A large number of people in Leeds celebrate Christmas, whether it’s from a religious, secular, or purely commercial point of view. Many have a good time, but for many others it’s a period of heightened stress, depression, anxiety or loneliness. Samaritans expect 10% more calls - around 100,000 - during the holiday period, and the suicide rate reaches its peak in January. Here are some of the resources available that may help you get through Christmas.
Connect : listening and information phone-line 6pm-10.30pm every evening – 0808 800 1212.
Survivor Led Crisis Service, Dial House : someone to talk to in a safe setting – every weekend, from 6.00 pm - 2am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday – 260 9328.
Out of Hours Emergency Duty Team (Social Services) : 240 9536.
Samaritans : 08457 909090 www.samaritans.org
'Coping with Christmas' a two week workshop at Leeds Survivor Led Crisis Service, on Thursday 14th and 21st December, 4.30-6.30pm. Contact Fiona or Shayam on 260 9328.
You can also browse these web-pages for advice:
www.mentalhealth.org.uk (Mental Health Foundation)
A search for 'Christmas', gives several survival guides and advice from past years.
www.motheratwork.co.uk/Health/ (mother@work)
‘10 tips to surviving the holiday season.’
www.channel4.com/health/microsites/H/health/magazine/stress/cope_christmas.html (Channel 4)
‘Channel 4's stress survival guide to...Christmas’
www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/How+to (Mind)
Here you can read online or order a number of useful booklets, including ‘How to Cope with Loneliness’, ‘How to Cope with Relationship Problems’ and ‘How to Survive Family Life’.