Mental health support over the festive period 

Festive period can be a mixed time—uplifting for some and more difficult for others. 

Free, safe and anonymous online mental health support are available throughout the holidays via Kooth (for children and young people) and Qwell (for young adults).   
 
Please see attached for their opening hours. 
 
Both platforms are accessible 24/7 for self-help resources and community support, with live one-to-one text chat available during the hours below. 
 
Festive live-chat hours (both Kooth & Qwell) 

• Wed 24 December (Christmas Eve): 12:00 – 20:00 

• Thu 25 December (Christmas Day): 16:00 – 20:00 

• Fri 26 December (Boxing Day): 12:00 – 20:00 

• Wed 31 December (New Year’s Eve): 12:00 – 20:00 

• Thu 1 January (New Year’s Day): 16:00 – 20:00 

How to access: 

• Kooth (children & young people): https://www.kooth.com/ – instant sign-up, no referral or waiting list. 

• Qwell (adults/young adults): https://www.qwell.io  – instant sign-up, no referral or waiting list. 

What’s available: 

• One-to-one live text chat with qualified practitioners 

• Message-based support, self-help tools, journals & goal tracking 

• A moderated online community with articles, forums and peer support 

• (Access to these resources is available 24 hours a day, every day.) 

Message from Lewisham

We know many parents and carers will be buying new phones and devices for their children in the run up to Christmas, which is why we’re calling on parents to be vigilant about your child’s online activity.  This follows a 38% increase in referrals of children to the Prevent scheme last year in London, which helps stop people becoming radicalised. It’s vital that parents set appropriate controls to ensure their children are kept safe on their devices. We’d also urge parents and carers to take an active interest in their children’s digital lives to try and ensure they don’t become drawn towards extremist content that could lead them down a path to radicalisation. https://actearly.uk/ 

Christmas Fact Sheet 

Please follow this link for the most up to date list of Christmas opening hours, free Christmas meals and other food support provided during the Christmas season. For further details and support please phone our community connections Lewisham phone line on 0330 058 3464 open 09:30am - 4:30pm Monday - Friday (* except Thursdays when it is open 2:00pm-4:00pm only)