Support Over the Festive Season
December 23, 2025
While the festive period is often a time of celebration, it can also be challenging or isolating for many.
At British Judo, we want all our members to feel supported. If you or someone you know is finding this time of year difficult, the organisations below offer confidential help, advice and someone to talk to.
Mental Health Support
Mind
Infoline: Monday–Friday, 10am–6pm (closed 25–26 Dec 2023 and 1 Jan 2025)
Local Minds provide face-to-face support across England and Wales.
Side by Side online community is available 24/7, including Christmas Day.
Additional Support Organisations:
For Older People
Age UK (England) – 0800 678 1602
Open 8am–7pm daily, offering information and support.
Age Cymru (Wales) – 0300 303 4498
Support and advice for older adults in Wales.
Eating Disorders
Beat – Helplines open 365 days a year
England: 0808 801 0677
Wales: 0808 801 0433
Offers advice, support communities, and guidance for coping at Christmas.
Suicide Prevention & Emotional Support
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) – 0800 58 58 58
Helpline & webchat open 5pm–midnight daily.
Samaritans – 116 123
Available 24/7, every day of the year, including in-person branch visits.
Shout – Text SHOUT to 85258
24/7 confidential crisis text support.
Bereavement Support
Combat Stress – 0800 1381 619
24/7 support for veterans.
The Compassionate Friends – 0345 123 2304
Support for families after the death of a child.
Cruse Bereavement Support – 0808 808 1677
Help and information for anyone grieving.
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS)
Emotional and practical support for those affected by suicide.
LGBTQ+ Support
LGBT Foundation – 0345 3 30 30 30
Advice and support for LGBTQ+ people.
Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline – 0800 0119 100
10am–10pm daily, offering listening and information services.
Domestic Abuse & Personal Safety
National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0808 2000 247
24-hour specialist support for women. BSL and live chat options available.
Men’s Advice Line – 0808 801 0327
Confidential support for men experiencing domestic abuse.
Financial & Practical Support
MoneyHelper – 0800 138 7777
Free, impartial money advice, Monday–Friday.
The Trussell Trust – 0808 208 2138
Help accessing emergency food and local foodbanks.
Childhood Trauma, Family Estrangement & Pregnancy Loss
NAPAC – 0808 801 0331
Support for adult survivors of childhood abuse.
Stand Alone
Support for adults estranged from family.
Tommy’s
Information for families affected by miscarriage, stillbirth or premature birth.
Medical Help
NHS 111 (England & Wales) – 111
Non-emergency medical advice available 24/7.
In Wales, selecting Option 2 provides urgent mental health support.
British Judo – Reporting a Concern (MyVoice)
We encourage all members to speak up if they have concerns about welfare, behaviour, safeguarding, or inclusion.
You can report a concern using our MyVoice online form or by emailing: safeguarding@britishjudo.org.uk
If your concern involves a child:
Contact your local authority child safeguarding team, or
Email help@NSPCC.org.uk
If a child is in immediate danger, call 999 (or 101 for non-emergency police advice).
If your concern involves an adult:
Contact your local authority adult safeguarding team.
In an emergency, call 999.
