Carers Support Merton
Carers Support Merton’s offices will be closed from 4pm Friday 23rd December 2022 until 10am Tuesday 3rd January 2023.
You can leave a message and telephone number and we will return your call after the Christmas break.
Need to talk now?
Samaritans provide emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide. Call 116 123 or email any time of day or night.
Free 24/7 mental health text support in the UK. Text SHOUT to 85258 (UK wide)
The Silver Line provides information, friendship and advice to people aged 55 or over. The helpline is open 24-hours a day 365 days a year. Call 0800 470 80 90.
Safety of vulnerable people
If you have concerns about the care or safety of a vulnerable adult or child you can call the London Borough of Merton during weekday working hours over the Christmas period on 0208 545 3983 for adults or 020 8545 4226 for children.
For out of hours social care emergencies (including weekends and statutory bank holidays) contact the duty team on 020 8770 5000.
Urgent health needs
If you need medical help or advice for an issue which is not a 999 emergency, call 111 or visit the NHS website
24/7 Mental Health Crisis Line on 0800 028 8000 and offers emotional support and advice to people who are affected by urgent mental health issues, at any time of the day or night. It is open to everyone: both children and adults of all ages, and to people who haven’t previously accessed mental health services. The Crisis Line is run by South West London and St George’s Mental Health Trust as part of the Coral Mental Health Crisis Assessment Hub, covering the boroughs of Merton, Sutton, Wandsworth, Kingston and Richmond.
If you need an emergency prescription visit: NHS 111 emergency prescriptions
Emergency food
Dons Local Action Group will be available every day over the holiday period (including Christmas Day) for emergency food parcels.
Telephone: 0203 301 4511 Email: info@donslocalaction.org
Wimbledon Foodbank locations (including Merton Growbaby) will be closed from 23 December and will resume usual service on 3 January.
The Pollards Hill Baptist Church foodbank will be open on Wednesday 28 and Friday 30 December 2022 (you will need a voucher which can be obtained from the Merton Community Hub).
The Merton Community Fridge at Morden Baptist Church (Crown Lane, SM4 5BL) will be open on 28 December at 4.30pm.
Commonside Trust will be opening the New Horizon Centre 28-30 December for a skeleton service and will also be able to provide emergency food parcels for those in need.
Telephone: 020 8764 9582
Merton Community Hub will be closed between the 23rd and 27th December. Open on 28th 29th and 30th December as normal. Closed between 31st December and 2nd January. Usual opening hours resume from 3rd January.
If you need urgent assistance with food during this period call 020 8685 2272 / 0208 066 4086, between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Support and advice
Christmas can be a difficult time for many people. These organisations may be able to offer help and support over the holiday period.
Mind Information lines 0300 123 3393 are open over the Christmas period except weekends and Bank Holidays. They provide a range of information and support for those experiencing or concerned about someone experiencing mental health problems including legal advice.
Beat charity provides support to people with eating disorders. Helpline services will be open 4pm–8pm from 24 December to 1 January. There is also lots of helpful information on their website.
Compassionate Friends a charitable organisation for bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents, supports people who have suffered the death of a child. Helpline is open every day 10am–4pm and 7pm – 10pm Call 0345 123 2304
Cruise national helpline will be open as usual over the Christmas holiday period offering a listening ear and emotional support to anyone who has lost someone they love or been affected by a bereavement. Freephone 0808 808 1677 for opening hours
National Domestic Abuse Helpline is a free 24-hour helpline run by female advisors for women who have experienced domestic abuse, run by the domestic violence charity Refuge. Call 0808 2000 247
There is a separate helpline for men: Call 0808 8010327. This service may not be available over the Christmas period.
Other support is also available:
- see our mental health pages
- download a PDF file of opening hours of Merton organisations
