If you are finding the festive season difficult, you are not alone and support is available.
For many people the festive season can be joyful, busy and full of connection. For others it can bring pressure, loneliness, grief, financial worry or difficult memories. Sometimes it can be all of these things at once.
At Sahir, we want to gently remind you that however you are feeling this festive season is valid. There is no right way to experience this time of year and there is no expectation to feel happy, social or grateful if that is not where you are.
Grief, Loss And Remembrance
For people living with grief or loss, the festive season can intensify feelings of absence and sadness. You may be missing a partner, friend, family member or a sense of how things once were. Grief does not follow a timetable and it does not pause for Christmas. It is okay to mark the season quietly, differently or not at all.
Give Yourself Permission To Go At Your Own Pace
It is okay to say no to invitations, to step back from social spaces or to spend time alone if that feels safer or calmer. It is also okay to seek connection, routine and comfort in ways that work for you.
Busy environments, social expectations and changes to routine can be particularly challenging if you are anxious or sensitive to sensory overload. It is okay to protect your energy and do what feels manageable.
If things feel overwhelming, try focusing on one small, kind thing you can do for yourself today. That might be taking a few slow breaths, getting outside for fresh air or reaching out to someone you trust.
If you are living with HIV, managing your mental health, navigating complex family relationships or carrying additional stress linked to identity, money or housing, this time of year can feel particularly heavy.
If you take regular medication, including HIV treatment, it may help to check you have enough supplies over the festive period and know where to get help if you need an emergency prescription.
Sahir Over The Festive Period
Sahir will be closed to the public from Friday 19th December and will reopen on Monday 5th January.
While our services are closed, support is still available through the organisations listed below. All helplines and resources shared are open during the Christmas and New Year period. All services listed provide confidential, non-judgmental support.
Crisis And Emergency Support
If at any point you feel unable to keep yourself safe, or you are in immediate danger, please call 999 or go to A&E. You deserve urgent care and support.
For urgent health or mental health advice when it is not an emergency, you can contact NHS 111, available 24 hours a day.
Support, Advice And Help Over The Festive Break
Emotional Support And Mental Health
Samaritans – Call 116 123 – www.samaritans.org
Shout – Text SHOUT to 85258 – www.giveusashout.org
NHS 111 – Call 111 – www.nhs.uk
Mind – www.mind.org.uk
The Liverpool Light – www.liverpool-light.org.uk
Lgbtq+ Specific Support
Switchboard LGBTQ+ Helpline – Call 0300 330 0630 – www.switchboard.lgbt
Gallop – www.galop.org.uk/support-services
Sexual Health
NHS Sexual Health Services – www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/sexual-health-services
Axess Sexual Health – Call 0300 323 1300 – www.axess.clinic
Money, Debt And Gambling Support
StepChange Debt Charity – Call 0800 138 1111 – www.stepchange.org
National Gambling Helpline – Call 0808 8020 133 – www.gamcare.org.uk
Housing And Emergency Accommodation
Local council housing team – www.gov.uk/find-local-council
Liverpool Housing Options – Call 0151 233 3061
Knowsley Housing Options – Call 0151 433 2333
Sefton Housing Options – Call 0151 934 3541
Wirral Housing Options – Call 0151 666 5511
St Helens Housing Options – Call 01744 675150
Whitechapel – Call 0151 207 7617 – www.whitechapelcentre.co.uk
Food, Meals And Practical Support
Local council support – www.gov.uk/find-local-council
Trussell Trust – www.trusselltrust.org
Feeding Liverpool – www.feedingliverpool.org/liverpool-christmas-support-page-2025
A Final Word
You deserve care, kindness and understanding, especially from yourself. If this season feels hard, you are not alone and help is available. If it feels calm or joyful, that is okay too.
Sahir remains here for you beyond the festive period and into the new year. We look forward to reopening on Monday 5th January 2026 and continuing to support our communities.
Take gentle care of yourself.