Need Help this Christmas? Helplines to Reach Out To

Do not be afraid to ask for support.

Christmas season brings lots of joy to plenty of households. However, it can also be a distressing, lonely and stressful time for many, If you struggle this time of year, we want you to know you are loved and supported, and sometimes it can help to have people to talk through those feelings with.

Be assured, there is help available with trained and compassionate organisations. Please reach out:

Aware Depression & Bipolar Disorder Support www.aware.ie Freephone 1800 80 48 48 (available 7 days, 10am-10pm). supportmail@aware.ie

Pieta House Free therapeutic support to people who are in suicidal distress and those who engage in self-harm. 1800 247 247 or Text HELP to 51444 www.pieta.ie

Turn2me They offer self-help, peer support and professional support through an online platform for those who are experiencing poor mental health. Text HELP to 50808 www.turn2me.ie

Irish Advocacy Network Peer advocacy, support and information to people with mental health difficulties. www.irishadvocacynetwork.com (01) 5470510

Grow Mental Health support and Recovery Organisation 0 818 474 474 info@grow.ie www.grow.ie

Bodywhys Eating Disorders Associations of Ireland www.bodywhys.ie alex@bodywhys.ie 01 2107906

Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy List of registered Counsellors & Psychotherapists practicing in Ireland www.iacp.ie 01 230 3536

Shine Supporting people effected by mental ill health and their families through information and education. www.shine.ie info@shine.ie

Childline A 24 hour helpline for people under the age of 18 who need support. www.childline.ie 1800 66 66 66 - Freetext – 50101

Parentline The national helpline for parents www,parentline.ie 1890 92 72 77 or 01 873 3500

Women’s Aid Confidential information, support and understanding to women who are being abused by current or former boyfriends, partners or husbands. 1800341900 www.womensaid.ie

Aoibhneas Women and Children’s Refuge Domestic Abuse Support for Women and Children www.aoibhneas.ie 1800 767 767 (open 24-hr) or WhatsApp - 0864136979 (deaf or hard of hearing) helpline@aoibhneas.org

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre For people who have experienced sexual assult, rape or childhood sexual abuse. National 24 Hour Helpline: 1800 77 88 88 counselling@rcc.ie www.drcc.ie

LGBT Ireland National support service for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people and their families and friends. 1890 929 539 info@lgbt.ie www.lgbt.ie