In the run up to Christmas, Buckinghamshire Council is
highlighting where families and individuals can seek emergency help and support
if they need it over the festive season.
Any Buckinghamshire residents needing emergency support
or help with food and/or energy should contact the council’s Helping Hand
service using theonline form or
by calling 01296 531 151. This service is available during office hours but is
closed at weekends and on the public holiday days over Christmas and New Year.
Anyone in immediate need of food who cannot wait until
the next working day when theHelping Hand service is
open – and has no other avenue to help – should contact the council’s Emergency
Social Work Team on 0800 999 7677. They will not be able to provide food on
Christmas Day when the shops are closed, but otherwise can provide immediate
help and advice in an emergency.
Many foodbanks will be operating different opening days
and times over the Christmas period – residents who need to access a foodbank
will need a referral from the council’s Helping Hand service, or another
similar support service, so please contact the Helping Hand service in the
first instance if you or someone you know needs to use a foodbank.
If you see anyone sleeping out on the streets in
Buckinghamshire, pleasecontact StreetLink
online or call 0300 500 0914. They will notify the
council’s dedicated outreach workers. If you see anyone you believe to be under
the age of 18 and/or are concerned about the health or welfare of anyone that
you see sleeping rough, please call 999.
Residents who may be finding this time of year
challenging or lonely, or are experiencing difficulty with their mental health
canfind help and advice on
the NHS Buckinghamshire Talking Therapies webpage. In
addition, there are some top tips on mental health and being ‘kind to your
mind’ during the festive period atHealth and Wellbeing
Bucks.
Information about additional support can be found on the
council’scost of living webpages.
Online advice is available 24/7 fromCitizens Advice Bucks,
plus the national advice line is available during office hours on 0800 144 8848
if you need immediate advice.
Arif Hussain is Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member
for Communities. He said:
"While most of us look forward to the joy and
excitement that the festive season brings, it's important to remember that this
time of year can be particularly challenging for some households in
Buckinghamshire. There are individuals and families who may find themselves in
need of additional support and assistance during this period.
"I encourage you to share the above information with
your friends, neighbours, and local networks. You never know who might benefit
from a helping hand this Christmas."
The council’s offices will be closed on
Wednesday 25 December 2024, Thursday 26 December 2024 and Wednesday 1 January
2025. They will remain open on other days during the festive period.
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