Don’t suffer in silence: How to get support this Christmas

While Christmas is a happy, family time for many, it rarely comes without stress or strain. For those who may already be struggling or feeling vulnerable, for whatever reason, it can be a very difficult and lonely time.

If you’re struggling, need help or just someone to talk to, please reach out to someone for support.

If you know someone who is struggling, please be prepared to offer them support – even if it’s just to be there and listen or to let them know of the support available.

Here we list some of the support available, for residents across South West Birmingham and beyond. Please get in touch if there’s any other issue you need assistance with and we will always try and direct you to the right support. If there is any service that you know of but don’t see listed here, let us know.

Support available

Someone to listen

• NHS: If you feel you or someone else is in danger or having thoughts of suicide and needs immediate help and support please call 999. NHS 111 will also be able to give you advice or make an appointment with your GP.
• Samaritans Confidential, anonymous support. There to listen at any time – you don’t have to feel suicidal to use the service. Website | Email | Phone: 116 123 (24 hour) 
• Mind Mental Health support and information Website | Phone 0300 123 3393 (9am-6pm Mon-Fri) | Email
• CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) Helpline and web chat for men who need to talk. Website | Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm til midnight daily) | Access via Live chat & WhatsApp
• Childline 24-7 support for younger people. Get in touch in confidence at any time Website | 1-2-1 Counsellor Chat online | Phone: 0800 1111
• The Mix Free, confidential support for young people 25 or under Crisis Text Line: Text THEMIX to 85258 for support 24/7 | Website 
• AgeUK Local support for older people Website | Phone: 0800 678 1602 8am – 6pm daily
• Birmingham Healthy Minds: Self referral online
• A friend or relative: you may feel you don’t want to burden those closest to you with your worries, especially at Christmas, but just being able to share with someone who knows you well may make a difference.

Debt & benefits advice

• The Project @ The Depot, Belton Grove, Longbridge Website | Facebook | Phone: 0121 453 0606 The Project also have an advisor based at Northfield Community Partnership (below)
• Northfield Community Partnership 693 Bristol Rd S, Northfield B31 2JT Website | Facebook | X | Phone: 0121 411 2157
• Citizens Advice Birmingham: Website | Adviceline: Mon-Fri 9.30-4.30 Phone: 0808 278 7990

Domestic abuse

The pressures of Christmas – spending more time together, increased alcohol consumption, financial worries – can have an impact on already abusive relationships. Please don’t suffer – ask for help.

• West Midlands Police have a section on their web page with lots of advice on domestic abuse. If you are suffering domestic abuse, you can call the police on 101, or 999 in an emergency
• Birmingham City Council Domestic Abuse Homelessness Hub – in partnership with Cranstoun: Phone:  0121 464 7297 | Email
• Birmingham Crisis Centre: Website | Phone 0121 507 0707 (24 hours)
• Refuge National Domestic Violence Helpline: Website | Phone: 0808 2000 247 (24 hours)
• Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid: Website | Phone:
  0808 800 0028 (Mon-Fri 9.30am-5.00pm)
• Men’s Advice Line Website | Email | Phone: 0808 801 0327
• Shelter: Website | Phone 0808 800 4444 Mon-Fri 8am-6pm

Food banks

• B30 Foodbank: Website | Email
• The Project @ The Depot, Belton Grove, Longbridge Website | Facebook | Phone: 0121 453 0606
• Northfield Community Partnership 693 Bristol Rd S, Northfield B31 2JT Website | Facebook | X | Phone: 0121 411 2157
• Contact your local church to see what help they offer or can direct you to. See Birmingham Churches Together website

Homelessness

• Birmingham City Council: Homelessness support | Website
• Streetlink: If you’re sleeping rough and need help or need to report a rough sleeper  Website
• The Project @ The Depot, Belton Grove, Longbridge Website | Facebook | Phone: 0121 453 0606
• Northfield Community Partnership 693 Bristol Rd S, Northfield B31 2JT Website | Facebook | X | Phone: 0121 411 2157
• St Basils support for 16-25 year olds who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Website | Youthline: 0300 30 30 099
• Shelter: Website | Phone 0808 800 4444 Mon-Fri 8am-6pm

If you need some advice or don’t know where to turn for help, there are plenty of people locally who will always try and help get you connected to the right person or organisation:

• • B31 Voices: If we can help in any way, please get in touch in complete confidence. 
  • The Project @ The Depot, Belton Grove, Longbridge Website | Facebook | Twitter | Phone: 0121 453 0606 The Project also have an advisor based at Northfield Community Partnership (below)
  • Northfield Community Partnership 693 Bristol Rd S, Northfield B31 2JT Website | Facebook | Twitter | Phone: 0121 411 2157
  • Northfield Neighbourhood Network Scheme: Email | Telephone: 0121 476 1837 | Website | Facebook
  • Local churches are often willing to offer support, regardless of religion. See the Birmingham Churches Together website to find your nearest church and their contact details.
  • Local councillors Your councillors are there to represent you and, with their contacts, can often help with a variety of issues or point you in the right direction. Click here to find yours and their contact details 
  • Local MP Find your MP and contact details on the Parliament website

We hope this helps you realise that there are plenty of people out there who are willing to offer support when it’s needed.

So please, don’t suffer in silence – reach out and allow someone to be there for you.