Christmas 2020

Below you can find out about Help on Your Doorstep's opening times during the festive period, as well as information about services available to Islington residents over Christmas.

Advice on Corona Virus over Christmas

Stay at home: London has moved into Tier 4 – please act now to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Due to dangerously high numbers of coronavirus cases, from Sunday 20 December, London has moved into tougher new Tier 4 measures, with tighter restrictions across the capital and plans for Christmas bubbles cancelled.

These new restrictions mean:

• all non-essential shops, hair and beauty salons, indoor gyms and leisure facilities will close
• you must work from home if you can and only travel if absolutely necessary for work, education or essential reasons including to get food or attend a medical appointment
• you cannot mix indoors with anyone you do not live with (other than those in your support bubble)
• you can only meet with one other person outdoors, in an open public space
• plans for Christmas bubbles have been completely scrapped for all areas within Tier 4
• you should stay at home as much as possible to protect yourself and your family.

Help from Islington Council and other local services

We are Islington helpline can be contacted on 020 7527 8222 or minicom on 020 7527 1900. Lines are open every day from 9am to 5pm. You can also email [email protected] For British Sign Language (BSL), use Signvideo. Lines are open Monday - Friday from 9am to 5pm, Saturday from 9am to 1pm, Sunday closed. The We are Islington Helpline is run by Islington Council.

Food and Essential services

Islington Foodbank - You must book an appointment to use this service and they have information on their website about how to do this. They are open on 26 December, 1pm - 4pm at Highbury Roundhouse.

101 is the non emergency police telephone number

111 is the NHS free number for urgent healthcare needs

The Hive Foodbank - running sessions as normal on Wednesday 23rd and Wednesday 30th December. Sessions are open to voucher holders every Wednesday at St Mary’s Hornsey Rise, Ashley Road N19 3AD. Open at 6.30pm and close at 8.30pm. Nearby bus routes: 210, 41 and 91.

The Pillion Trust Food Bank - run from the Ringcross Centre on Lough Road, stocks food and hygiene products for anyone who needs them. It is open from Monday to Friday, 12 noon to 4pm. You can call in twice a week, but not on successive days, to pick up any food or hygiene items you need. You are not limited to one parcel or pre-packed bag. You do not have to be referred by another organisation. All they ask is that the first time you visit the food bank you bring something to prove you live in Islington.

Mental Health Servies

Kooth - The team at Kooth are here for young people over the Christmas period, however, online counselling times have been reduced.  Find out exact dates and times here. 

National helplines

Age UK offers support to older people. If you need advice or practical help, ring their Advice Line on 0800 169 6565 (8am-7pm, 365 days). Or if you’re feeling lonely and want a friendly chat, call The Silver Line on 0800 470 8090 It’s open 24/7, even on Christmas Day.

Citizens Advice national Adviceline. Tel: 0344 4111444 Open Mondays - Fridays, but are closed on bank holidays

Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247 is open 24 hours a day. 

NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 is open 24 hours a day. 

The Samaritans Tel – 116 123  Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a week

Shelter’s urgent phone line Tel: 0808 8004444 Open 365 days a year

See our self help information for further resources on a wide range of issues.