Where can you get support at Christmas?

If you're worried about how you'll cope, read on to find out who you can speak to, and how they might be able to help.

British Heart Foundation Heart Helpline 

Our Heart Helpline is staffed by Cardiac Nurses to answer your heart health questions.

If you're looking for help with understanding your heart or circulatory disease, we're here to help. Email [email protected].

Our Heart Helpline can help you:

• know what to do if you are not getting your usual heart appointments or treatments
• understand your heart or circulatory condition
• discover ways to improve your diet and lifestyle
• signpost you to other support services that can help you
• with questions about coronavirus and your heart.

Our online community

Our online community HealthUnlocked is a space where people affected by heart and circulatory diseases can start conversations, share encouragement and ask questions about anything they're worried about. HealthUnlocked is available 24/7 over the Christmas period. 

Cruse Bereavement Care 

If you've been affected by bereavement, the Cruse Bereavement Care helpline is available over the Christmas and New Year period. Their service is run by bereavement volunteers who are trained to offer emotional support. You can call for free on 08088081677.

Cruse helpline normal opening hours:

9.30am-5pm weekdays, with extended hours to 8pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and weekends 10am-2pm

Cruse helpline Christmas opening hours:

Check the latest details on the Cruse helpline page.

They can help you:

• cope with bereavement
• find out what to do after someone dies
• support a bereaved person
• find online or local in-person support
• provide you with other useful information.

The Samaritans 

The Samaritans have a confidential helpline that is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, which is free to phone. Call 116 123.

There is no typical phone call, and they can help with big or small problems, but common reasons people contact the Samaritans are:

• relationship and family problems
• loss, including loss of a friend or a family member through bereavement
• financial worries
• job or study-related stress
• loneliness and isolation
• depression
• painful and/or disabling physical illness
• thoughts of suicide.

Mind 

For mental health support, the charity Mind has a helpline on 0300 123 3393 (local rate from landlines, mobile phone costs vary but will cost no more than a national call, and should be included in your inclusive minutes in the same way as 01 and 02 calls).

You could also email [email protected], or text 86463.

Mind helpline normal opening hours:

9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except for bank holidays).

Mind helpline Christmas opening hours:

Check the latest details on the Mind helpline page.

Mind also has an online community which you can use if you’re struggling generally, or feeling low, or isolated.

Mind’s helpline can help with information on:

• types of mental health problems
• where to get help
• medication and alternative treatments.

The Silver Line

The Silver Line is a free, confidential helpline dedicated to helping older people, who may be feeling isolated, confused, or lonely. It is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 08004708090.

The helpline team can help with:

• information, friendship and advice
• offering regular friendship calls
• linking callers to local groups and services.

Age UK – 8am-7pm every day of the year

Age UK Advice is a free, confidential, national phone service for older people, their families, friends, carers and professionals. They have a team of expert advisers who will give you reliable information. Call 0800 678 1602.

The helpline can offer support and information on topics like:

• heating your home
• claiming benefits and retirement
• hospital stays and coping afterwards
• general information and support for older people.