21/12/2025
Brightest Yule blessing
Tonight is the longest night a reminder that darkness gives way to light so stay strong the brighter days are ahead
Here’s a useful list of mental health support services and ways to get help in Wiltshire over the Christmas period (Dec 24 – Jan 1 and beyond). Some local organisations may have limited hours over the holidays, but urgent and 24/7 crisis support is still available — and many national helplines operate every day of the year.
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📞 24/7 Crisis Support (Available Every Day, All Year)
Emergency
Call 999 — if you or someone else is in immediate danger or at risk of harm.
Urgent Mental Health Support
NHS 111 (mental health option) — Call 111 and select option 2 for urgent mental health support and guidance on local services.
Local crisis line (Avon & Wiltshire) — Call 0800 953 1919, available day and night for urgent mental health support across Bath & North East Somerset, Swindon & Wiltshire.
National Helplines (Free, Always Open)
Samaritans — 116 123 (24/7, free call) for emotional support.
Shout — Text SHOUT to 85258 for 24/7 crisis text support.
SANEline — 0300 304 7000 (evening support, often daily) for mental health help.
CALM — 0800 58 58 58 (5 pm–midnight) for men’s mental wellbeing.
Childline — 0800 1111 for under-19s (24/7 via phone/chat).
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🧠 Local Wiltshire Services (Some May Have Holiday Hours)
NHS & Crisis Support Centres
Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust – Provides local NHS mental health services and crisis support for Wiltshire residents. Call 0800 953 1919 or use NHS 111 to connect.
(Festive opening may vary — call ahead or use 111 in the holidays.)
Community & Wellbeing Support
Wiltshire Mind – Local charity offering wellbeing support, counselling & groups (not a crisis service).
Swindon and Gloucestershire Mind – Local Mind service for wellbeing and mental health support (check holiday hours).
Wiltshire Wellbeing Services – Local support service focusing on community wellbeing.
Salisbury CAMHS – Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (for under-18s) — may offer advice/contact pathways over Christmas.
Trowbridge Services Users Group – Peer support activities (check their holiday schedule).
Other Local Support (Not Crisis Lines)
Help Counselling Services – Private counselling (holiday availability may vary).
Healthwatch Wiltshire – Can help signpost local services and feedback issues.
Carer Support Wiltshire – Support for carers’ wellbeing.
> ⚠️ Local community services like Mind groups or counselling may close for part of Christmas and New Year (e.g., from Dec 24–Jan 2) — always check directly with them or use NHS 111 or crisis helplines during holidays.
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🧒 Support for Children & Young People
Childline (0800 1111) — for under-19s, 24/7.
SHOUT text support – Text SHOUT to 85258 for all ages.
Papyrus HOPELINEUK (national) – Support for under-35s experiencing suicidal thoughts.
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🧠 Quick Tips for Getting Help Over Christmas
✔ Use 111 (option 2) for urgent mental health support and guidance on what’s available locally.
✔ Samaritans and Shout are always open — you can call or text any time.
✔ If it’s an emergency, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.
✔ Plan ahead: if you already have a care plan or clinician, check their holiday contact details before
