While Christmas is a happy, family time for many, it rarely comes without stress or strain. For those who may already be feeling vulnerable, it can be a very difficult time.
If you’re struggling, need help or just someone to talk to, please reach out to someone and seek help.
If you know someone who is struggling, please be prepared to offer them support – even if it’s just to listen or to let them know of the support available.
Here we list some of the support available. 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
Jump to: Debt & benefits advice | Domestic abuse | Food banks | Homelessness | Someone to talk to
Debt & benefits advice
- 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
- Citizens Advice Birmingham – Adviceline: Mon-Fri 9.30-4.30 | Phone: 03444 77 1010
Domestic abuse
The pressures of Christmas – spending more time together, increased alcohol consumption, financial worries – can have an impact on already abusive relationships. According to West Midlands Police, last year saw a 30% increase in domestic abuse reports over the festive period. Please don’t suffer – ask for help.
- West Midlands Police have a section on their web page with lots of advice on domestic abuse including how to browse the internet safely for support information, how to get help, how to protect yourself and who to contact. If you are suffering domestic abuse, you can call the police on 101, or 999 in an emergency
- 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: 0800 073 2606 (Mon-Fri 9.15-5.15)
- Men’s Advice Line Website | Email | Phone: 0808 801 0327
- Shelter Domestic Abuse Project (Birmingham): Website | Phone 0344 515 1632
- Jan Foundation Support Group: Website | Phone: 07747 825745 or 07790 952626 or 0121 458 2770
- Allens Croft Freedom Project – Awareness and Empowerment Programmes – Website | Phone: 07868 163103
- Relate – 0121 643 1638
Food banks
- B30 Foodbank: Website | Email | Phone: 07582 143972
- 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
- Contact your local church to see what help they offer or can direct you to. See Birmingham Churches Together website
Homelessness
- Birmingham City Council emergency line: homeless, 18 years and older, and require emergency assistance call: 0121 303 2296
- Streetlink: If you’re sleeping rough and need help – Website | Phone 0300 500 0914
- 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
- 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 | Housing helpline: 0808 800 4444 8am – 8pm on weekdays & 8am – 5pm on weekends, 365 days a year.
- The Birmingham Gateway Monday-Thursday 8.45am – 5.15pm and Friday 8.45am – 4.15pm Telephone: 0121 675 4249
Someone to listen
- Samaritans Confidential, anonymous support. There to listen at any time – you don’t have to feel suicidal to use the service. Website | Email | Phone: 08457 90 90 90 (24 hour)
- 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
- AgeUK Local support for older people Website | Phone: 0800 678 1174
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.