Christmas is almost here! Most people are counting down the days until they can get involved in all the traditional festive fun - spending quality time with family and friends, eating endless amounts of food guilt-free, drinking fine wines and champagnes, singing Christmas songs…
If you need some extra support this Christmas, here are 5 charities that can help
Although we love to celebrate Christmas, we know that not everybody will be so pleased to see that December the 25th has come back around. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of helpful charities that provide services that might help you, a friend, or a family member in need of some extra support during the festive season.
Campaign to End Loneliness
Over 1 million people say they are chronically lonely - this is more common amongst the older generations, but feeling isolated and alone can affect anyone.
If you’re feeling alone this Christmas, the Campaign to End Loneliness charity have a page on their website which offers some help and advice.
You can access it via this link:
https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/feeling-lonely/
Beat - The UK’s Eating Disorder Charity
If you’re live with an eating disorder, you will know all too well how difficult Christmas is. Whether you fight a daily battle with anorexia, bulimia, binge-eating disorder, or any other eating disorder, the festive season can trigger and/or intensify all the feelings of anxiety around food.
Beat are a phenomenal charity that are open every day of the year to help people who struggle with an eating disorder. Because Christmas can be such a difficult time of the year, their services are available on December 25th.
You can read our interview with the Director of Services, Caroline Price, about what they can offer here: https://www.femalefirst.co.uk/features/christmas-living-with-an-eating-disorder-1174027.html
For more information visit their website:
https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/
Samaritans
The Samaritans are a charity that offer a safe place to talk at any time. They’re open 365 days a year, and you don’t have to be suicidal to get in touch. They will listen no matter how big or small your problem may be.
Their aim is to make sure nobody suffers alone, so if you find yourself struggling over the festive period, you might find it helpful to visit their website and find out how they can support you.
https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help-you
National Domestic Violence Freephone Helpline
Run in partnership with Refuge and Women’s Aid, this support service is open to help people who find themselves victims of domestic abuse.
With Christmas generally centred around indulgence and a heavy amount of alcohol, this can sometimes intensify dangerous behaviours. If this is the case for you and you are worried about your safety, having a safety plan for the coming weeks might be helpful.
You can visit the website to find out more information, or call the helpline to speak to somebody directly.
http://www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk/
Mind
Mind is a charity that helps people with mental health problems, but it also offers support for those who have a loved one with mental health problems.
We understand that Christmas is difficult for people with any type of mental illness, but it can also be hard for the family members and friends of those who are struggling. If you’re a carer and you want to offer extra support to someone you love this festive season, check out this page on Mind:
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helping-someone-else/
Tagged in Charity