Need support over the Christmas period?

Our offices are closed from 24th December 2022 and open again on 3rd January 2023. If you email us, please expect a response after this period of closure.

However, if you are an existing LRMN client, and have been detained and / or received removal directions over the Christmas period, you should email immigration@lrmn.org.uk.

We cannot provide emergency support for any other issues.

Services

Lewisham Council’s Customer Service Centre is open every day 24/7, call 020 8314 6000.

Crisis Mental Health Line (South London and Maudsley’s 24 hour mental health support line) is also open every day, call them on 0800 731 2864.

For other mental health support, the Samaritans will be open for calls on 116 123 or if you’d just like a chat, you can talk to The Silver Line on 0800 470 8090, they’re open 24/7 every day.

Lewisham Healthy Walks allows you to get a little exercise with others during the winter period. You can see all the information on that here.

Social services Gateway are open until 4pm on 24, 28 and 31 December. On other dates, they are staffed by Emergency Duty Team. The out of hours number is 0208 430 2000.

For Food over the winter period

Lewisham Foodbank, will be open for pickup on 23rd December(Catford Salvation Army). The Food bank will reopen on the 3rd of January (Lewisham Salvation Army). Email info@lewisham.foodbank.org.uk or call 07938 071854 for more information.

The Rastafari Movement UK will be continuing deliveries as normal until 20 December. There will be no delivery on the 26 and 27 December or 2 and 3 January. Normal opening times will resume on Monday 9 January. You’ll need to contribute £2-£4. Email rmukwellbeing@gmail.com or phone on 07769 813799 for more information or to make a referral. For emergency food requests or to offer food donations, please call Chi on 07377871228 or Derwin on 07879652645.

Lewington Food Project, you can find them at Lewington Community Centre, 9 Eugenia Road, SE16 2RU. Open Wednesday 21st December, Wednesday 28th December, possibly also Thursday 29th December (TBC).

Kath’s Place We Care Community Hub, 50 Friendly Street, Deptford, SE8 4DR is open as always Wed – Sat. Closed 25th/26th December and 31 Dec/1 Jan.

ChART Food Project at WG Grace Community Centre, 1 Lions Close, Grove Park SE9 4HG. Open as usual 10am-11am on 21 and 28 December, and 4 January.  Plus, special Christmas afternoon, 1 – 3:30pm 22 Dec. Music, a Christmas quiz, kids’ crafts, Christmas decoration making, games, mince pies and hot drinks! Everyone welcome, bring your family, friends and neighbours.

Lewisham Donation Hub, Unit D, PLACE/Ladywell, SE13 6AY is open as usual – Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays 11am – 2.30pm. You can pick up food, clothing, home essentials. They offer a range of fresh and frozen foods, and a more limited selection of non-perishables, toiletries, women’s essentials and incontinency pads. No booking required but do check the website for important service information as it is weather dependent.

For Christmas dinner

Peckham Soup Kitchen are offering a Christmas dinner from 4-9pm, with dinner served at 5:30pm. There’s also Christmas presents, live dj and entertainment, rsvp to 07424 710 331.

London LGBTQ+ community centre at 60-62 Hopton Street, Blackfriars, SE1 9JH, London. Visit 24 December 12pm – 6pm. No need to sign-up, just come along for a tasty curry and sweet treats and a community dinner. The centre is also open on Christmas day 12 – 6pm for those that need a place to go. 

Barley Loaves, The Ecclēsia (London City Mission) 1 Cornmill Lane, Lewisham SE13 7FY, will be serving the public on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, both Saturday evenings from 8pm.

All Saints Church, 105 New Cross Road, SE14 5DJ, will provide a Christmas Meal on Christmas Day 12.30-4.30pm. Call 020 7639 2889 for more information

The UKCG Soup Kitchen in Catford, UCKG Help Centre, 1 Bromley Road Catford, SE6 2TS, 020 8698 3612, are providing Christmas dinner on Christmas day from 12-3pm. They’re also serving food 11am-1pm on Christmas eve and New years’ eve (including provision of home cooked soup, meals, and surplus food such as sandwiches, bread and milk to choose from and takeaway. Meat and veg options).

Lewisham Islamic Centre, Lewisham Islamic Centre, 363 – 365 Lewisham High Street, SE13 6NZ. LIC will provide a Soup Kitchen from Mon 19th December to Monday 2nd Jan daily, including Christmas Day and Boxing Day, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. Email info@lewishamislamiccentre.com for more!

Cummin’ Up Caribbean Restaurant & Takeaway, Catford, 389 Lewisham High Street, SE13 6NZ. are providing a free hot festive meal on Christmas day. 12pm-4pm. Get in touch at 0208 690 9167.

Christ Church United Reformed Church Bellingham, 15 Bellingham Green, London SE6 3HQ. Tommo, Jan, and their merry band of elves will be serving a free christmas dinner with entertainment for over 40s on Monday 26 December and Monday 2 January. 10:30am-5pm.  Book by phoning or texting: 0771 2677 174. They are also providing lunch, tea and games 11am – 4pm on 25th and 26th December.

Woolwich Common Community Centre are running a Christmas dinner from 1pm, with Turkey stew and buffet 3-7pm, at 16 Leslie Smith Square, SE18 4DW.

Around Christmas

Ichthus Community Table, Ichthus Lee Green, 23 Lampmead Rd, London SE12 8QJ are providing Christmas dinner on Friday 23rd December at the usual time of 1.30pm. Should also be open on 30th.

Pie n Mash are offering a Christmas meal at Deptford Square (opposite Deptford Lounge, corner of Giffin Street and Deptford High Street) on Thurs 22nd December, from 2:30 pm, all welcome!

For more places to get support, please see here.

If you are feeling unsafe…

Women’s Aid has great safety and support resources for survivors, friends, family, neighbours and community members.

If you need housing services…

If you need emergency housing, find a shelter by entering a postcode here.