Christmas is an exciting time of year for many, but for some of us it can be one of the loneliest and most challenging. This is especially true this year with new challenges arising from the Covid-19 pandemic and the impact this is having on all aspects of our lives.
We know that while the focus may be on spending time with loved ones at this time of year, this period can feel overwhelming for some.
If you need urgent mental health support over the festive period, local services are still open and here to help. This includes 24-hour telephone support via the Mental Health Crisis Helpline as well as in-person and virtual support from the Safe Havens*.
Safe Havens provide a safe space for people who are experiencing a mental health crisis or emotional distress, who do not need immediate medical attention, to receive support from a mental health practitioner in a relaxed, non-clinical environment. There are five Safe Havens across Surrey and north east Hampshire, and people can visit them in person or via video calls from the comfort of their own home. More details about our crisis services are provided below:
Where to get urgent and out of hours help in Surrey and north East Hampshire
Adults
Safe Havens
There are five Safe Havens open in town centre locations across Surrey and north east Hampshire. They provide a safe alternative to A&E for people experiencing a mental health crisis or emotional distress.
- Safe Havens in Redhill, Epsom, Woking, and Guildford are open 6-11pm, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
- Aldershot Safe Haven is open 6-11pm Monday-Friday and 12.30-11pm on weekends and bank holidays.
- See www.sabp.nhs.uk/safehaven for addresses
Virtual Safe Havens
- Support from the Safe Havens via video call.
- Open 6-11pm, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
- To access the service, go to www.sabp.nhs.uk/safehaven and scroll down to ‘Virtual Safe Havens’.
Mental Health Crisis Helpline: 0800 915 4644
The Mental Health Crisis Helpline is a freephone telephone service that supports people experiencing a mental health crisis who live in Surrey and north east Hampshire.
- Lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day.
- If you have hearing or speech difficulties dial 18001 0800 915 4644 from your Textphone or smartphone app. You can also contact us by SMS text: 07717 989024
Children and young people
24/7 Mental Health Crisis Helpline for children and young people
If a child or young person is in crisis, help can be sought from our Mental Health Crisis Helpline for free on 0800 915 4644. The helpline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and will be open, as usual, over the Christmas period.
Other support for children and young people
Evening and weekend mental health support for children and young people is also available through other services:
- An out-of-hours phone line providing advice to parents and carers who are struggling with their child or young person’s behaviours or difficulties which could be related to neurodevelopmental need, such as autism or ADHD. It’s open from 5pm until 11pm, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Please call 0300 222 5755.
- Access and Advice, open 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 12pm Saturday, closed on Bank Holidays: 0300 222 5755.
- Over the festive period, live chat on the Kooth mental health wellbeing website (http://www.kooth.com) will be available at these times:
- 24 December 4-8pm
- 25-27 December 4-8pm
- 28-30 December 12-10pm
- 31 December -2 January 4-8pm
You can also call your GP for an urgent appointment, or in a physical emergency always call 999.