Andy Williams sang “It’s the most wonderful time of the year”, but not everyone enjoys the festive season. If you struggle with your mental health at this time of year, there are lots of options for support, including talking to one of the team at your GP surgery.
Could you offer friendship to an older adult? Age Concern run a telephone service where you can volunteer to speak to someone each week. This helps to ensure that older people aren’t isolated, and you gain the opportunity to find a new friend. You’re matched with someone with similar interests so you can get a really good conversation going. https://www.ageuk.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer/telephone-friend/
36% of people surveyed by Mind said they feel too embarrassed to admit they feel lonely at Christmas. That’s one in three people. Let’s normalise talking about it.
https://www.mind.org.uk/news-campai…rassed-to-admit-they-are-lonely-at-christmas/
If you’re on a limited budget and concerned about the costs of Christmas, you’ll find a handy guide from the BBC about making the most of your budget for Christmas dinner. https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/articles/christmas_dinner_budget
If you’re facing the thought of Christmas alone and you’re an older adult, the Salvation Army may be able to help. They’re offering meals and support to a wide variety of individuals and families.
https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/christmas
The Samaritans offer a non-judgmental listening service 24/7, including on Christmas Day. They also have some advice on how you can self-care during the run-up to Christmas. https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-c…time/spending-christmas-festive-season-alone/
If you’re on “X”, formerly known as Twitter, there’s a Christmas Day chat called #JoinIn with host Sarah Millican. It provides a bit of friendly chat and company on Christmas Day. https://sarahmillican.co.uk/joinin/