Emergency support over the Christmas period

Date published: 23rd December 2024

For some, Christmas can be a challenging time of year. Support is there for those that need it most.

Cost of Living support:

Warm spaces are available for people to come together to stay warm and enjoy some light refreshments.

To find a Warm Space near you please visit www.warmwelcome.uk

More energy support and advice can be found on our Cost of Living Energy page.

If you are worried about putting food on the table, there are food banks throughout North Norfolk providing free food parcels to those who need them.

To find a Foodbank near you please visit www.trussell.org.uk/emergency-food/get-a-food-voucher

Christmas can be a stressful time of the year for some, and can have an impact on your physical and mental health.

Fir advice and support around your health and wellbeing visit www.north-norfolk.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing

Housing and homelessness

During the winter months, the Council implements the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) if weather conditions worsen.

The Local Authority will contact those that are known to the service to make them aware of and discuss options that are open to them.  

If you are aware of someone sleeping rough then please report this to the housing team using housing@north-norfolk.gov.uk or via thestreetlink.org.uk

If you or someone you know is homeless or at risk of losing their home, please contact the Housing Options team on 01263 513811 or if you are contacting us out of hours 01223 849782.

You can also visit our website www.north-norfolk.gov.uk/housing

Domestic Abuse

While many residents settle into the festive period, for some, the holidays may be a difficult time. Whilst domestic abuse occurs all year round, the risk can be heightened during the festive season. Even though schools, workplaces, GP surgeries and other ‘safe places’ will be closed over Christmas, please know that help is still available during this time and other support services are available.

Always dial 999 if you or someone else are in immediate danger and ask for the police. Anyone unable to speak and who is calling from a mobile, should listen to the operator and when prompted press 55 to connect to the police.

More information on how to make a silent 999 call can be found via Norfolk Police

Services are open throughout the holiday period, but some may have reduced days or working hours, details of which can be found on their websites.

The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is available for women 24/7, 365 days a year, as are the police.

You can contact the helpline on 0808 2000 247.

For specialist support in Norfolk, you can contact the Norfolk Integrated Domestic Abuse Service (NIDAS)

If you or someone you know is being abused or may be at risk of any form of mistreatment or neglect, please contact the Safeguarding team at Norfolk County Council on 0344 800 8020.

For more information please visit www.north-norfolk.gov.uk/safeguarding