THIS Christmas Day many will be enjoying a day where they can spend time with family after another tough year.

However, there will also be a lot of people needing support now more than ever, who may feel like they are on their own. 

Anxiety in the run-up to Christmas has reached its highest level since the January lockdown, provisional figures suggest.

Some 38% of adults are experiencing high levels of anxiety, according to an Office for National Statistics (ONS) survey between December 15 and 19.

This is the highest proportion since January 13-17, when Britain was in its third national lockdown.

The average anxiety score, which has been rising since the end of November, rose to 4.3 – the highest level since January 27-31.

And the proportion of adults who are very or somewhat worried about the effect of Covid-19 on their lives rose to 67%, from 56% earlier in December.

The latest estimates are based on a survey of 3,314 adults in Britain as part of the ONS Opinions and Lifestyle survey examining the social impacts of coronavirus.

We have compiled a list of relevant helplines available to help those who need the support this Christmas.

Age UK (England)

0800 678 1602 
ageuk.org.uk
Information and support for older people.

Beat

0808 801 0677 (adult helpline)
0808 801 0711 (youthline)
0808 801 0811 (studentline)
beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Offers information and advice on eating disorders, and runs a supportive online community. Also provides a directory of support services at HelpFinder.

Beat's answers to five questions you may have about Christmas with an eating disorder

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)

0800 58 58 58
thecalmzone.net
Provides listening services, information and support for anyone who needs to talk, including a web chat.

Combat Stress

0800 1381 619
combatstress.org.uk
Treatment and support for armed forces veterans who have mental health problems.

The Compassionate Friends

0345 123 2304
tcf.org.uk
Provides support to bereaved families after the death of a child.

 

Cruse Bereavement Care

0808 808 1677
cruse.org.uk
Information and support after a bereavement.

Cruse's information on coping with grief at Christmas

LGBT Foundation

0345 3 30 30 30
lgbt.foundation
Advice, support and information for people identifying as LGBTQ+.

Men's Advice Line

0808 801 0327
mensadviceline.org.uk
Confidential advice and support for men who have experienced domestic violence and abuse by a current or ex-partner or family member.

Money Helper

0800 138 7777 (English)
0800 138 0555 (Welsh)
18001 0800 915 4622 (textphone)
moneyhelper.org.uk
Provides free and impartial money advice.

The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC)

0808 801 0331
support@napac.org.uk
napac.org.uk
Supports adult survivors of any form of childhood abuse. Offers a helpline, email support and local services.

National Domestic Abuse Helpline

0808 2000 247
nationaldahelpline.org.uk
Free 24-hour helpline for women who have experienced domestic abuse and violence, with all female advisors. Also offers a live chat and can help to find refuge accommodation. Run by the domestic violence charity Refuge.

NHS 111 (England)

111
111.nhs.uk
Non-emergency medical help and advice for people in England.

NHS UK

nhs.uk
Information about health problems and treatments, including details of local NHS services in England.

Relate

0300 003 0396
relate.org.uk
Provides help and support with relationships, including counselling and telephone support.

Samaritans

116 123 (freephone)
jo@samaritans.org
Chris, Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK
PO Box 90 90
Stirling FK8 2SA
samaritans.org
Samaritans are open 24/7 for anyone who needs to talk. You can visit some Samaritans branches in person. Samaritans also have a Welsh Language Line on 0808 164 0123 (7pm–11pm every day).

Shout

85258 (text SHOUT)
giveusashout.org
Confidential 24/7 text service offering support if you are in crisis and need immediate help.

The Silver Line

0800 4 70 80 90
thesilverline.org.uk
Provides support, information, friendship and advice for older people (over 55) who may feel lonely or isolated.

Stand Alone

standalone.org.uk
Charity supporting adults who are estranged (not in contact) from their family.

Standalone's festive guide to the Christmas period.

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS)

0300 111 5065
uk-sobs.org.uk
Emotional and practical support and local groups for anyone bereaved or affected by suicide.

Switchboard

0300 330 0630
switchboard.lgbt
Listening services, information and support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities.

Tommy's

tommys.org
Information and support for people affected by stillbirth, miscarriage and premature birth.

The Trussell Trust

trusselltrust.org
Emergency food and support for people in need. Includes a searchable list of local foodbanks.

Each foodbank will arrange its own Christmas hours. You need a voucher from their referral agency first, so find your nearest foodbank, and find out when their referral agency is open too.