need (updates on the Facebook page) and Christmas Lunch at St Peters Church in Harrogate - call Hannah Beck on 07503 186 455.
The Claro Lounge on Ripon Market Square is open from 10:00 to 13:00 on Christmas Day for those who might feel alone and find the day difficult. There will be free soup, coffee, and warm, friendly chat .
Community Support
Local support services and online activities are listed in our searchable HADCA Where To Turn Community Information Directory for Harrogate district but many local charities and volunteers will be taking some time off over the Christmas and New Year period (our HADCA offices are closed from 12noon on 24 December to 9am on 2 January 2024).
Mind in Harrogate District are open on 24 December, 30 December (phone support only) and 31 December.
North Yorkshire Council Christmas and New Year opening times
Including The Customer Service Centre, household waste, recycling and libraries.
Advice for Winter Wellness
Last year local charity North Yorkshire Horizons put together some tips for boosting your health and happiness throughout the winter months. It’s important to remember you are not alone. Many people experience low mood and other challenges at this time of year.
19 December 2024
