Simpson Millar Solicitors Supports People During the Holidays

Mental Health Resources

If you’re concerned about someone who you think could be vulnerable around the holidays, or you need some extra support yourself, the following charities offer help, advice, and online resources:

• Samaritans– open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year www.samaritans.org 116123 (freephone)
• MIND – Mental health charity https://www.mind.org.uk
• CALM (The Campaign Against Living Miserably) is known for supporting male mental health; but, they will support anybody who needs them. Their helpline is open 5pm- midnight, 365 days a year. https://www.thecalmzone.net/ 0800 58 58 58
• Papyrus – Suicide Prevention Charity – open 9am – midnight every day of the year www.papyrus-uk.org Call 0800 068 4141 or Text 07860 039967
• The Survivors’ Trust – an umbrella agency for specialist rape and sexual abuse services The Survivors Trust
• Hub of Hope – a database of Mental Health Services thought the UK https://hubofhope.co.uk
• Cruse – for those struggling with bereavement https://www.cruse.org.uk/ 0808 808 1677 (Limited opening hours over Christmas and the new Year)
• There is also a there are a huge number of valuable resources including a support line which can be fine through the NAPAC website. NAPAC – supporting recovery from childhood abuse www.napac.org.uk

There is help out there if you need it during the festive period and hopefully this will help to signpost some organisations.

Don’t struggle alone – reach out for help

Whilst it’s hard to keep positive when the smiling families emblazon the TV screen, you should reach out to those closest to you if you feel apprehensive or isolated. For many survivors the possibility of seeing abusers or estranged family in the same setting can return the feelings that you’re trying to overcome. 80% of all types of abuse occur within the family, so we understand this period is an uncomfortable time.

We want to help anyone that is struggling, and we’ve taken some tips from The National Association for People Abused in Childhood. Here is ‘A Survivor’s Guide to Christmas’, and we hope it helps you navigate this time with peace and happiness.

1)      Reach out

There will never be any shame in sharing with someone how you are feeling, no matter what time of year it is. Having one conversation could not just change your day, but brighten those around you too. If you struggle with someone to talk to, then reach out to the helplines listed above, where a friendly voice is always there to answer.

2)      Make self-care a priority 

It’s important to implement a good self-care routine, as the Christmas period can cause you to spiral in an emotional turmoil. Perhaps increase the normal amount of existing self-care or create a new routine, so you can distract yourself. This isn’t about fun activities, but more like taking care of your diet, planning for the year ahead, and having a good bedtime routine. Make a list of all your favourite things to do and try and get them ticked off. By the end of the list – we’ll be on to a happy, healthy new year!

3)      Set boundaries and be prepared 

Remember, you don’t always have to say ‘yes’. You are entitled to say no to gatherings if your mental and physical wellbeing isn’t at the forefront of the decision. Create boundaries to reduce the time you are in the situations that make you uncomfortable. You don’t have to be a people pleaser, just look out for yourself.

Contact Us

When you’ve suffered any kind of sexual or physical abuse, it can take a long time before you feel ready to talk about it. Reporting abuse can take a lot of courage, so when you're ready to talk, we're ready to listen.

Our specialist team of Abuse Solicitors are compassionate, understanding, and easy to talk to. We’ll handle your case with the sensitivity it deserves, offering you help and support throughout the whole process. Call us on 0808 239 1287 and let us help you.