Festive Wellbeing Kit
Mental health help & advice.
The Festive Wellbeing Kit is here to support your mental health over the holidays. It offers practical advice, resources, and tips from members of the OMH alliance. Below, you’ll find everything you need to keep yourself well and make the most of the festive period.
Holiday Support from Mindline Somerset
Our team at Mindline Somerset are here to support you throughout the festive period, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you need someone to talk to about how you’re feeling or want advice about local services that offer help and support, call locally on 01823 276892 or freephone 0800 138 1692.
Watch the animation above to find out more about Crisis Safe Space
Crisis Support at Christmas
Instead of going to A&E, making an urgent doctor’s appointment, or suffering in silence, you can arrange a one-to-one session with a member of the Crisis Safe Space team, who will be willing to listen and be able to help you. Sessions are held face-to-face or virtually, depending on the location.
Crisis Safe Space is an out-of-hours service provided by our partners, Mind in Somerset and Second Step, for anyone who feels like they are really struggling with their mental health. If you feel your life is at risk right now due to suicidal thoughts or you have seriously harmed yourself, you need to get urgent medical help. Please call 999 for an ambulance or go straight to A&E. If you can’t do this by yourself, ask someone to help you.
Festive help & advice from our partners:
For some of us, the holiday season can be painful and overwhelming. Money worries, isolation, the anticipation of spending time with family, or the stress of preparing for all the festivities can be hard on our mental wellbeing.
Open Mental Health is an alliance of organisations that can help you through the festive period. If you are struggling with your mental health or wellbeing, call Mindline Somerset locally on 01823 276892 or freephone 0800 138 1692. It doesn’t have to be an emergency or crisis. Whatever challenges you’re facing, we’re here to listen and help.
In the meantime, whether you’re feeling stressed, anxious, depressed or just need someone to listen, the OMH Festive Wellbeing Kit has practical resources to help.
Health and Wellbeing: Staying Supported During the Festive Season
The holidays bring added stress and anxiety for many of us. Here, you’ll discover services and resources available to support your health and wellbeing, helping you move forward no matter what challenges the festive season brings.
Citizens Advice—Free, confidential, and impartial
Citizens Advice Somerset provides free, confidential, and impartial advice on virtually any issue. Their goal is to help everyone find a way forward no matter what problems they face, and they know that just because it’s Christmas, advice needs don’t just disappear. So whoever you are, and whatever the problem advisers will be available throughout the working days of the festive season providing telephone (call 0808 278 7842) and email advice to anyone who needs it. If you have access to the internet, the advice pages here can help too.
Visit their website: https://citizensadvicesomerset.org.uk/
Mind in Somerset—Your local mental health charity
The holiday season can be overwhelming. Whether you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or just need someone to listen, Mindline Somerset is here for you. Check out our resources below and don’t hesitate to reach out:.
Visit their website: https://www.mindinsomerset.org.uk/
Mind’s Christmas coping tips
Christmas & mental health
Second Step—Putting mental health first
Take good care this festive season – Crisis Safe Space is here for anyone experiencing severe emotional distress. Open to over 18s living in Somerset, you can book a phone session or video call or call Mindline on 0800138 1692 .
Stepladder, Second Step’s men’s mental health project, is here to support, signpost and connect men all year round. Go to our website to find groups to connect with and a host of wellbeing resources to tap into.
Visit their website: https://www.second-step.co.uk/
SASP—Increasing health and happiness through physical activity
Staying active in winter is essential for both physical and mental wellbeing, no matter your age or ability. Whether you enjoy the benefit of the outdoors or the warmth of indoor activities, find something to help you move more in ways that suit you. Check out SASP’s Things To Do page for fresh ideas to keep you active or take a look at the Somerset Moves Activity Finder where you can find activities local to you.
Visit their website: https://www.sasp.co.uk/
Things to do: https://www.sasp.co.uk/things-to-do
Activity Finder: https://somersetmoves.activityfinder.net/
Spark—Building healthy, resilient communities
We all know volunteering helps others, but did you know it can boost your physical and mental wellbeing too?It’s a great way to meet new people, learn new skills, and make a difference to a cause that matters to you. From virtual to in-person roles, indoors or out, one-off or regular—there’s something for everyone. Whatever your age, location or interests, Spark a Change makes it easy to find an opportunity that’s right for you.
Visit their website: sparkachange.org.uk/volunteer-campaign to get started.
Somerset Council—For a healthy and caring county
Visit their website: https://www.somerset.gov.uk/
Nelson Trust—Making change possible
For many women throughout Somerset, Christmas is a challenging time that highlights the day to day complexities and challenges we might be experiencing such as substance misuse, debts, mental health, or family issues. Our women’s centre can provide you with a safe and welcoming space to seek vital support during this time. We offer one to one key working to address ongoing issues, groups with other likeminded women and a safe place to talk.
Visit their website: https://www.nelsontrust.com/
WATCH
This Christmas season at WATCH, we have so much in store for our members! On the lead-up to Christmas, join us for the Pathways Project, where you can come together online to learn and connect. Plus, don’t miss our Thursday Project for face-to-face peer support and a hot meal to warm your spirits. And that’s not all—there’s so much more to enjoy, including a festive Christmas party., as we celebrate the season of giving and community! Contact info@watchproject.org.uk to learn more and get involved.
Visit their website: https://watchproject.org.uk/
Link to the WATCH Events Calendar
Rethink—Working to transform lives
This information is about managing your mental health over the Christmas period. It is for people who are 18 or over and affected by mental illness in England.
Visit their website: https://www.rethink.org/
Christmas Support for Families and Young People
The festive period can be challenging for families and young people, with pressures ranging from financial strain to social anxiety. This section offers opportunities to connect, take part in fun activities, and find support from local services dedicated to helping young people and families feel more at ease this holiday season.
Balsam Centre—Supporting healthy and happy lives
Christmas can affect our mental wellbeing in lots of different ways, from worrying about money and the pressure to create the ‘perfect’ Christmas to feeling lonely if we don’t have many people around us, or feel we have to act differently around others at this time of year. Throughout December, The Balsam Centre will be running various events to support people who might be struggling with these issues in the build-up to the festive season. We also offer regular weekly sessions that can help if you’re feeling isolated, or need some advice and support. See the schedule.
Visit their website: https://www.balsamcentre.org.uk/
FUSE Performance—Creative projects to support health and wellbeing
Christmas time can be a challenging time (for families and young people) and we hope we may be able to support with the survival tool kits and helpful suggestions for creative activities to support health and well-being. Why not join in with one of our face to face activities sessions leading up to Christmas. Or download some of our links from the inside out arts project. The resources can be used at home or in a youth, community, education setting.
Minehead Eye—A host of activities and events for all ages
Minehead Eye recognises that Christmas can be both exciting and challenging for young people. We’ve organised a variety of activities—from Crafty Explorers to Roller discos and acoustic nights—to keep everyone engaged and energised. We’re also offering a drop-in café with our wellbeing team through most of the festive season, providing a space to unwind with a chat and a cuppa.
For more information on our events, visit: www.mineheadeye.co.uk.
Young Somerset—Putting young people first
At Young Somerset we understand that Christmas can be a tough time for anybody. You can have the opportunity to access our youth groups designed by young people. Umberella provides a safe space for 13-17 year olds to foster new relationships with peers and a trusted adult that are long lasting from this Christmas to the next. We provide cooking art sport and other group activities that are chosen by the young people that access the group.
Visit their website:https://www.youngsomerset.org.uk/
2BU—LGBTQ+ youth support service where it’s OK 2BU
The festive period can be particularly tough for some LGBTQ+ people. If you’re a young LGBTQ+ person living in Somerset, you may find that being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning your sexuality or gender identity can sometimes be difficult. 2BU provides a support network at difficult times if you are struggling, want some support or you just want to meet others like you.
Visit their website:https://www.2bu-somerset.co.uk/
SASP – We’ve Got This Wellbeing Support
SASP recognises the challenges over winter for young people and We’ve Got This is here to support you to feel more positive about yourself, through providing you with fun, safe and purposeful environments to feel more empowered about your mental health and your life in general.
For more information: www.sasp.co.uk/weve-got-this
Dealing with the Challenges of Food and Socialising
SWEDA—Supporting people affected by eating disorders
The festive period can be a time when families come together, and food is often a central part of celebrations. It can be a particularly exhausting and stressful time of year if you have an eating disorder or difficulties with food, eating, or body image. Common difficulties include: eating in front of other people, relatives commenting on somebody’s appearance or what they’re eating, people encouraging others to eat more, or to eat foods that may be challenging for someone affected by an eating disorder.
Visit their website: https://swedauk.org
Loneliness and Carers Support for Christmas
The festive season can amplify feelings of isolation. The holidays create extra challenges for caregivers, too. These services are here to support people who feel isolated or give care to others.
Age UK Somerset—Changing how we age
Christmas can be a time when everyone is out celebrating and having fun, but some people may sometimes feel lonely, isolated, or low. Age UK Wellbeing Service offers a range of different elements – such as Walk and Talk, Wellbeing Friends and Friendly Phone Calls – to help individuals over 60 feel less lonely and always listened to and to improve their quality of life. If you or someone you know could benefit from talking to one of our friendly volunteers, click here to find out more.
Visit their website: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/somerset/
Love Community CIC
Farmerados is run by volunteers who understand agricultural life and know how tough it can be. We believe a friendly conversation can help farmers realise they’re not alone. Sharing a worrisome load really takes some weight off. Discover more about our inviting pop-up farmhouse kitchens—welcoming spaces at agricultural markets and events where you can enjoy a hot drink and a biscuit or three.
CCS Somerset—Inspiring and enabling positive change for Somerset
Somerset Carers service provides support for unpaid carers including information, advice and carers groups. Christmas can bring extra challenges that can impact carers wellbeing and that of the person they are caring for. Our downloadable resources include a carers checklist with useful contacts and some top tips for carers during the festive season. Phone lines are open as usual including Friday 27th, Monday 30th and Tuesday 31st December and closed on the Bank Holidays.
Visit their website: https://somersetcarers.org/
Diversity Voice—A space to be who you are
Diversity Voice is here to help those who feel isolated to find a sense of connection. This year, we’re focusing on prevention to help people prepare for the often-tough post-Christmas period. Our work centres on diverse communities, with a particular focus on supporting neurodivergent individuals, the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disabilities (including invisible illnesses), and anyone feeling particularly alone. We’re here to give you space to be exactly who you are and to feel however you feel. You belong here, and you matter.
Help and Advice in Any Language
Visit their website: https://diversityvoice.org.uk/
OMH Partner Groups & Courses
| Partner | Info | Link |
|---|---|---|
| 2BU | 2Bu have a number of support groups and services for young LGBTQ+ people in Somerset. | Link to 2BU Groups. |
| FUSE | Fuse offer a variety of activities and groups as well as online wellbeing resources. | Link to events at FUSE. |
| SASP | SASP have a number of programmes over the winter to support Somerset residents to keep active, healthy and connected - | Link to SASP website |
| Second Step | Christmas is a great time to turn up to a local group and see what it has to offer. Visit the interactive map on the Stepladder website to find out what is available in your area. From men’s sheds to walking football, gaming to gardening, there are plenty of options to engage with others who get it. | Link to Second Step's Interactive Map |
| SPARK | The weather may be getting colder but community groups and venues across Somerset are opening their doors to provide a warm, welcoming space for anyone who needs it this winter. Enjoy a warm and friendly environment where you can connect with others over a hot drink and join in activities. | Link to Warm Welcomes |
| SWEDA | If you’re feeling worried about the upcoming festive season and disordered eating, SWEDA is here to help. We have a dedicated helpline, and we have resources on our website with information about different kinds of eating disorders, tips for navigating daily life with an eating disorder, and links to further resources from specialist organisations. | Link to resources at SWEDA. |
| Watch | This Christmas, discover the joy of community and the warmth of peer support at WATCH! | Link to events at Watch. |
Explore our holiday wellbeing articles
Somerset Christmas mental health support
The challenges of eating disorders at Christmas
Self-help tips for good festive mental health
Keep things in perspective: “Don’t believe the adverts you see on telly”, and avoid the pressure that comes from unrealistic media portrayals of a perfect Christmas.
Don’t break the bank: Reject consumer pressure and remember that, and remember, “you don’t have to buy anything” for Christmas to make it meaningful. Instead, focus on the non-material aspects of the holiday.
Make agreements with family: One OMH volunteer made a deal with her sister not to buy each other presents, which helped reduce financial pressure and stress. Consider the same kind of non-gift pact with your family members.
Be present and be the best present: The greatest gift you can give to loved ones is your attention. Spending quality time together, rather than focusing on gifts, makes for a much more meaningful holiday experience.
Set boundaries: Make agreements with family about what you’re comfortable with during the holidays. This way, you can opt out of events that cause you stress and avoid overcommitting yourself.
Socialising: Don’t feel pressured to attend every social event. It can be overwhelming. It’s okay to say no to protect your mental health.
Plan some quiet time: Allow yourself time to rest and recharge during the holidays. Setting aside some “me time” can help you stay balanced and well.
Connect with supportive people: Spend time with those who make you feel good; avoid those who create stress.
Cut back on the scrolling: Limit your social media exposure; we often compare our holiday to others’ and think unhappy thoughts. Limiting time on social media can help reduce this pressure.
Find your calm this Christmas
Introducing the Somerset Festive Wellbeing Calendar
To help you smooth out the ups and downs of the winter season, Somerset Council, Our Somerset and OMH Expert by Experience Leaders, have created a wellbeing calendar—a resource to support your mental health with daily self-care tips and simple actions to make this year’s holidays a little easier on the mind.
Supportive NHS resources
NHS Somerset Winter Plan
The NHS Winter campaign provides advice and guidance on how to manage your health, gives practical tips on keeping your home warm and safe and details where you can access support in the community. Follow this link to find out more information on how to keep yourself well over winter.
NHS Talking Therapies
Help for anxiety and depression
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust’s Talking Therapies service offers many different short term, time-limited treatments for anxiety and depression. These treatments are available both individually and in groups, by telephone and video for your greater convenience, and in person at venues too.
The service can also support you to cope better if you have experienced a traumatic event, or if you are struggling to live with a long term physical health condition such as diabetes, heart failure or breathing difficulties.
Visit the website and use the self-referral links on the page to access assessment and support. You’ll be offered a prompt assessment session with an experienced clinician, usually on the phone, to look at what’s troubling you and how the service can offer the most effective support.
https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/somerset-talking-therapies/
How to get help:
If you seek help there are no judgements. There are a number of helpful resources online below to make sure you can get the help that you need.
Mindline Somerset
Our team at Mindline Somerset are here to support you throughout the festive period, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you need someone to talk to about how you’re feeling or want advice about local services that offer help and support, call locally on 01823 276892 or freephone 0800 138 1692.
Get Urgent Help
Instead of going to A&E, making an urgent doctor’s appointment, or suffering in silence, you can arrange a one-to-one session with a member of the Crisis Safe Space team, who will be willing to listen and be able to help you. Sessions are held face-to-face or virtually, depending on the location.
Crisis Safe Space is an out-of-hours service provided by our partners, Mind in Somerset and Second Step, for anyone who feels like they are really struggling with their mental health. If you feel your life is at risk right now due to suicidal thoughts or you have seriously harmed yourself, you need to get urgent medical help. Please call 999 for an ambulance or go straight to A&E. If you can’t do this by yourself, ask someone to help you.
Helpful Websites for Adults
- Samaritans provides confidential, emotional support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to those experiencing despair, distress, or suicidal feelings. Tel: 116 123 Email: jo@samaritans.org
- Anxiety UK provides support if you have been diagnosed with an anxiety condition.
- Beat supports people who are going through difficult times with eating disorders
- Bipolar UK helping people living with manic depression or bipolar disorder.
- CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably and provides support to men aged 15 to 35
- No Panic offers support for sufferers of panic attacks and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Offers a course to help overcome your phobia or OCD.
- Papyrus is the young suicide prevention charity. HOPELINEUK: 0800 068 4141
- Sane provides emotional support, information and guidance for people affected by mental illness, their families and carers. SANEline: 0300 304 7000
- Shout is led by trained volunteers who can help you in a moment of chaos/crisis to find calm. Free text 24/7 on 85258.
- YoungMinds provides information for parents on child and adolescent mental health. Parents’ helpline 0808 802 5544
- Womens Aid – Women’s Aid is the national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children.
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0808 2000 247 (run by Refuge)
- ManKind – For Male Victims of Domestic Abuse. Freephone 0808 800 1170
- Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service – Free, confidential, and non-judgemental support. Call 24/7 on 0300 303 8788
Help for Young People (U18)
If you are a young person (under 18) looking for support the below websites provide useful resources and support that you may find helpful:
- Young Somerset – wellbeing support including virtual hubs and counselling.
- Papyrus is a national charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide. They provide confidential support and advice to young people struggling with thoughts of suicide, and anyone worried about a young person through their helpline, HOPELINEUK.
- Young Minds Crisis Messenger text service provides free, 24/7 crisis support across the UK. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need support, you can text YM to 85258.
- Kooth is a confidential online mental health service where young people and adults can receive counselling, advice and support for their emotional well-being.