Festive Cheer and Support This Holiday Season
The holiday season is here! While it can be a joyful time, we also understand it might come with its challenges. Whether you're staying in Leeds, heading home, or somewhere in between, we’ve got you covered with support and activities to keep your spirits up.
Christmas Events in Leeds including over the Winter Break🎅
If you’re in town over the holidays, why not get involved in some of these festive activities?
Leeds Winter Wonderland (Various Dates)
- Head to Millennium Square to enjoy a traditional Christmas market atmosphere, ice skating, and festive food. A great way to soak in the holiday cheer!
🌐 Learn More
Hyde Park Cinema: Christmas Classics (Various Dates)
- Enjoy festive movie screenings such as Home Alone and The Polar Express. Student discounts available!
🎟️ Book here: Hyde Park Picture House
Volunteer with Leeds Christmas Kindness (21st–24th December)
St George’s Crypt are open on Christmas Day at 12 Noon to provide lunch, company and a Christmas welcome to all:
- Address: Great George Street, Leeds LS3 1BR
- More information is available on their website: St George’s Crypt
Rainbow Junktion at All Hallows Church in Hyde Park are open as usual from the week beginning Monday 18th They are also open on Christmas Day from 12pm-3pm for anyone who is need of a Christmas dinner and cannot afford one
- Address: All Hallows Church, 24 Regent Terrace, Hyde Park, Leeds
- More information on the Christmas Day dinner is on their Facebook page: Rainbow Junktion at Christmas
There is a dinner for Care Leavers in Leeds aged between 18 and 25 who are alone at Christmas. It takes place on Christmas Day
Bishop Young Academy in Seacroft are running a Community Christmas dinner for local people on Wednesday 20th December
- Address: Bishop Young C of E Academy, Bishops Way, Seacroft, Leeds LS14 6NU
- Booking link: Community Christmas Dinner
- Starts at 6pm
Local Support and Initiatives 🌟
Many local organisations are here to help over the holidays:
- Leeds Foodbanks: The Trussell Trust operates food banks across the city to ensure no one goes hungry this season. Find your nearest foodbank.
- Free Warm Spaces: Libraries, community centres, and faith groups across Leeds are offering free warm spaces where you can relax, meet others, and enjoy a hot drink. Find a welcome space
- Leeds Homeless Street Angels: Offering food parcels, warm clothing, and support for those in need during the festive period. Homeless Street Angels
Wellbeing Support 💙
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or need someone to talk to, help is always available:
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Nightline: Confidential listening support from trained student volunteers.
📞 Call: 0113 380 1381 (8 pm–8 am during term time)
💻 Online chat: Nightline website
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Samaritans: Free 24/7 helpline for emotional support.
📞 Call: 116 123
📧 Email: jo@samaritans.org
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Togetherall: Online peer support and mental health resources.
🌐 Sign up using your university email: Togetherall website
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Mindwell: A mental health website for Leeds residents offering resource guides and a Christmas Toolkit.
💻 Website: Mindwell
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| Connect with Others: Join the Leeds Student Community Facebook Group to stay connected with fellow students during the break. |
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Leeds Mental Health Helpline: Free 24/7 helpline for emotional support.
📞 Call: 0800 183 0558.
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Andy’s Man Club : ANDYSMANCLUB are a men's suicide prevention charity, offering free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups across the United Kingdom and online.
💻 Website: Andy's Man Club | #ITSOKAYTOTALK | Andy's Man Club
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Student Space: A national support service from Student Minds providing webchat, phone, and text support, including evenings and weekends.
📞 Chat: To start a conversation, text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258
💻 Online chat: Student Space
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Emergency Contacts
For immediate assistance, please contact:
- If you or someone you know is in immediate danger and needs assistance, please call 999.
- For any non-urgent medical queries contact NHS 111 via their website
- If you are in crisis and urgently need to speak to someone, call the Connect Helpline on 0800 800 1212 9 (Open 365 days 6pm – 2am) or The Samaritans on 116 123.
- If you need urgent help on campus or in University accommodation, you can contact the University Security Service Emergency number 0113 283 7100 or 0786 038 3434 - this is a 24 hour service.
Wishing you a joyful and peaceful holiday season,
Your Students' Union,
LTSU