Marie Curie's helping the West Midlands this Christmas with a bereavement support line
During the festive period emotional support enquiries increase by 60%.
It is a busy time for organisations like Marie Curie, who have a support line available over Christmas with more people turning to charities for advice and support.
For many, Christmas is a time to be enjoyed with family, friends and mince pies. However, for those experiencing bereavement or financial struggles it can instead be an overwhelming and anxious time.
Matthew Nickson, community fundraiser for Marie Curie for the West Midlands says it is "vital" that people are aware they can get in touch with the support line and "they know there is someone to turn to at Christmas".
Marie Curie has a team of experts in the charity who signpost people in the right direction as well as "amazing volunteers who are trained in conversations" with topics that can sometimes be difficult to talk about with your loved ones, says Matt.
The team also includes dedicated energy support officers to give expert advice on supplier specific support and energy efficiency as the cost of living crisis continues and concerns over energy bills increase during the winter months.
Matt tells us that the national support line is there as a "first port-of-call" from the most extreme cases of mental health to guiding people with their financial anxieties.
"We see a lot of people face to face, but there are many more people going through grief, so the support line is there to help those people in a time of need" says Matt.
The support line is available throughout the entire Christmas period, and is accessible in over 200 languages to ensure that everyone who needs support is able to access the help and that they require.