Samaritans urge people suffering to reach out and ask for help amid fears Christmas alone in Tier 4 could cause mental health crisis for many
- Advice includes being an active listener for people who may be struggling
- Comes as 18million people in England are put into Tier 4 over the festive period
- For help call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org
A mental health charity is urging people suffering to reach out and ask for help amid fears Christmas alone in Tier 4 could cause a mental health crisis.
Samaritans have highlighted the support available for people after many places across the UK moved into tougher restrictions over Christmas.
They have released tips to help people who may be worried about a loved one over the festive period.
Samaritans are urging people suffering to reach out and ask for help amid fears Christmas alone in Tier 4 could cause a mental health crisis (stock image)
Advice includes tips on how to support others who may be struggling by being an active listener, either in person or using technology.
A spokesperson for Samaritans said: ‘We know it can be hard to reach out and ask for help, but talking can be life-saving – whether it’s with a family member, friend or a confidential helpline like Samaritans.
‘Our volunteers are available 24 hours a day to provide emotional support to anyone who is struggling.
‘We won’t judge or tell you what to do and we’ll keep what you tell us confidential.
‘Call for free on 116 123, email [email protected] or visit www.samaritans.org for useful resources and advice on coping during this difficult time.’
This comes as Boris Johnson cancelled Christmas for 18million people after hitting the panic button on a rampant new mutant strain of coronavirus.
The PM made the extraordinary last-minute U-turn to put a third of England, including London and swathes of the home counties, into a brutal new ‘Tier 4’ from midnight.
The draconian bracket means non-essential shops being forced to shut, and travel restrictions including a ‘stay at home’ order for Christmas Day itself – even though Mr Johnson insisted just days ago that it would be ‘inhuman’ to axe five-day festive ‘bubbles’.
This comes as Boris Johnson cancelled Christmas for 18million people after hitting the panic button on a rampant new mutant strain of coronavirus
The rest of England will not escape unscathed, with up to three households now only allowed to mix on Christmas Day rather than between December 23 and 27.
Wales has also announced it is going into a full lockdown from midnight and will follow suit by slashing bubbles to a single day.
Nicola Sturgeon said at her own press conference tonight that a ban on cross-border travel is being upgraded, and the law will be changed to cut bubbles to one day.
She also said that mainland Scotland will be in its top ‘Level 4’ squeeze from Boxing Day – at which point around 28million people across all four UK nations will be under the toughest restrictions.