Support Available Over Christmas

Several mental health services and helplines in Buckinghamshire remain open or offer support throughout the Christmas period, including 24/7 NHS and national helplines for urgent mental health crises. 

Immediate and Urgent Support (24/7)

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or experiencing a life-threatening mental health crisis, call the emergency services.

• Emergency Services: Call 999 or go to A&E.
• NHS Mental Health Helpline (Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire): For urgent, non-life-threatening mental health support, call 111 and select option 2. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including over Christmas.
• Samaritans: Provide free, confidential emotional support 24/7. Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.
• Shout: A free, confidential 24/7 text service for crisis support. Text "SHOUT" to 85258.
• CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): Offers a helpline and webchat from 5pm to midnight every day of the year. Call 0800 58 58 58. 

Local Buckinghamshire Services & Holiday Hours

Bucks Mind and other local organisations offer specific services with slightly adjusted hours over Christmas. 

• Bucks Safe Haven: Provides out-of-hours mental health support (age 18+). It is open 6pm to midnight seven nights a week, but is typically closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day only.
  • Aylesbury: 01296 453017
  • High Wycombe: 01494 218098
• Bucks Mind Main Office/Services: Most general services (e.g., counselling, peer support groups) typically close on public holidays and have reduced hours between Christmas and New Year. Check the Bucks Mind website for the specific 2025/2026 timetable.
• NHS Buckinghamshire Talking Therapies (formerly Healthy Minds): Does not offer support for mental health emergencies, but you can self-refer online or call 01865 901 600 during normal hours for anxiety and depression support.
• Helping Hand (Buckinghamshire Council): For worries about food, warmth, or emergency support. The main line (01296 531151) is closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, but an out-of-hours emergency team can be reached on 0800 999 7677. 

Support for Children and Young People

• Childline: Offers 24/7 support for under 18s. Call 0800 1111.
• Kooth: A free, anonymous online counselling and emotional wellbeing support service for children and young people.
• YoungMinds: Provides help and advice for people up to age 25. Visit the YoungMinds website for more information. 

Tips for Coping

• Talk to someone: Sharing feelings can help immensely.
• Take breaks: It's okay to step away from overwhelming situations or social pressure.
• Be kind to yourself: Do what feels right for you, not others.