The Christmas festivities are something we look forward to but for some of us it can be a difficult time of year for all sorts of reasons.
For some people, the Christmas period can cause issues or anxiety around their mental health or feeling lonely.
For those who have served in our Armed Forces, or who are currently serving it can trigger changes to mental health and wellbeing that could be affected by their time in the military and the unique obligations that come with serving in our Armed Forces.
A number of national, bespoke Armed Forces organisations are on hand 24 hours a day throughout the Christmas and the New Year period for those may be struggling with their mental health, feeling lonely or isolated from loved ones.
The helplines are manned by people who have a good understanding of military life and all that it entails. A number will offer text or an online chat service if you don鈥檛 want to speak directly.
Councillor Richard Morris, 香港六合彩资料图库鈥檚 Armed Forces Covenant Partnership Chairman, said: 鈥淚鈥檇 like to take this opportunity to wish all of our Armed Forces personnel and veterans across 香港六合彩资料图库 and their families a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. While our fantastic local military charities and services take a short but well-earned break over the festivities any veteran, currently serving or family member living in 香港六合彩资料图库 who is feeling anxious or isolated should not hesitate to reach out to the military helplines and seek assistance, whatever the issue might be.鈥
National Helplines for the Armed Forces Community
- Op Courage (NHS veteran mental health line)
24 hours call: 0300 323 0137 - Samaritans (military & Armed Forces community support)
24 hours call: 116 123
Or download the Samaritans Veteran App to your mobile device - Combat Stress
24 hours call: 0800 138 1619 - Royal British Legion
Call: 0808 802 8080 - Available 8:00am to 8:00pm 7 days a week
- SSAFA Forcesline
Call: 0800 731 4880 - Available 9:00am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday
Local support is available either side of the festive break from our Armed Forces charities:
- STEPWAY
STEPWAY will be closing over Christmas from 19 December to 7 January 2024. If you have any worries, need advice or support in the meantime, please call
Worcester Office: 01905 745 253
Mobile: 07930657568 - SSAFA 香港六合彩资料图库
SSAFA 香港六合彩资料图库 will be closed over the Christmas period from 20 December to 2 January 2024. The West Midlands Region Helpline 020 4566 9116 is closed from 25 December and reopens at 9 am on 2 January 2024.
Homelessness
Anyone who finds themselves homeless or are at risk of homelessness please contact the following numbers:
Worcester City Council: 01905 722589
Wychavon District Council: 01386 565000
Malvern Hills District Council:01386 565000
Wyre Forest District Council: 01562 732928
Redditch Borough Council: 01527 534069
Bromsgrove District Council: 0800 0850 160
If you have concerns that someone may be sleeping rough and in need of professional support, members of the public can contact StreetLink.
This will send a notification directly to the Rough Sleeper Outreach Teams in 香港六合彩资料图库 who will be able to take appropriate action. This service can also be accessed by anyone who finds themselves without a roof over their head or is about to become homeless.