Christmas means lots of bank holidays, which means different opening times for things. But there’s still support available…
Here are some organisations and contact details that you might find useful!
Getting in touch with North Yorkshire Citizens Advice & Law Centre
No matter who you are or what your situation is, we’re here to help you. Our opening hours are different over the Christmas period, and we’re closed from Tuesday 24th December and will be open again on Thursday 2nd January, but our Self-help page has lots of advice and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.
If you’re a victim of domestic violence
The National Domestic Abuse helpline is open 24 hours a day and can be contacted on 0808 2000 247. If you’re in an emergency situation you should call 999.
If you or someone you know needs emergency housing
If you’re worried about someone you’ve seen sleeping rough, you can connect them with local services that can support them through StreetLink. If you’re at risk of sleeping rough, you could get a place to stay in a hostel, night shelter, refuge or bed and breakfast if you’re homeless.
You can also get help from Shelter if you’re worried about housing.
If you or someone you know if finding things tough
This time of year can be hard. But there’s support available if you need it.
The Samaritans is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and can be contacted on 116 123 or by email.
Switchboard is a helpline for LGBT+ people and is open 10am until 10pm everyday. You can call them on 0800 0119 100 or use their online chat.
Shout 85258 is a 24 hours a day text service which offers mental health support. You can contact them by texting SHOUT to 85258.
Other useful numbers
You might also find the following contact numbers useful.
The Silver Line – a helpline for older people ran by Age UK
- Call 0800 4 70 80 90
- Open 24 hours a day
NSPCC Helpline – if you’re worried about a child
- Call 0808 800 5000
- Open Mon – Fri 10am to 8pm
Power cut 105 – if you have a power cut
- Call 105
- Open 24 hours a day
National Gambling Helpline – for anyone affected by gambling harms
- Call 0808 8020 133
- Open 24 hours a day
Citizens Advice Debt Helpline – if you’re having issues with money or debt
- Call 0800 240 4420
- Available 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9.30am to 1pm Saturday – except bank holidays
- Holiday opening hours: TO BE CONFIRMED
Citizens Advice Help to Claim – if you’re applying for Universal Credit
- Call 0800 144 8 444
- Available 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday – except bank holidays
- Holiday opening hours:
- 24th and 31st December from 8am to 5pm
- Closed 27th December
Citizens Advice Consumer service – if you have a problem with something you’ve bought or a service you’ve received
- Call 0808 223 1133
- Available 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday – except bank holidays
- Holiday opening hours: 24th and 31st December from 9am to 1pm
IDAS – domestic abuse and sexual violence support
- Call 03000 110 110
- Open to provide advice and support seven days a week, including bank holidays.
- More info on holiday opening times and other ways to get help can be found here.
NHS 111 – if you need medical help
- Call 111 or use 111 online services
- Open 24 hours a day