Christmas and the festive period are cause for celebration but they can also be some of the hardest times of year for others.

One in four people in England will experience some form of mental health problems each year according to mental health charity MIND, while one in six people in any given week report experiencing mental health problems.

The ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic continues to take a toll on the mental health of millions of Britons too.

For many people the pandemic has exacerbated pre-existing conditions even further through the impact of isolation, lockdowns, loss and many other effects besides.

Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty said recently he hoped shielding for the people most vulnerable to Covid-19 could be avoided during the current wave of new infections, citing mental health issues.

"Shielding came with some very serious downsides for the people involved in the shielding, including loneliness and mental health issues, practical problems. It’s not an area we want to go down if there’s any way of avoiding doing so."

We've compiled a list of 10 organizations offering mental health support during the festive period and beyond.

1. MIND

MIND are one of the foremost mental health charities in the UK and lobby the government and local authorities for improved mental health support nationwide. They also offer a range of advice and direct help via this helpful webpage. 

2. Samaritans

"We're waiting for your call" is Samaritans slogan, who operate helplines 24 hours a day, 365 days a year including Christmas Day on 116 123. The group say they take around 10,000 calls a day. "No judgement. No pressure. We're here for anyone who needs someone."

3. CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)

A highly proactive group that offers mental health support and also encourages others to help those in need of support. CALM offer a helpline and a webchat service between 5pm and midnight here, and have a host of ways you can help others here. 

4. NHS

The NHS offer depression support groups and 24-hour support with local mental health helplines via this handy website. They also provide a list of charities you can turn to.

5. SHOUT

'Give Us A Shout' is this group's tagline. They specialise in 24/7, confidential text message-based support. Text 'Shout' to 85258 for help.

6. Rethink Mental Illness

'Rethink' are currently running a Christmas 2021 appeal (see here) to garner more support for those who need it. Year-round the charity run a "network of local groups and services, expert information and successful campaigning". Click here for more info.

7. Young Minds

Support for young people that offers resources for young people and for parents, guardians and people who work with children too. See Young Minds homepage for a list of resources and options.

8. Anxiety UK

Specialising as the name suggests in feelings of anxiety experienced by millions of people in the UK, this group offer a number of support services through their website here. For support over the phone, try their Helpline by calling 03444 775 774 or get text support here: 07537 416 90. 

9. Miricyl

Miricyl offer a range of support tailored to specific conditions from addiction and anxiety to stress and sleep problems. They do so by collating a large number of different services on offer and directing you to the one that best suits your situation. Click here for more info.

10. Good Thinking

'Digital wellbeing designed for London' - Good Thinking provide self-assessments, urgent support and a myriad of novel ways Londoners can improve their mental health from podcasts to free apps. Click here to see what's on offer.