Stay supported during the festive season

As we approach the festive season, we understand that this time of year can be especially challenging for some. While our Active Inclusion programme at Clarion Futures continues to help people build confidence, improve wellbeing and move closer to employment, additional support is available.

Alongside Active Inclusion, Clarion Futures also offers two further support options for residents:

• Me in mind: an anonymous online community where residents can connect with others and share how they’re feeling.
• Lend an Ear: our befriending service that pairs residents with friendly volunteers for regular check-in calls, helping them stay connected.

Find out more

We’ve also listed a range of helplines and organisations that remain available throughout the winter period.

Mental health and immediate support

• Samaritans: call 116 123 for access emotional support available 24/7 for anyone needing someone to talk to.
• NHS: call 111 for urgent physical or mental health concerns that aren’t life-threatening.
• Shout: text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 for free, confidential text support for anyone struggling with their mental health.
• Mind Infoline: call 0300 123 3393 for advice, information and guidance around mental health support.
• National Domestic Abuse Helpline: call 0808 2000 247 for free, confidential support available 24/7.
• Citizens Advice: help with benefits, debt, employment, housing and legal issues. 0800 144 8848.

Food support

• The Trussell Trust: provides access to a large network of UK foodbanks offering emergency food parcels and essential items for individuals and families in crisis.
• The Salvation Army: offers practical support including food parcels, community assistance and, in many areas, Christmas meal services. (020) 7367 4500.
• St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP): provides food assistance, home visits for isolated residents and help with essential household items where available. 020 7703 3030 (option 2).

Domestic violence and abuse support

• National Domestic Abuse Helpline: offers free, confidential 24/7 support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse. 0808 2000 247.
• Refuge: offers emergency accommodation, safety planning and specialist support for women and children experiencing abuse. 0808 2000 247.
• Men’s Advice line: offers support for men experiencing domestic abuse. 0808 801 0327.
• Childline: is a free, confidential helpline for children and young people who feel unsafe, scared or need someone to talk to. 0800 1111.
• NSPCC: helpline offers support and advice for adults who are worried about a child’s welfare or need guidance on safeguarding concerns. 0808 800 5000.

Warmth and energy support

• National Energy Action (NEA):  offers guidance and support for people struggling with heating and energy costs, including access to grants and schemes. 0800 304 7159.
• Turn2Us: A national charity helping people find financial support, including assistance with winter heating and living cost, claiming benefits and grants.
• Local Councils: a Household Support Fund. Many local authorities provide winter support for vulnerable households, covering food, energy bills and essential living costs. What’s available varies by area.

Find out more

Social isolation and wellbeing support

• Crisis: supports people who are homeless or at risk. Over winter, Crisis at Christmas centres provide food, shelter, healthcare and advice.
• Mind: offers mental health support and resources, particularly helpful for people experiencing loneliness or emotional struggles. 0300 102 1234.
• The British Red Cross: provides wellbeing check-ins, practical support and services aimed at reducing loneliness and isolation.
• Age UK: offers telephone befriending, warm hubs, practical winter support and Christmas activities for older adults. 0800 678 1602.
• The Marmalade Trust: runs the Christmas Cheer Programme, delivering meals, volunteer visits and friendly calls for people who would otherwise spend Christmas alone. 07566 244788.

More support

Active Inclusion is here to help you overcome barriers to work or training while boosting your health and wellbeing. We’ll support you with confidence-building, goal setting, resilience, and access to local activities, training, and job planning, whatever stage you’re at in your journey.

Ready to take the next step? Fill in this short form, and one of our advisors will get in touch to discuss what works best for you.

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