Marie Curie pledges to support people throughout the festive period

With Christmas just around the corner, this year more than ever we will want to celebrate and spend quality time with the people we love, even if that might look different than we expected.

People who are approaching end of life or coping with a bereavement might find the festive season a difficult and overwhelming time of year.

More than one million people in the UK are expected to be caring for someone with a terminal illness this Christmas, during what could be their last one together.

Millions of people have also been bereaved since lockdown began and with every death, comes grieving friends and family.

Many people in these situations may find themselves struggling to cope with the demands and pressures of the festive season or feel isolated and don’t know who or where to turn to for extra support.

Marie Curie trained Support Line Officers can provide practical information on everything from managing day-to-day with a terminal illness, to planning ahead.

They also offer emotional support if someone needs a safe space to talk. They have a dedicated bereavement service where callers will be paired with a volunteer, who can offer a regular listening ear, as well as a Check-in and Chat befriending service that lets you arrange a call back from our support line at a time that suits you, whether you need support or just someone to talk to.

The support line is also open to doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals dealing with end of life care this Christmas.

Marie Curie’s online information platform, the Palliative Care Knowledge Zone, includes guidance for professionals on palliative care which is updated regularly.

Marie Curie Information and Support Line Christmas opening hours:

• 21, 22 & 23 December (8am – 6pm)
• 24 December (10am – 4pm)
• 25 & 26 December (10am – 2pm)
• 27 December (closed)
• 28 December (10am- 4pm)
• 29 December (8am – 6pm)
• 30 December (8am – 6pm)
• 31 December (10am – 4pm)
• 1 January (10am – 2pm)
• 2 January (11am – 5pm)
• 3 January (closed)

Your ultimate guide to Christmas shopping in Liverpool

☃️ Getting there, hot chocolate pit stops, toy stores, lunch breaks & more.

>https://t.co/lY4W7VkDF3 pic.twitter.com/8Zlsi8EkcI

— The Guide Liverpool 🌇 (@TheGuideLpool) December 7, 2020

If you have been affected by dying, death and bereavement and need support over Christmas and New Year, then Marie Curie are urging you to contact its services for free on 0800 090 2309.

Alternatively, visit mariecurie.org.uk/support to chat online or to find out other ways we can support you.