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Support over the holidays

Helplines

If you’re struggling over the festive season, there is help available for you. Here’s a list of helplines that will be open on Christmas day and New Year's day if you need support:

Relapse advice

We understand that this time of year can be difficult and emotional for some people. 
 
If you’re worried about relapsing, there are a few things you can do to take care of yourself. Spend time with people who support you. Try to avoid triggers. Make use of the support available. Keep yourself busy. Make a list of positive things you’ve gained because of your recovery. 
 
There’s more information about preventing relapse and what to do if you have one here

Alcohol advice

Drug advice

a group of teenagers walking

Your wellbeing

If you're going through a difficult time, you might end up feeling low or run-down. The Five Ways to Wellbeing is a simple five-step plan for improving your mental and physical health and wellbeing. Some of it might seem obvious, but it works and lots of our staff swear by it. 

  1. Connect - spend time with people who make you feel good
  2. Be active - exercise or even a short walk can help you feel better
  3. Keep learning - learning something new can be a good way of taking your mind off anything negative
  4. Give to others - doing something nice for someone else can make you feel good too
  5. Be mindful - try to be in the moment and focus on what's happening with and around you right now

Read more about the 5 ways to wellbeing and find self-care tips here.

Service information

If you need support or want to speak to a service, you can search for your closest one below. They're free and confidential and everyone is welcome.

If you're already using one of our services, you can search for their contact information to find out things like opening hours over the festive season and prescription info.

A man stood outside smiling

Prescription checklist

Have you sorted your prescription for the festive season? No worries if not - we've got a checklist to help you out:

  • Check your pharmacy's opening times
  • Find out in advance how and when you'll be getting your prescription
  • Speak to your keyworker to prepare a holiday prescription if you're going away
  • If you haven't already got one, get a safe storage box for your medication. This is very important if you're having guests visit.
  • Collect a naloxone kit from your service. It could save a life.

Useful websites and apps

al anon website preview

Al-Anon

Support groups for anyone who is affected by a friend or family member's drinking.
Visit the site
aa website preview

Alcoholics Anonymous

Regular support groups all over the country who come together with two aims: to stay sober, and to help others seeking help to stop drinking.
Visit the site
breaking free online preview

Breaking Free Online

Free, online treatment and recovery program for anyone who would like support with their alcohol or drug use. Speak to a member of staff or volunteer at your local service to get access.
Visit the site
Download the app from
  • Download from the app store
  • Download from google play
aa 12 steps app screenshot in a phone

AA 12-steps app

Recovery tools, prayers, readings and sobriety tracking for your 12-step AA journey.
Download the app from
  • Download from the app store
  • Download from google play
smart recovery website preview

SMART Recovery

SMART Recovery helps people decide whether they have a problem with alcohol or drugs, builds up motivation to change and offers proven tools and techniques to support recovery.
Visit the site
happify app screenshot in a phone

Happify app

Activities and games to help reduce stress and improve your mental health.
Download the app from
  • Download from the app store
  • Download from google play
sam app screenshot in a phone

SAM app

Understand and manage your anxiety with self-help exercises.
Visit the site
Download the app from
  • Download from the app store
  • Download from google play
narcotics anonymous preview

Narcotics Anonymous

A network of mutual aid groups across the country for people who are looking for support to be - and stay - drug-free.
Visit the site
NA meeting search app screenshot in a phone

NA Meeting search app

Find your nearest Narcotics Anonymous meeting, anywhere around the world.
Download the app from
  • Download from the app store
  • Download from google play