Christmas support
Food Bank Services
If you need food supplies over the Christmas season, there are different ways you can access a food bank.
Citizens Advice has provided some guidance on how to use & access a food bank. This also covers how to get a referral to use a food bank plus information on how to search for foodbanks for which you do not require a referral.
Please note that some food banks may close or have reduced access over this time, and some may still be open. We suggest double checking with the service you may need to use around their open and closing times.
Crisis at Christmas
Crisis warmly invite you to join their online Christmas program of activities and entertainment this year. There are daily wellbeing sessions, creative classes, virtual museum tours plus games, quizzes, live music and an interactive magic show. They also have resources to download and our new youtube playlists for activities and a selection of things to do anytime.
The program runs every day from 23- 29 December. See www.crisis.org.uk/joinuslondon for more details and to join sessions.
We recommend downloading the zoom app for the best experience on zoom. All sessions are free but you will need wifi or plenty of data to participate. Our Crisis at Christmas helpline number is 0800 520 0606 and will be open each day from 9:30am- 6:30pm from 19 December to 3 Jan – call them to book an advice or befriending session!!
Cardboard Citizens IAGs
Please note that Matt is available for urgent IAGs by phone and email on 5 Jan from 1pm – 5pm.
We will also be running a Community Check In on Friday 8 January from 11.15am – 12.30pm which will be a “Time to Speak,” session led by Ian. You can register for this session here.
Other support
We realise that the needs of our Members are sometimes complex and diverse. We help our Members get support by working alongside and in conjunction with other more specialist organisations, connecting Members to these where appropriate.
Here is a list of trusted organisations you might find useful:
Mental health first aid advice: If you feel to be at imminent risk to yourself or others please call an ambulance on 999 or attend nearest hospital A&E department as a matter of urgency.
If you’re in mental health crisis, make an urgent appointment with the GP or search for your borough’s mental health crisis line – these are easy to find online and are normally accessible 24hrs a day 365 days a year.
Urgent emotional support: Call Samaritans for free on 116 123 – they are always open and able to talk.
For advice if you’re at risk of homelessness – Shelter: www.shelter.org.uk
For advice if you are homeless or at immediate risk of homelessness – Crisis: 0300 636 1967
For legal advice Civil Legal Advice: www.gov.uk/civil-legal-advice
For financial hardship: if not homeless ask your GP, local Citizens Advice Bureau or another community organisations for a referral to your local foodbank.
For general advice: contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau
Stonewall Housing: work with the LGBT+ community to find safe and secure homes
020 7359 5767
Alone In London: service for 16 – 25 year olds at risk of homelessness
020 7278 4224
Streetlink: connecting people sleeping rough with local services that can support them
Download the app, go to www.streetlink.london or if you do not have access to these call 0300 500 0914.
