The Christmas period is a time of joy and celebration for many, but with the cost of living crisis it is set to be a difficult time for those who are struggling with financial hardship, isolation, or other challenges. If you’re feeling overwhelmed this Christmas, know that you’re not alone and that there are support services available in Hertfordshire to help you through: 

Warm Spaces in Gloucestershire

If you are struggling to heat your home this winter, and you are worried about staying warm, a number of “warm banks” have been set up across Gloucestershire to provide a free place to come for warmth and a hot drink. Some warm banks also operate community cafés and offer free wifi. 

For a full list of warm banks and the facilities on offer, visit: https://warmspaces.org/#map  

Lysons Hall 

Saint Swithuns Road Gloucester, England, GL2 5LH, United Kingdom 

Opening Hours: Tuesday 10am-12noon 

The Living Room @ Mariners 

1 Llanthony Road Gloucester, England, GL2 5QX, United Kingdom 
Opening Hours: Thursday 3pm-5pm 

Discover DeCrypt 

Southgate Street Gloucester, England, GL1 1TP, United Kingdom 

Opening Hours: Friday 11am-1pm  

St Paul and St Stephen’s Church, Gloucester 

Stroud Road Gloucester, England, GL1 5AH, United Kingdom 

Opening Hours: Wednesday 11am-2 pm 

St Catharine’s Church 

London Road Gloucester, England, GL2 0RR, United Kingdom 
Opening Hours: Wednesday & Thursday 9am-11pm, Sunday 9am-12pm 

The Living Room 

Coney Hill Road Gloucester, England, GL4 4LX, United Kingdom 

Opening Hours: Wed 2pm-4.30pm 

Longlevens Community Centre 

Church Road Gloucester, England, GL2, United Kingdom 
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 10am-11pm, Saturday & Sunday 12 noon-11pm 

Churchdown Club 

Church Road Gloucester, England, GL3 2ER, United Kingdom 

Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday 6-11pm; Friday, Saturday 12pm-11.30pm; Sunday 12pm-7pm 

Shurdington Parish Council 

Bishop Road Cheltenham, England, GL51 4TB, United Kingdom 

Opening Hours: Mondays, 8am-8pm 

Cheltenham Open Door 

Unit 3, St George’s Business Park, Alstone Lane Cheltenham, England, GL51, United Kingdom 

Opening Hours: Monday -Thursday, 10am-3pm 

Stonehouse Baptist Church 

12b Gloucester Road Stonehouse, England, GL10 2PB, United Kingdom 
Opening Hours: Thursday 10am-5pm 

Marah 

Stroud Valley Scout Hut, Chapel Street Stroud, England, GL5 1DU, United Kingdom 
Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 12.30pm-3pm  

The Royal Oak (Tetbury) Ltd 

The Royal Oak, 1 Cirencester Road Tetbury, England, GL8 8EY, United Kingdom 
Opening Hours: 12pm- 11pm 

St Peter’s Church, Newnham 

St Peter’s Church, High Street Newnham, England, GL14 1AD, United Kingdom 

Opening Hours: Thursdays 10am-2pm (excluding 29.12.22) 

The Wesley 

7 Belle Vue Road Cinderford, England, GL14 2AA, United Kingdom 
Opening Hours: Friday 10am-12noon 

Food Banks in Gloucestershire

A food bank is a charitable organization that provides food to people who are unable to afford to buy enough food to meet their basic needs. Food banks in the UK typically operate on a referral basis, meaning that individuals or organizations such as schools or social services will refer people in need to the food bank for assistance. Once at the food bank, you are able to choose from a range of non-perishable food items and other essentials, such as toiletries and cleaning supplies. Food banks in the UK are typically run by volunteers and rely on donations from the public and local businesses to stock their shelves. 

Gloucester Foodbank: https://gloucester.foodbank.org.uk/  

Chelstenham Foodbank: http://cheltenham.foodbank.org.uk 

Tewkesbury Foodbank: https://tewkesbury.foodbank.org.uk 

Stroud district Foodbank: http://strouddistrict.foodbank.org.uk 

Cirencester Foodbank: http://cirencester.foodbank.org.uk 

Mental Health and Crisis Support

Below we have listed some support lines that you can call at any time during the day if you are experiencing a mental health crisis or just want to be able to talk to someone: 

Gloucestershrie crisis support: 0800 169 0398 (open 24/7) 

Suicide crisis support: 07975 974455 

Samaritans: 116 123 

CALM (male mental health support): 0800 58 58 58 

Remember that there are people and organisations in Hertfordshire who are ready and willing to help you during this holiday season. Whether you’re struggling with bills, heating, or loneliness, support is available. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for help – you deserve to enjoy the holiday season, no matter what challenges you’re facing. 

Remember that there are people and organisations in Gloucestershire who are ready and willing to help you during this holiday season. Whether you’re struggling with bills, heating, or loneliness, support is available. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for help – you deserve to enjoy the holiday season, no matter what challenges you’re facing. 

Learn about Guideposts’ services for people in Hertfordshire here