Pausing for Reflection and Renewal: Holiday Office Hours

Wednesday, December 18th, 2024

As the holiday season approaches, it’s a natural time to reflect and recharge. That’s exactly what we’ll be doing at the Swiss Benevolent Society! Our office will be closed from December 23rd, 2024, to January 6th, 2025. We’ll return refreshed and ready to connect with you again on Tuesday, January 7th.

Need Assistance During Our Closure?

For urgent matters,
please contact the following resources:

If your life is at imminent risk, please call the emergency services on 999 or for urgent care you can also dial 111.

Welfare Issues:
Local Council: https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council

Emotional Wellbeing:
Swiss Church London: Rev Manuel Zimmermann Grey +44 (0) 777 851 6211; or via email to minister@swisschurchlondon.org.uk 

Samaritans 24/7 Free Helpline: 116 123 (https://www.samaritans.org/)

SHOUT 24/7 Free Text Message Service: 85258 (www.giveusashout.org); To start a conversation, text the word ‘Shout’ to 85258. Trained Shout Volunteers are there to listen at any time of day or night and messages won’t appear on your phone bill.

Mind: Navigating mental health services can be difficult, so Mind is offering Advice & Support to empower anyone experiencing mental health problems. They also offer local services, coping tools and information. (Not a helpline for urgent cases)  www.mind.org.uk 

Swiss Nationality:
Swiss Embassy London: +44 (0) 20 7616 6400 or https://www.eda.admin.ch/countries/united-kingdom/en/home.html

Financial Assistance:
Citizens Advice Bureau: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
Local Council: https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council

Wishing you a season filled with joy, warmth, and connection!

While we’re away, this doesn’t mean you can’t keep fostering your wellbeing. Here are a few ways to stay inspired:

Reflect and Recharge: Did you receive our latest holiday booklet? It features the Wheel of Life, a powerful tool for self-assessment. Why not use this time to consider your goals for the new year?

Festive Fun: Did you try out the crossword puzzle and coloring page in our booklet? We’d love to see your creations! Share them with us at info@swissbenevolent.org.uk and we’ll feature them on our website. Don’t forget to indulge in our delicious holiday recipes too!

Looking Back and Ahead: In our booklet, we reminisced about our 2024 event at the London Metropolitan Archives. Stay tuned as we announce exciting upcoming events and initiatives designed to connect and support the Swiss community in the UK!

Stay Connected

While we’re away, you can still stay connected with the SBS:

Social Media: Follow us on social media (Facebook & Instagram)for the latest updates and community news.

Newsletter: Subscribe to our newsletter to receive regular updates, including blog posts, event announcements, and helpful resources.

Knowledge Hub: Visit our website to access valuable information on UK benefits, regulations, and other important topics.

We look forward to reconnecting with you in the New Year!

Warm regards,

The Swiss Benevolent Society