Axia Christmas Closing Times and some Useful Tips

Axia’s Christmas Closure begins at 12 noon on
Thursday 20th December.
Business resumes on 2nd January at 9 am.

Christmas is almost here. While some people look forward to and enjoy the festive season, other people find it a trickier time that presents some challenges. For some people on the Autism Spectrum, there will be lots of change, social interaction, expectations and demands to negotiate as well as sensory considerations to manage. Here are a few useful links, including some useful overviews from the National Autistic Society:-

• Christmas tips for autistic adults (PDF)
• Christmas tips for parents and carers (PDF)
• Christmas tips for grandparents and family (PDF)
• Christmas tips for professionals (PDF)

http://spacedoutandsmiling.com/blog/2015-12-16-3-tips-autism-friendly-christmas

http://ginadavies.info/xmas-challenges/

For some people, Christmas can be an especially difficult time when they feel very low:-

https://www.theguardian.com/social-care-network/social-life-blog/2015/dec/16/austistic-christmas-festive-social-expectations

If you need help this Christmas, there are a number of organisations that can provide support if you are suicidal:-

• The Samaritans are available round the clock every single day of the year, even Christmas day. They can be contacted on (0114) 2767277 or 116 123, or you can email jo@samaritans.org.
• PAPYRUS HOPEline is a charity for the prevention of young suicide. Their helpline telephone number is 0800 068 4141 and is open from 10am to 10pm on weekdays and 2pm to 10pm at weekends. They are available from 2pm – 10pm on bank holidays (Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day).
• The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is a charity dedicated to preventing male suicide. Online webchat is available via www.thecalmzone.net. Their telephone helpline (0800 58 58 58) is open 5pm–midnight, 365 days a year.
• The Hub of Hope (https://hubofhope.co.uk) can be downloaded as an app, as well as having a website. It can help you find services that are nearby

Here are some documents with further information that we hope you might find helpful:-

Need Help leaflet

How to to start a conversation with someone you are concerned about

How can I help myself if I am feeling suicidal