Christmas
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Dear Forum Users,
As Christmas approaches, we want to acknowledge the complex and often challenging emotions this time of year can bring. While the festive season is often portrayed as one of joy and celebration, we understand that for many on this forum, it can also highlight feelings of loss, change, or difficulty. Whether you're experiencing stress, sadness, anger, loneliness, or a mix of emotions, please know that your feelings are valid. This forum is a safe space where you can be honest, find support, and connect with others who share similar experiences.
This community has built a warm, compassionate, and supportive environment that serves as a lifeline for so many. If you’re finding the holidays particularly tough, remember—you are not alone. We also invite you to engage with others here during this season. Whether it’s reaching out to someone new, responding to a thread, or checking in on someone who might be struggling, even a small gesture—a kind word, a simple “hello,” or a thoughtful response—can make a big difference.
Although our moderation team will have reduced capacity during the holidays, the forum will remain active for you to connect with others. Please know that you can also contact the helpline or chat service if you would like to speak with someone about how you are doing. Unfortunately, our helpline and chat service will be closed on the bank holidays which includes moderation. The helpline and chat service will be open from 9am-5pm on Christmas Eve and on New Years Eve, and we will resume our standard opening times from Thursday 2nd January. Please note that these opening hours are subject to change, so please keep an eye out for any changes announced on our social media, website or forum.
If you would like someone to listen to you or require immediate help during the Christmas period, you can find details or organisations and support services below:
- NHS help for MH crisis or emergency – call 111 and select the mental health option
- Contact your GP and ask for an emergency appointment
- Samaritans on 116 123, available 24/7
- MIND https://www.mind.org.uk/
- SHOUT - mental health crisis text messaging service https://giveusashout.org/
- You can call 999 for an ambulance, or go straight to A&E if you require immediate attention
- SANEline 0300 304 7000 http://www.sane.org.uk
- National Suicide Prevention Helpline 0800 587 0800 https://www.spuk.org.uk/national-suicide-prevention-helpline-uk/
- CALM https://www.thecalmzone.net/ 0800 58 58 58
If you feel able, please use this thread to share warm wishes, encouraging messages, or suggestions for festive or non-festive activities that can help during the Christmas period.
Kind regards,
The Forum Team
As Christmas approaches, we want to acknowledge the complex and often challenging emotions this time of year can bring. While the festive season is often portrayed as one of joy and celebration, we understand that for many on this forum, it can also highlight feelings of loss, change, or difficulty. Whether you're experiencing stress, sadness, anger, loneliness, or a mix of emotions, please know that your feelings are valid. This forum is a safe space where you can be honest, find support, and connect with others who share similar experiences.
This community has built a warm, compassionate, and supportive environment that serves as a lifeline for so many. If you’re finding the holidays particularly tough, remember—you are not alone. We also invite you to engage with others here during this season. Whether it’s reaching out to someone new, responding to a thread, or checking in on someone who might be struggling, even a small gesture—a kind word, a simple “hello,” or a thoughtful response—can make a big difference.
Although our moderation team will have reduced capacity during the holidays, the forum will remain active for you to connect with others. Please know that you can also contact the helpline or chat service if you would like to speak with someone about how you are doing. Unfortunately, our helpline and chat service will be closed on the bank holidays which includes moderation. The helpline and chat service will be open from 9am-5pm on Christmas Eve and on New Years Eve, and we will resume our standard opening times from Thursday 2nd January. Please note that these opening hours are subject to change, so please keep an eye out for any changes announced on our social media, website or forum.
If you would like someone to listen to you or require immediate help during the Christmas period, you can find details or organisations and support services below:
- NHS help for MH crisis or emergency – call 111 and select the mental health option
- Contact your GP and ask for an emergency appointment
- Samaritans on 116 123, available 24/7
- MIND https://www.mind.org.uk/
- SHOUT - mental health crisis text messaging service https://giveusashout.org/
- You can call 999 for an ambulance, or go straight to A&E if you require immediate attention
- SANEline 0300 304 7000 http://www.sane.org.uk
- National Suicide Prevention Helpline 0800 587 0800 https://www.spuk.org.uk/national-suicide-prevention-helpline-uk/
- CALM https://www.thecalmzone.net/ 0800 58 58 58
If you feel able, please use this thread to share warm wishes, encouraging messages, or suggestions for festive or non-festive activities that can help during the Christmas period.
Kind regards,
The Forum Team