Over the Christmas period you can get a variety of help with everything from advice about council services like bin collection and opening times for the household waste recycling centres to emergency support for things like electricity, gas and food from St Helens Borough Council.

The council’s own Contact Centre will be open as usual on Christmas Eve, from 9am to 5pm from December 29 -31 then reopen on Tuesday 4 January.

Many actions can also be complete online at www.sthelens.gov.uk/contactus or www.sthelens.gov.uk/selfservice. You can also find out more about additional support you may be eligible for online at www.sthelens.gov.uk/welfareassistance.

There are a wide range of options for help for people who are affected by isolating due to Covid-19 through St Helens Together which can be reached on 01744 676767. They can help support with food, medication and even pet walking for those unable to leave home.

The service is provided by Contact Cares who can provide a wide range of help for a range of issues including health and care needs and is available every day throughout the festive period from 8am to 10pm on 01744 676767 or by emailing contactcares@sthelens.gov.uk

If you are concerned about someone’s welfare and they are not at immediate risk of danger, in which case contact the relevant emergency services, please contact Contact Cares on 01744 676767 or out of hours call the emergency duty team on 0345 050 0148.

St Helens Foodbank will also be offering support as always to those in need of food in emergency situations. They can provide three days’ worth of food to anyone in need. To find out more or get help call them on 01744 26414 or email info@sthelens.foodbank.org.uk

Christmas can also be an overwhelming time and there is plenty of mental health support for those who may need someone to talk to. Through St Helens Borough Council’s Okay To Ask campaign there are helplines and websites offering support for you or others at the following places:

• Samaritans – 116 123 – open 24 hours a day
• Merseycare Mental Health Crisis Line – 0800 051 1508 – open 24 hours a day
• Hopeline UK – 0800 068 41 41 – for young people or someone worried about a young person and open 9am to midnight every day
• Shout – text ‘Reach’ to 85258 – text support open 24 hours a day
• Amparo – 0330 088 9255 – help for those affected by suicide

You can also find more support at www.oktoaskcampaign.co.uk

You can also find a host of information around Christmas opening hours and where to get support online at www.sthelens.gov.uk/christmasopening.