Support with your caring role this Christmas

Published 1st December 2023 by Andy Barber

For those of us caring for someone this Christmas and New Year planning ahead and knowing where we can go for support can be really valuable – for us and the person we care for.

Opening hours of some services for unpaid carers, including our advice line, are different during Christmas and New Year. But if you have an emergency plan registered this continues to be available throughout the Christmas and New Year period. If you do not yet have a plan registered see details on how you can register yours.

You can also see details of the Christmas and New Year opening hours for our advice line below. It is worth contacting us early if you feel you may need some support through this period but see below about other help and support.

Monday 25 December: Closed
Tuesday 26 December: Closed
Wednesday 27 December: 9am – 4pm
Thursday 28 December: 9am – 4pm
Friday 29 December: 9am – 5pm
Monday 1 January: Closed
Tuesday 2 January: 8.30am – 5pm

Find a pharmacy over Christmas and New Year

You can find pharmacy opening times for the Christmas and New Year period by clicking here

And if you are away, and not near your usual pharmacy you can find a pharmacy near you at www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy

Have you got an emergency plan?

Have you planned for what would happen in the event of the unexpected? Either to you or the person you are caring for. For example, if their health deteriorates or if you are unwell yourself and unable to care? To see how you can register your plan see carersmatternorfolk.org.uk/information-and-advice/your-rights/making-an-emergency-plan/

Plan with your family and friends

Talking things through with family and friends will make life easier for you, the person you look after and those you will be with. This is particularly helpful if the person you care for needs routine or finds it beneficial to be clear on what is happening.

Let your family and friends know any concerns you have for the Christmas period. Talk about what is sensible – for you, the person you support for and for your family and others you’ll be with.

NHS advice for this winter

The NHS have advice you can download about staying well this winter.

You can download:

Your mental health and wellbeing

For urgent help with mental health call the NHS on 111 and choose option 2.
Talk to Samaritans anytime on 116 123. The support they offer is not just for people who are feeling suicidal.
If you are under 19 you can contact Childline on 0800 1111.
Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust resources on mental health conditions can be found at www.nsft.nhs.uk/mental-health-conditions
WellbeingNandS are available if you are feeling stressed, anxious, low or depressed. See www.wellbeingnands.co.uk/norfolk/ or call their non-emergency number of 0300 123 1503.
Norfolk and Waveney Mind have support and resources available via www.norfolkandwaveneymind.org.uk/ or by calling 0300 330 5488.

Emergency numbers

In an emergency call 999.

If you need help with your care or need to report an adult at risk of harm in Norfolk you can contact Norfolk County Council by phone or text relay.

Telephone: 0344 800 8020 – this number is open 24 hours a day
Text relay: 18001 0344 800 8020 – for people with hearing or speech impairments