Christmas can be a time of celebration for many people, but for others it might be challenging. If you need to talk to someone or want support, below are a number of helplines to consider reaching out to.
FINANCIAL ADVICE
CITIZENS INFORMATION
Citizens Information provides comprehensive information on public services and on the entitlements of citizens in Ireland. They gather information from various government departments and agencies and make sure that you have all the information you need, presented in an easy-to-understand way.
W: www.citizensinformation.ie
T: 0818 07 4000
ABHAILE
Abhaile is the State-funded scheme to help homeowners find a resolution to their home mortgage arrears. It provides vouchers for free financial and legal advice and help from experts, which are available through MABS. The aim of Abhaile is to help mortgage holders in arrears find the best solutions and keep them wherever possible, in their own homes.
W: www.mabs.ie/en/abhaile
T: 0818 07 2000
E: helpline@mabs.ie
MABS
MABS (Money Advice and Budgeting Service) is the State’s money advice service, guiding people through dealing with problem debt for more than 20 years. MABS is free, confidential and independent.
W: www.mabs.ie
T: 0818 07 2000
E: helpline@mabs.ie
HOMELESSNESS
HOMELESS DUBLIN
The Dublin Region Homeless Executive is provided by Dublin City Council as the lead statutory local authority in the response to homelessness in Dublin and adopts a shared service approach across South Dublin County Council, Fingal County Council and Dún Laoghaire- Rathdown County Council.
W: https://www.homelessdublin.ie
T: 1800 707 707
E: homeless@dublincity.ie
FOCUS IRELAND
Focus Ireland is Ireland’s leading not-for-profit working to prevent people becoming, remaining or returning to homelessness. Focus Ireland believes that everyone has a right to a place they can call home.
W: https://www.focusireland.ie
T: 01 881 5900
E: help@focusireland.ie
NOVAS
Novas is a voluntary organisation working with single adults, families and children who are disadvantaged and socially excluded; primarily those who are homeless or at risk of being homeless. W: www.novas.ie
T: 1800 606 060
E: info@novas.ie
DUBLIN SIMON COMMUNITY
Dublin Simon Community work to prevent and address homelessness in Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow, Meath, Louth, Cavan and Monaghan. They provide services at all stages of homelessness and enable people to move to a place they can call home.
W: https://www.dubsimon.ie
T: 01 872 0185
E: info@dublinoutreach.ie
THRESHOLD
Threshold, a national housing charity provides free, independent, and confidential advice and support to individuals and families who are renting their homes. If you are at risk of homelessness or experiencing difficulties in renting your home, Threshold’s team of trained housing advisors can provide guidance about rights as tenants and landlord obligations.
W: https://threshold.ie
T: 1800 454 454
YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
CHILDLINE
Childline is a free, private and confidential service where you can talk about anything. They’ll do their very best to listen to you and provide a safe space to share what it is that is going on for you.
W: https://childline.ie
T: 1800 66 66 66 (24hrs, 365 days a year)
Online Chat: https://childline.ie/ask-a-question
FAMILY CARERS IRELAND
Family Carers Ireland want carers to know they have the support they need to care safely, to make it less of a battle and to know they are not alone. They are the national charity supporting the 500,000+ family and young carers across the country who care for loved ones such as children or adults with additional needs, physical or intellectual disabilities, frail older people, those with palliative care needs or those living with chronic illnesses, mental health challenges or addiction.
W: https://familycarers.ie
T: 1800 24 07 24
Support Email: careline@familycarers.ie
JIGSAW
Jigsaw are here to make sure that every young person’s mental health is valued and supported. Mental health can affect every aspect of a young person’s life. Jigsaw believe every young person must have the support that’s right for them, whatever they are going through. Get support from a member of their online clinical team if you’re aged between 12-25 living in Ireland.
W: https://jigsaw.ie
Online Chat: https://jigsaw.ie/talk-online/live-chat/
NITELINE
NiteLine is an out-of-hours peer support service for third-level students. They offer a listening and information service run by, and for, third-level students every night of the week during term-time. They provide a service that is anonymous, confidential, non-judgemental and non-directive
W: https://niteline.ie
T: 1800 793 793 Every night of term
PIETA
Pieta provide a range of services nationally to people who are experiencing thoughts of suicide, those who engage in self-harm, and those bereaved by suicide. All of their services are provided free of charge, and no referral is needed.
W: https://www.pieta.ie
Text: HELP to 51444
T: Crisis Line 1800 247 247
T: Therapy Services 0818 111 126
SAMARITANS
Supporting people in Ireland since 1961, Samaritans volunteers have had millions of potentially life-saving conversations with callers through its freephone helpline, email, face-to-face support and outreach in communities, schools, festivals and prisons. Volunteers are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
W: https://www.samaritans.ie
T: 116 123
E: jo@samaritans.ie
YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
The Your Mental Health information line is a HSE phone service you can call any time – mind your mental health, support others, or to find a support service in your area.
W: https://your-mental-health-information-line/
P: 1800 111 888
HEALTH AND WELFARE
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
W: https://www.alcoholicsanonymous.ie/
T: 01 842 0700
E: gso@alcoholicsanonymous.ie
BARNARDOS
Barnardos’ mission is to deliver services and work with families, communities, and partners to transform the lives of vulnerable children who are affected by adverse childhood experiences.
W:https://www.barnardos.ie/
Local Services: https://www.barnardos.ie/about-us/find-a-service/
HSE DRUGS AND ALCOHOL HELPLINE
Providing support, information, guidance and referral on anything to do with substance use and alcohol. Helping you to consider the options open to you, with a particular focus on your needs in the situation.
W: https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/5/addiction/drugshivhelpline/
T: 1800 459 459
E: helpline@hse.ie
WOMENS AID
Domestic violence can take an enormous toll on every aspect of life. Women’s Aid understands the challenges you might be facing, and are there to listen, believe and support you. Their support services can help you, whether you just want someone to talk to, or need help with navigating the legal system.
W: https://www.womensaid.ie/
T: 1800 341 900
E: helpline@womensaid.ie
MENS AID IRELAND
Men’s Aid Ireland provides a confidential service underpinned by a victim centric and human rights proofed approach aimed at ensuring all male victims of Domestic Violence/Coercive Control receive the required support to be safe.
W:https://www.mensaid.ie/
T: 01 554 3811
E: Hello@mensaid.ie
SVP
The Society of St Vincent de Paul provides a wide range of services for vulnerable people through – amongst other things – their local offices, shops, resource centres, housing, day care and holiday schemes.
W: https://www.svp.ie/
Local Services: https://www.svp.ie/what-we-do/local-offices/
