Help- where to turn to this festive season.

Hello Pals, I hope whatever you did this past few days, hasn't left you feeling sad or overwhelmed.

It seems we have a repeat of last year on our hands, with many people now not able to spend Christmas with the people they love. Lots of feelings and emotions are flying about.

We have all had a heavy emotional rollercoaster of the last two years, some more so than others. So it's ok if you didn't feel like celebrating or being happy during the holidays.

You have been coping with something none of us have had to deal with before, so try not to put pressure on yourself to live up to a certain standard especially whilst living through all that covid has brought. Take care of yourself and check in on others if you feel able to 🕊️

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so I wanted to share with you a list of people you can talk to over the festive period if you are feeling alone or overwhelmed.

• The Silver Line

(for over 55's) call 08004708090 (open 24/7)

• Samaritans

call 116123 or email jo@samaritans.ac.uk (open 24/7)

• Shout

text "shout" to 85258 (24/7)

• CALM

call 0800585858 (5-midnight every day)

• Papyrus

for people under 35 call 08000684141 or text 07860039967 (9 am-midnight)

LGBTQIA+ resources

• Switchboard LGBT+ helpline

call 03003300630 (10-10 every day)

• LGBT Foundation

call 0345 3303030 (9-9 most days)

• AKT ( London and Manchester)

Live Chat available

• LGBTQ+ Community Centre

📍Pop-up Centre 60-62 Hopton St SE1 9JH

open over Christmas for in-person support 12-6 Xmas and boxing day

• Mindline Trans+

emotional and mental health support helpline for anyone identifying as trans and NB

call 03003305468 (open Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8 pm-12 )