Getting bereavement or end of life support over Christmas can be really important. It can be a particularly difficult time, but services can be closed, or offer reduced hours.
Here’s a quick guide to getting the support you need over the festive period and what’s open when.
Support each other
This online community is open as normal over the Christmas period, so you can all support each other. Our conversation on coping with Christmas is already really active and is a good place to share how you are doing over the festive period: https://support.sueryder.org/community/general-chat/christmas-coming-how-are-you-coping
Myself or another member of the Sue Ryder team will be checking the site daily, so you can still let us know about any issues by clicking the ‘report’ button under a post or emailing online.community@sueryder.org.
However, we will have limited cover, so we will prioritise urgent issues, and might take longer than normal to get back to you.
Talk to someone
The Cruse Bereavement helpline is open every day over Christmas for emotional support with bereavement. Call 0844 477 9400. Full opening times here: http://www.cruse.org.uk/telephone-support/christmas
The Marie Curie helpline is open every day 9-5pm between 24 December and 4 Jan, offering information and support for anyone affected by terminal illness. Call 0800 090 2309.
The Samaritans is open 24/7 all year round on 116 123 (UK) or 116 123 (ROI) if you need to talk about anything that’s bothering you.
Medical help
If you are under the care of a healthcare team, check whether they have an out-of-hours contact number for any medical issues over the Christmas period. All GP services will have emergency cover details - please use your regular GP number to obtain out of hours contact details. In a medical emergency please dial 999.