Grief support at Christmas and new year

This page offers some ideas for places to get support if you're struggling with grief over the holidays.

If you are struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide:

• Call 999 or go to your nearest A&E if you feel at risk of harming yourself.
• You can call 111 and choose the mental health option to speak to a trained mental health professional (England, Scotland and Wales only)
• You can also find your local NHS urgent mental health helpline.
• Explore Mind’s getting help in a crisis page, which includes an urgent help tool.

On Sue Ryder's Grief Guide, we offer information on coping with suicidal feelings in grief.

You might also find it helpful to read Mind’s guide on coping with suicidal feelings, and coping with thoughts of self-harm.

• Samaritans are available 24/7 to talk about anything that you are worried about in confidence. You can call them on 116 123.
• Shout are contactable by text, 24/7. You can text REMEDY to 85258 and talk to them about anything.
• thecalmzone.net provides a helpline and online chat, as well as information and support, for anyone affected by suicide or suicidal thoughts. Their helpline and webchat are open over Christmas. You can call them on 0800 58 58 58.
• The Compassionate Friends provides support to bereaved families after the death of a child. Their helpline is open from 10am to 4pm, and 7pm to 10pm, every day of the year. You can call them on 0345 123 2304.
• Winston’s Wish offer advice and support for grieving children and young people. Their support line is on 08088 020 02 and open between 8am and 8pm, Monday to Friday
• Child Bereavement UK support families when a child dies or is grieving. They also support siblings. Their helpline on 0800 1026175.
• The Silver Line provides support, information, friendship and advice for anyone aged over 55 who may feel lonely or isolated. The Silver Line is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. You can call them on 0800 4 70 80 90
• Trussell Trust provide emergency food and support for people in need. Their website includes a searchable list of local foodbanks. The Help through Hardship line is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. The helpline is closed on public holidays. You can call them on 0808 208 2138.
• Drinkaware have a list of resources for people who are worried about their own drinking, or someone else’s drinking. Drinkline is a free, confidential helpline for anyone who is concerned about their drinking, or someone else’s. Their helpline is on 0300 123 1110. (weekdays 9am–8pm, weekends 11am–4pm) If you are in Scotland, you can also contact Drinkline Scotland on 0800 7314 314.

Sue Ryder's Online Bereavement Community team will be there as always, although with reduced hours on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

There will always be other members of community to listen.

Our Grief Guide self-help platform which has information, resources and advice to help you through your grief

• Our Grief Coach text service, which sends you personalised text support via SMS
• Our Bereavement Information pages which can walk you through what you are going through.

• You can also read our coping with grief at Christmas support page.

Sue Ryder grief specialist Bianca Neumann offers some advice on coping with important dates.

Visit Sue Ryder's Grief Guide for information and some coping tips such as:

• How to start an online journal
• Creating a digital memory box
• Tips to help your sleep routine
• Playlists to help you cope with grief
• Practice mindfulness with grief specialist Sylvia
• Two minute breathing exercise
• Recognising unhelpful thoughts in grief
• Six books to help you through grief

From all of us at Sue Ryder, take care of yourself. You're not alone.