Support for Carers over Christmas
Certain services will not be open during the festive period so make sure you have backup plans in place, checked the opening times of your doctors’ surgery, and that you have enough medication in stock. Here are the operational days and times of the Walsall Carers Hub Contact Team who will operate a telephone service on 01922 616 798:
23 December – 9am – 5pm
24 – 27 December – closed
28 – 30 December 10am-2pm
31 December – 2 January – closed
3 January – 9am-5pm
From Wednesday 28 December until Friday 30 December, Walsall Carers Hub will be open for a warm welcome drop-in between 10.00am – 2.00pm. Walsall Carers Hub is located with Midland Mencap’s Disability Hub, 17 Lichfield Street, Walsall WS1 1TU.
If you need information or support related to your caring role, Carers UK’s telephone helpline 0808 808 7777 will be open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm as normal over the festive period, including bank holidays.
Emergency Services
In an emergency call 999 for support from the police, fire brigade or medical assistance. If it is not an emergency call the following:
Police – 101 or 0845 113 5000 for Walsall police station
NHS – 111 Strep A advice: Most strep A infections are mild and easily treated, but some are more serious. The NHS website has information about symptoms to look out for, when to seek medical help and what to do in an emergency.
Fire brigade – West Midlands Fire Service – 03300 589 000
Emotional Support
The Sanctuary Hub – Rethink Mental Illness is open 7 days a week including Bank holidays throughout the festive period, Monday-Friday 6pm-11pm, Saturday & Sunday 12noon-11pm. To access support from the team call: 0808 802 2288.
If you’re struggling to cope, having suicidal thoughts or are worried about someone else, a Samaritan is willing to help. Call the Samaritans on 116 123, available 24 hours, seven days a week or email jo@samaritans.org. Text “SHOUT” to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line, or text “YM” if you’re under 19. If you’re under 19, you can also call 0800 1111 to talk to Childline. The number will not appear on your phone bill. Information, friendship, and advice to older people is available 24 hours from The Silver Line on 0800 470 9090.
Christmas is a happy time of the year, but for some, it is the loneliest and most challenging time. If you have lost someone this year, you may find reading Cruse Bereavement Care’s advice about coping with grief at Christmas helpful or find ways to remember them at Christmas.
