Support over the holidays
Helplines
If you’re struggling over the festive season, help is available. These helplines are open on Christmas Day and New Year's Day if you need support:
- Talk to Frank: 0300 123 6600
- Alcoholics Anonymous webchat
- Narcotics Anonymous: 0300 999 1212
- Cocaine Anonymous: 0800 612 0225
- Samaritans: 116 123
- Childline: 0800 1111
- If it's an emergency or you don't think you can keep yourself safe, please call 999 or go to A&E.
- If you or someone you know needs urgent care but it's not life-threatening, call 111. If you're in Wales, call 0845 46 47.
Relapse advice
We understand that many people find this time of year difficult and emotional.
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 things you’ve gained because of your recovery.
Read more about preventing relapse and what to do if you have one here.
Alcohol advice
Drug advice
Advice for young people
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Alcohol advice for young people
Know the risks, find out how to stay safer and make the right choices for you.
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Drug advice
Before you make a choice about drugs, find out about the risks and how to stay safer.
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Help your mate
Tips and advice for staying safer while having fun with friends.
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Talk to us online
No judgement, no pressure, no lectures. Our free webchat offers confidential advice from someone who'll listen to what's going on and help you find a way forward.
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Advice for professionals
How to support children and young people and refer someone to Change Grow Live.
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Drug and alcohol info for anyone worried about a young person
Learn about drugs and alcohol and how you can support children and young people.
Your wellbeing
If you're feeling low or run-down, the Five Ways to Wellbeing are simple steps for improving your mental and physical health and wellbeing. Some things might seem obvious, but it works and lots of our staff swear by it.
- Connect: Spend time with people who make you feel good.
- Be active: Exercise - even a short walk - can help you feel better.
- Keep learning: Learning something new can be a good way to take your mind off negative thoughts.
- Give to others: Doing something nice for someone else can make you feel good, too
- Be mindful: Try to be present in the moment and focus on what's happening around you right now.
Read more about the Five Ways to Wellbeing and find self-care tips here.
Service information
If you need support, you can search for your closest Change Grow Live service below. Our services are 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 period and information about prescriptions.
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 worker 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 particularly important if you're expecting visits from guests.
- Collect a naloxone kit from your service. It could save a life.
Useful websites and apps
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Lower My Drinking
The Lower My Drinking app can help you work out why you drink, and gives you expert advice and tools to help you reduce your drinking.
Visit the site
Download the app from