17 Dec SUPPORT OPTIONS OVER THE CHRISTMAS PERIOD
Peer Power is shut for the festive break from 21 December until 6 January.

We hope you’re able to get some rest, but we know this can be a difficult time of year – and it’s likely to be hard for many more people this year, in different ways.
There’s some simple but effective tips for the festive season in this blog from IMO – the site for teenagers in care and care leavers – that could help.
We’ve put together a list of support services that are open during the Christmas holidays. If you need support, please do reach out – here’s a range of contact options.
SHOUT
Shout 85258 is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope or needs to talk.
https://giveusashout.org/about-us/about-shout/
KOOTH
Free, safe and anonymous online support for young people.
THE MIX
Provides free, confidential support for young people under 25 via online, social and mobile.
https://www.themix.org.uk/get-support
SAMARITANS
Provides free confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 116 123 for free or view other ways to get in touch.
PAPYRUS UK
National charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide. They support young people under 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide, as well as people concerned about someone else.
- www.papyrus-uk.org
- Helpline: 0800 068 4141
- Text: 07786209697
- Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org
YOUNG MINDS
Has lots of useful information about looking after yourself, mental health and also provides free 24/7 support across the UK if you are experiencing a mental health crisis.
- www.youngminds.org.uk
- If you need urgent help, text YM to 85258
- Parents’ helpline: 0808 802 5544 (Mon-Fri from 9.30am to 4pm)
METRO CHARITY
Provide one-to-one counselling for young people who identify as LGBTQ and/or those experiencing issues relating to diversity, equality and identity.
https://metrocharity.org.uk/youth/lgbtq-counselling-for-young-people
APP SUPPORT
There is a good list of apps designed to support with mental health, anxiety, mindfulness and more here https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/category/mental-health/
For a local, non-urgent police issue please call 111.
If there is an emergency please call 999.
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