Seasonal mental health support for people in Leeds – Christmas 2017

The festive season can be a time of joy and celebration, but it can also be one of the most stressful or lonely periods of the year. Many people can struggle because of money worries, loneliness, family problems, bereavement or problems with their mental health.

It can be hard to reach out for support when it looks like everyone else is having a wonderful time. Help is available right over the festive period, including face-to-face, telephone and online support. There is always someone to talk to.

Face to face support and helplines

• Leeds Survivor-Led Crisis Service is open – Dial House, Dial House @Touchstone and the Connect Helpline are all available as usual throughout the holiday period .
• Dial House is a place of sanctuary for people in crisis. Open 6pm-2am – 23, 24, 25, 27, 29, 30, 31 December and 1 January. Call 0113 260 9328 or text 07922 249 452 6pm-7pm on the night for a referral.
• Dial House@Touchstone is a crisis service in Leeds for people from Black and Minority Ethnic groups. Open 6pm-11pm on 26, 28 December and 2 January. Call 0113 249 4675 or text 07763 581 853 for a referral.
• Connect Helpline offers emotional support to people in Leeds and is open every night 6pm-2am – call 0808 800 12 12. BSL Connect Service for Deaf people – Monday 25 December and Monday 1 January 7-11pm. Glide: 07922 249452 or Skype and FaceTime: survivor.led@lslcs.org.uk
• Well Bean Hope in a Crisis Cafe supports anyone in a crisis and is open as usual with two extra nights on Tuesdays for the Christmas and New Year period. The cafe will be open 6pm-12am on 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31 December and 1 and 2 January. Please ring or text first on 07760 173476 if you would like to go to the cafe (each time). Professionals can refer on 07760 173505.
• Touchstone’s new Winter Wellbeing Café is open every Friday (from 15 December onwards, including 22 December and 29 December ), 6-8pm at

East Leeds Health For All, 41-47 Cromwell Mount, LS9 7ST. Contact Stephanie Lewis on 0113 2484880 for more information/enquiries.

● The Samaritans is open 24/7 if you need someone to talk to about whatever you are going through. Call 116 123 .

Online resources

• • MindWell is the mental health website for people in Leeds. You can find resources to help you manage common problems like anxiety, stress and depression, and links for local support including help for issues that can affect your wellbeing such as money worries, bereavement, alcohol use and domestic abuse. MindWell is also running a seasonal twitter campaign – search #MindWellatXmas for tips and ideas for self-care and support available, as well as free things to do in the city. Here is a link to the MindWell site https://www.mindwell-leeds.org.uk

Many people find Christmas and New Year hard, and it’s OK to ask for help – that’s why these services, guides and helplines exist.

If you or someone you know are struggling, then reach out, make that call, or find that online support.

It’s only a few days to get through, then you can plan what you need to do to help things feel better in 2018.