Christmas and New Year Useful Helplines

Christmas will be extremely tough for many, so whatever you do, do it safely, and with good health. Have a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

USEFUL HELPLINES:

Age UK Helpline: 0800 055 6112 ageuk.org.uk We believe that age needs respect. It needs kindness. Sometimes it needs help. Because there is strength in numbers, Age Concern and Help the Aged have joined forces to become Age UK – so that we can be here for everyone in later life. Age UK aims to improve later life for everyone through our information and advice, services, campaigns, products, training and research.

The Silver Line Helpline: 0800 4 70 80 90 thesilverline.org.uk The Silver Line is the confidential, free helpline for older people across the UK open every day and night of the year. Our specially trained helpline staff offer information, friendship and advice, link callers to local groups and services, offer regular befriending calls and protect and support those who are suffering abuse and neglect. If callers would like to be put in touch with Silver Line Friends, they can receive a regular weekly friendship call or email. Or they may like to join a Silver Circle and take part in a regular group call on subjects that interest them.

RVS (Royal Voluntary Service) General enquiries: 0330 555 0310 If you need support during coronavirus and at Christmas call 0808 196 3646 (8am to 8pm) royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk Royal Voluntary Service is a volunteer organisation that enriches the lives of older people and their families across Britain. We support older people by giving time and practical help to help them get the best from life. Our volunteers – ordinary men and women of all ages and ethnicities – love spending time with the older people. Through them, we want to help create a society where everyone feels valued and involved whatever their age. We believe old age should be celebrated, and so we should: we’re 75 years old this year and still going strong. So, find out today what we can do for you or an older person in your family.

British Red Cross – Connecting Communities Feeling lonely? Contact us on 0300 456 1155 (Mon to Fri, 9.30-5)

AbilityNet Freephone helpline 0800 048 7462 email enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk AbilityNet supports people of any age, living with any disability or impairment to use technology to achieve their goals at home, at work and in education. We do this by providing specialist advice services, free information resources and by helping to build a more accessible digital world.

Wavelength – Fighting Loneliness Tel: 01708 621101

Campaign to End Loneliness campaigntoendloneliness.org.uk We help people to maintain and create personal connections in their later life. We draw on research and inspiration from across the country to offer information and ideas to both individuals and those working with older people. We deliver projects and campaigns with a range of other organisations. Together, we aim to end loneliness in older age.

Mind MindInfoline: 0300 123 3393 mind.org.uk

ChildLine Helpline: 0800 11 11 childline.org.uk

The Samaritans

Tel: 116 123 samaritans.org Whatever you're going through, we're here to help 24 hours a day. We won't judge you and we won't share what you tell us with anyone else.