In this seasonal information guide, we have compiled links to and details of local services, support and resources that can help if you are having a tough time or need support in an emergency. It covers health and mental health, links to local and national helplines and resources from us and other services in Bradford and Craven.
Health services at Christmas
Most pharmacies will be closed on Christmas Day at the very least, with some also closed on other dates such as New Year’s Day. To check when your local pharmacy is open, please use the NHS Find a Pharmacy tool.
- Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s switchboard can be contacted on 01274 542 200
- Airedale NHS Foundation Trust’s main hospital number is 01535 652 511
- The West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership have some useful information on how ordering any prescriptions early can help to reduce anxiety: https://www.wypartnership.co.uk/news-and-blog/news/prescription-stress-free-bank-holidays-plan-ahead-and-help-nhs
Mental health services at Christmas
- Healthy Minds have plenty of information on mental health services and support in our area: Healthy Minds website
- Bradford District and Craven Talking Therapies is a free and confidential NHS service for people aged 16 and over registered with a GP in Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale or Craven: Talking Therapies
- The Cellar Trust helps people in Bradford and Craven with their mental health. Their work includes running safe spaces and peer support groups: The Cellar Trust
- Bradford District and Craven Mind have some services running during this time of year, including Guide-Line and Safe Spaces
National helplines
These are helplines that are run for people nationally. Please note that some of them may not be open during Christmas, bank holidays or weekends.
Samaritans
- Phone: 116 123
- Website: https://www.samaritans.org/
Scope – Disability Helpline
- Phone: 0808 800 3333
- Website: https://www.scope.org.uk/helpline/
Shelter Housing Advice Line
- Phone: 0808 800 4444
- Website: https://england.shelter.org.uk/get_help
SHOUT
- Phone: Text 85258
- Website: https://giveusashout.org/
LGBT Foundation Helpline
- Phone: 0345 330 3030
- Website: https://lgbt.foundation/
Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline
- Website: https://switchboard.lgbt/
NHS 111 Online
- Website: https://111.nhs.uk/
Local helplines and other services
These are helplines and services that are run for people in Bradford, Craven or throughout West or North Yorkshire. Please note that some of them may not be open during Christmas, bank holidays or weekends.
West Yorkshire Police – non-emergency contact
- Phone: 101
- Website: https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/
Cruse Bereavement Care
- Phone: 0808 808 1677
- Website: https://www.cruse.org.uk/
First Response
- Phone: 0800 952 1181
- Website: https://www.bdct.nhs.uk/services/first-response/
Bradford District and Craven Mind – safe spaces in Bradford and Keighley
- Phone: Call Guide-Line on 08001 884 884
- Website: https://www.mindinbradford.org.uk/support-for-you/safe-spaces/
Bradford Rape Crisis helpline
- Phone: 0800 448 0710
- Website: https://bradfordrapecrisis.org.uk/helpline.php
Guide-Line (Bradford)
- Phone: 08001 884 884
Carers Resource
- Phone: 0808 50 15 939
- Website: https://www.carersresource.org/
North Yorkshire Mental Health Crisis Support
- Phone: 0800 0516 171
Hear to help (North Yorkshire)
- Phone: 01423 856 799
Social care support and assessments (North Yorkshire)
- Phone: 0300 131 2131
Social care support and assessments (Bradford Council)
- Phone: 01274 435400
- Website: https://www.bradford.gov.uk/adult-social-care/i-want-an-assessment/i-want-an-assessment/
Homelessness and housing
- Bradford Council – How to get help if you are homeless: https://www.bradford.gov.uk/housing/help-with-housing-and-homelessness/how-to-get-help-if-you-are-homeless/
- Bradford Housing Options service
- Phone: 01274 435 999
- Website: https://www.bradford.gov.uk/housing/help-with-housing-and-homelessness/the-housing-options-service/
- Cost of Living Bradford – Housing Support
- Simon on the Streets – Bradford
- North Yorkshire Council – Homelessness
- North Yorkshire Council – Finding a home in Craven
- Craven Rough Sleeper Pathway
- Phone: 01756 794 882
- Website: https://hortonhousing.co.uk/services-directory/craven-homeless-hub/
Warm spaces and cost of living support
- Bradford Council have their Cost of Living website, which lists support available in the district: https://costoflivingbradford.co.uk/
- On the North Yorkshire Council website, there are links to organisations and support schemes available to people living in the Craven area: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/community-and-volunteering/cost-living-support-0
- Citizens Advice Bradford & Airedale and Bradford Law Centre can offer advice around the cost of living, including benefits: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/local/bradford-airedale/contact-us/
- There is an interactive map of free warm spaces available in the Bradford district: https://costoflivingbradford.co.uk/warm-spaces/
- To find warm spaces in Craven, you can search for them on this link: https://www.warmwelcome.uk/find-a-space#map
Our resources
We have updated our guide to Wintertime Wellbeing. It includes tips on staying warm and safe, as well as handling events like social gatherings. To read it, please click here: Wintertime Wellbeing
There is also a Christmas Survival Kit, where you can plan how you would like your festive period to run. It can be downloaded for free here: Survival Kit