It’s the season to be jolly – but it’s not always easy at Christmas

22nd December 2022

For a lot of people, the holiday season is a particularly challenging time. If you are lonely, worried, stressed or feeling low please don’t suffer in silence.

There are free services and support open to anyone in Stockport over Christmas, some of which are available 24 hours a day, every day.

If you need to speak to someone in person, contact one of these organisations:

• Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust helpline – 24/7 crisis mental health helpline to support people of all ages in Stockport. Call 0800 014 9995.
• Open Door – Mental health and wellbeing support for adult Stockport residents. A confidential helpline with trained staff, available 24/7. Call 0800 138 7276.
• Open Door Safe Haven – Just walk in. Open Monday to Friday, 10am to 8pm, Saturday to Sunday, 12pm to 8pm, at 72-74 Prince’s Street, SK1 1RJ. Email opendoorstockport@makingspace.co.uk.

For those who prefer or need online support, please contact:

• Kooth – Online counselling and emotional wellbeing support for young people aged 10-25 at kooth.com.
• Qwell – 24/7 anonymous online support for anyone in Stockport aged 26 or over at qwell.io.

Anita Rolfe, Director of Health, Quality and Improvement/Deputy Place Lead, One Stockport Health and Care Partnership, said: “There’s a lot of pressure over the Christmas period to make things perfect.

“If things are getting too much, I really recommend talking to a friend, family member, or one of the brilliant services there to support you. You’re not alone and there’s always someone available to listen.”

Visit www.stockport.gov.uk/news/support-available-this-festive-period for the full list of support available during the festive period.