Christmas can be a fun-filled and wonderful time of year, but it can also bring challenges, especially if you are caring for a loved one, friend or family member
If you feel you need support, here are details of opening times and availability of services over the Christmas period.
Local carer support in South Tees
Carers Together
Adult Carers Information Support Service: Carers Together offer a wide range of services, information, advice and support for carers across the South Tees area.
Telephone: 01642 488977
Email: info@carerstogether-rc.org.uk
They are hosting a New Year walk on Friday 2nd January. Spaces are limited so please book. Marske Walk - Carers Together
NB They will be closed from 1pm on Christmas Eve until Monday 5th January at 9am.
Teesside Mind Carers Service
Teesside Mind provide an emotional wellbeing support service for carers across the South Tees.
Telephone: 01642 257020
Email: carers@teessidemind.org.uk
Christmas opening hours: The phone line will be manned during normal office hours except for bank holidays and from 2pm on 24 December. Please be aware that during the week between Christmas and New Year there will be a reduced service so response times may be slower.
The Junction Foundation
Young Carers Information and Support Service: The Junction Foundation offers a range of support to Young Carers, Families and Young Adult Carers across South Tees.
Telephone: 01642 756000
Email: info@thejunctionfoundation.com
Christmas opening hours: They are open every day 9-5pm with the exception of weekends, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day
Mobilise
An online community of unpaid carers supporting each other through interactive services.
Christmas opening hours: Online cuppas will continue most days, including Christmas Day and a NYE special ''Mobilisers and Meddlers'' a fun twist on the popular TV series Traitors. Find out more
Join the Christmas Cuppa Day on Zoom here
Thursday 25th December
11:00am - 11:45am
Carers also have 24/7 access to a community of peers over in the Mobilise Hub to connect and share - however you are feeling. Find out more
National carer support
Carers UK
Carers UK is the leading national charity for unpaid carers in the UK offering expert information, advice and support.
Christmas Opening Hours: Their telephone helpline will continue to be available throughout the festive period, and will be open Monday to Friday, 9am – 6pm (including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day).
The number is 0808 808 7777 and is free to call from landlines and mobiles.
UK wide emotional wellbeing support
NHS Mental Health Crisis Support (24/7)
Call 111 and choose option 2 to speak to the NHS Mental Health Crisis Response Service
PAPYRUS (for under 35s)
Call 0800 068 4141, text 88247, or email pat@papyrus-uk.org (24/7).
Samaritans
Call 116 123 anytime, or email jo@samaritans.org for a reply within 24 hours.
Mind
Call Mind’s Mental Health Helpline (Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm): 0300 102 1234
Shout 85258
Text “SHOUT” to 85258 for the Shout Crisis Text Line, or text “YM” if you’re under 19.
CALM (for men)
Call or WhatsApp 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight every day) and access their mental health forum & chat.
General Health
Order your prescriptions early to avoid delays in getting your medicines over the bank holiday.
You can order repeat prescriptions through the NHS App or at your local general practice. You can also check the opening times of your local pharmacy here as times may vary from usual due to the bank holidays.
If you’re not sure which service you need, or need urgent advice in the evening, weekends, see www.111.nhs.uk or call 111. In a medical emergency always call 999 or go to the Emergency Department.
