Here is a helpful roundup of free support services available to students and parents/carers across the UK during the holidays when schools are closed but needs still arise:

Food & Essentials

• Holiday Activities & Food (HAF) Programme - Free clubs with meals for children on free school meals.
• Royal Greenwich Holiday Food & Fun - Free meals and activities across Woolwich, Plumstead, Eltham, Thamesmead.
• Trussell Trust Food Banks - Emergency food parcels nationwide.
• Family Action FOOD Clubs - Affordable food boxes and holiday support.

Mental Health & Emotional Support

• Childline - Free confidential help for under-19s (0800 1111).
• Shout - Text CONNECT to 85258 for 24/7 mental health support.
• ThinkNinja App - Free mental health tools for ages 10–18.

Helplines Open on Christmas Day

• Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7)
• Papyrus (Suicide Prevention for Young People): 0800 068 4141
• NHS Mental Health Crisis Line: Call 111 (Option 2)
• Refuge (Domestic Abuse): 0808 2000 247
• Shout Text Service: Text 85258

Family & Parenting Support

• Family Hubs & Start for Life - Parenting advice and early years support.
• FamilyLine by Family Action - Emotional support for parents.
• YoungMinds Parent Helpline - Advice for children’s mental health (0808 802 5544).
• Parenting Smart by Place2Be - Practical wellbeing tips.

Extra Christmas Help

• Grants & Appeals - Turn2Us, Family Action Welfare Grants, Cash for Kids, Salvation Army Toy Appeal.
• Family Action Christmas Toy Appeal – Gifts for children in need.