Christmas can be a special time of year. It can bring moments of joy, connection and celebration with family, friends and loved ones. But we also know that for many unpaid carers, the festive period can feel challenging.
Caring responsibilities don’t stop at Christmas. Routines can change, support services may be reduced, and the added pressures of the season can sometimes feel overwhelming.
We’re here for you
Carers Leeds is here to support unpaid carers throughout the festive period. Whether you need information, reassurance, or just someone to listen, we want you to know that help is available.
Tuesday 23rd December 2025 – 9am – 6.30pm
Christmas Eve – 9am – 2pm
Christmas Day – Closed
Boxing Day – Closed
Monday 29th December 2025 – 9am – 4.30pm
Tuesday 30th December 2025 – 9am – 4.30pm
New Year’s Eve – 9am – 2pm
New Year’s Day – Closed
If you need support outside of our opening hours, there are other organisations across Leeds that may be able to help.
CareBot
Our CareBot is now live!
Available when we are closed over the festive period, CareBot has been created to support, not replace, our existing live webchat, which will continue to be run by real staff during working days and hours (currently Monday to Wednesday, 9:00am–4:30pm).
CareBot is not AI-led. Instead, it works using pre-set questions and pathways that we have designed. These cover a range of common carer topics, such as carers’ assessments, benefits, rights at work, and guidance around caring roles, to help you when we are closed.
You can access this by clicking the blue chat with us now option in the bottom right.
Below you’ll find a list of local and national services you can contact for support, advice or urgent help during the festive period:
Mindwell
Samaritans
Leeds Domestic Violence Service.
Age UK
CALM
National Gambling Helpline
Citizens Advice Debt Support
Bereavement Support
- Hospice UK – 7 Ways to help cope with grief over Christmas
- Cruse – Managing Grief at Christmas
- Sue Ryder – Grieving on a special occasion
- Marie Curie – Getting through your first Christmas
- Winston’s Wish – Coping with grief over Christmas
Throughout December, our team has been sharing our 12 Days of Christmas on social media – packed with practical tips, gentle reminders and ideas to help you look after yourself while caring for others during the festive season.
Follow us on social media to catch up on the posts and find supportive content you can return to whenever you need it.
To add a bit of Christmas spirit, our staff have also put together a playlist of their favourite festive songs. We hope it brings a smile, a moment of calm, or a chance to pause during a busy time.
However you’re feeling this Christmas, please remember: you don’t have to cope alone. Carers Leeds is here for you.
Help Unpaid Carers this Christmas.
This Christmas, give the gift of support to unpaid carers in Leeds.
Many spend the festive season caring for friends or family members, often without a break. Your donation provides advice, rest, and joy — helping carers when they need it most.
