For some people, Christmas can be one of the most challenging times of the year. CWVA will be closed after Wednesday 24 December 2025 until Monday 5 January 2026 so we’ve put together a short round-up of support available in the local community for those who might need it.
Cheshire and Wirral Partnership (CWP) NHS Foundation Trust has an urgent mental health crisis line, open 24 hours, seven days a week. Call: 0800 145 6485
Café 71 in Chester, run by the Spider Project, is a safe, non-clinical community space for anyone struggling to cope in a crisis. It is open 10am to 10pm, 365 days per year
Chester Pride is holding a Christmas Day buffet meal, offering 25 spaces for free. Please note that places are available on a first come, first served basis
CWVA and the West Cheshire Food Partnership hosts a map of food support in the area. We’d encourage you to reach out to the individual organisations or services, or check their website or other communication channels, before you visit to check on their opening hours and availability
The Council has shared information about the range of school holiday activities that are taking place in the coming weeks
The Help in Emergencies for Local People (HELP) scheme, run by the Council, is a discretionary scheme offering local welfare assistance, including support for exceptional needs, limited payments for emergency funding in a crisis, and to help people moving out of care
