Winter and the festive period can be difficult for many people. Emergencies happen. Support is needed. Some organisations are open 24/7 offering care and kindness.
Mental Health Crisis Support
NHS telephone 111 – Mental Health Crisis Support. Access to 24/7 full package of mental health crisis support through one single phone line.
People of all ages, including children, who are in crisis or concerned family and loved ones can call 111, select the mental health option and speak to a trained mental health professional.
Samaritains
Samaritans are always available for anyone struggling and in need of someone to talk to. Open 24 hours a day, every day. Samaritans helpline telephone number is 116 123
Mental Health Advice and support
Bristol Mind will be closed over Christmas but have a range of helpful information and resources available on-line here
Support via text messaging
Shout is a free, confidential and 24/7 text messaging service for anyone in the UK who needs support. If you are struggling to cope and need to talk, trained Shout Volunteers are here for you. Free and To start a conversation, text the word ‘Shout’ to 85258. Shout
Men’s Mental Health
Andy’s Man Club meet at Knowle West Media centre, Leinster Avenue, BS4 at 7pm on Monday evenings. The last meeting of 2025 is Monday before Christmas. The first meeting of 2026 will be first Monday in January. Andy’s Man Club aim to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and help men through the power of conversation. Brew, biscuits and a chat. #ITSOKAYTOTALK Details here. Open to men over 18.
Talk Club support men’s mental health and have run various activities in Bristol. Including an on-line group. More details here
Lonely at Christmas
The Marmalade Trust, raise awareness of loneliness and helping people to make connections. Find more information about their Christmas Cheer project including festive cheer for people spending the day alone here
Homeless or at risk of homeless
Caring in Bristol – support for those who are homeless or facing homelessness.
There is a pop-up day from Christmas Eve to 30th December, from 10am to 4pm.
Find a timetable of events here
Providing festive food, community, activities, and essential wellbeing services. Breakfast is served between 10am to 11am, and lunch from 1:30pm until 3pm.
The centre is available to all individuals over 18 year olds at risk of/currently experiencing homelessness, with no referrals necessary and walk-ins welcome! Trinity Arts Centre, Trinity Road, Bristol, BS2 0NW
Domestic abuse
National Domestic Abuse helpline. Open 24/7 telephone 0808 2000 247. Free and in confidence. Advice, support or just someone to talk to, calling the Helpline is a place to start. An expert advisor will listen, she’ll offer confidential and non-judgemental information, and if you’d like, help you make a plan. The aim is to work with you to keep you safe and give you information so you can make informed choices. More information here
Coping with grief at Christmas
Christmas can be a difficult time. Advice and information on coping with grief at Christmas, from Cruse the bereavement charity here.
Help after rape or sexual assault
Help after rape and sexual assault. The Bridge is a local service and provides welcoming and friendly care to those affected and their families. They provide 24/7 access to the best recovery services telephone: 0117 342 6999
Finding Supporting that’s right for you
Type your postcode into Hub of Hope and discover many organisations near you offering support on a wide-range of topics. Click: Hub of Hope.
More advice can be found here: Helping yourself and others
Food
Inns Court Food Club runs all year round. Inns Court Community & Family Centre, 1 Marshall Walk, Inns Court, Knowle, Bristol, BS4 1TR. Find out more here.
Feeding Bristol: “There are many groups and organisations providing free or low-cost food support across the city, offering:
- shared meals to eat together
- prepared or cooked meals to eat at home
- a food parcel with cupboard staples to prepare and cook at home
- low-cost fresh and chilled foods to prepare and cook at home”
For more information on local options: Feeding Bristol and click the link for Filwood.