Coventry Open Christmas 2023

Open 24 hours a day from 23rd December at 9.30am to 29th December closing at 10am

Emergency overnight sleeping for homeless to anyone in need, free hot meals, emergency food parcels, warm bank to anyone whi needs a safe, non judgemental place to go.

Venue: Queens Road Baptist Church, Coventry CV1 3EG

You’re not alone this Christmas – support is available

Services across Coventry and Warwickshire are reminding residents who are struggling that they are not on their own this Christmas and New Year.

The festive season is filled with joy and celebration but the added social, financial and family pressures means it can be a difficult time for many people, especially those who are vulnerable, lonely or facing challenging life circumstances.

The key message for this Christmas is that you are not alone. There are steps that you can take to protect your mental wellbeing, as well as a wealth of support networks available to you.

1 in 4 of us experience mental health difficulties and it can be difficult to open up and talk about them. If you are struggling or feel overwhelmed with your mental health, it's okay to ask for help.

Coventry City Council and Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust have also launched an initiative called 'Bin Feeling Down'(External link), which aims to take some of the most common and difficult issues people face during the festive season and offer support. This includes promoting the importance of looking after one's mental health this winter with the NHS Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull Talking Therapies service for anxiety and depression.

Wellbeing for Warwickshire – If you want to speak to someone in person, the Hubs have opening hours throughout the holidays and are friendly spaces that provide social support in a café environment. Residents can also find their local Safe Haven drop-in centre.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Mental Wellbeing Line is available 24/7 over the Christmas period, including Christmas Day and Bank Holidays - call 0800 616171 to contact them. The friendly and compassionate helpline team are trained and ready to help you if you are feeling low, anxious or stressed, are looking for information or advice, or are socially isolated and want to connect with other people.

You can also access support online via anonymous counselling, chat and discussion forums from Kooth (age 16-25) and Qwell (aged 26+). Alternatively, take a look at the self-care Dimensions of Health and Wellbeing (all age) or free courses from the Recovery and Wellbeing Academy (age 18+).

If you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or significant self-harm, help and support is available. Visit dearlife.org.uk(External link) to find mental health and suicide prevention information and advice. For urgent mental health crisis support call the Mental Health Access Hub on Freephone 08081 966798. If there is immediate risk to life, call 999.

There are also some simple ways you can take care of yourself over Christmas, including:

• Taking time out to sit down with a cup of tea or coffee
• Setting boundaries on your time and your expectations from others
• Getting out in the fresh air for a walk, even if it's just around the block
• Checking in with a friend or neighbour for a chat
• Taking a break from social media and screens

For information about a range of local mental health and wellbeing services, including face to face, telephone, online and self-help resources available in Coventry and Warwickshire, please visit: https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/mentalhealth(External link), https://www.coventry.gov.uk/mentalhealth(External link) or www.covwarkpt.nhs.uk/mental-health.

Cost of Living

If you're struggling with the cost of living, especially at this time of year, you can find information on a range of issues including, money worries and debt, mental health, housing and food support on our website, or call 08085 834 333

Act on Energy

'Act on Energy' provides free impartial advice on energy efficiency and grants and projects available in your area to help keep you warm this winter.

To find out more visit the Act on Energy Website(External link)

P3 drop-in sessions

P3 can provide help with: Housing/tenancy issues, independent living skills, money management/benefit advice, health and well-being or general advice and support.

Contact P3 on 08081 962660 or visit your local family hub(External link) to find out more.

Coventry Independent Advice Service

Coventry Independent Advice Service(External link) is a charity offering free confidential advice around benefits, making claims, debt, money problems and challenging decisions on benefit claims.

For more information visit the CIAS website(External link)

Coventry Citizens Advice Bureau

Coventry Citizens Advice(External link) provide a range of free, confidential advice, including housing, benefits and debt.

You can contact them via their Advice Line: 0800 144 88 48

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