Help and Support for You in Somerset
Christmas is meant to be the most wonderful time of the year, isn’t it? But let’s be honest, for many of us, the build-up can feel really stressful. In fact, it can feel more like an attack on our mental wellbeing and bank account than a joyful celebration. If the thought of buying presents, sorting the big dinner, and keeping the house warm through December and January leaves you feeling a bit wobbly, you’re definitely not alone. The cost of just about everything seems to have gone through the roof, and it’s making an already expensive time of year much harder to manage.
The good news is that you don’t have to tackle this financial worry alone. There are plenty of community groups and local schemes here in Somerset that are ready to offer a helping hand.
Whether it’s finding emergency food support, getting a bit of assistance with heating bills, or making sure the kids have a present to open, we’ve gathered some supportive resources. Take a deep breath, have a read of the advice we’ve put together below, and remember that being present is 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.
For more financial resources available at any time of the year, check out Welfare and Financial Support in Somerset.
Sources of Christmas Financial Support
If you’re finding the extra costs of Christmas and winter are pushing you to the limit, here are some reliable places to look for a bit of help. Remember, these services are there because people need them, so please don’t feel awkward about reaching out.
Local Help in Somerset
- OMH partner Citizens Advice Somerset is always a great first port of call. They can check what benefits you might be entitled to, help you apply for local council support, and provide free, independent advice on managing debt and bills. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with them.
- Somerset Council Cost-of-Living Support: You might be able to get support with the cost of food, energy, water, and other essentials. Follow the step-by-step guidelines. You’ll find links to local cost-of-living support, national cost-of-living help and advice, and details of the Household Support Fund crisis vouchers for residents in crisis.
- Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) – Surviving Winter Grant: This local initiative helps older people struggling to heat their homes. They can provide grants of up to £500 towards heating costs and link you up with other support, like befriending services.
- Local Food Banks and Pantries: If you’re struggling to afford food, the Trussell Trust runs several food banks across Somerset. You will need a referral (usually from Citizens Advice, a school, or a doctor), but they provide emergency food parcels to tide you over. You can find your nearest one on their website. Alternatively, check out this food resilience map for support in your area.
National Support (Available to Somerset Residents)
Turn2us Grants Search: This helpful national resource offers a free tool to search for charitable grants you might be eligible for based on your background or situation. While most funds don’t give money specifically for Christmas, a grant for a basic need (like a broken washing machine or a bit of help with a utility bill) can free up money for festive expenses.
Help with Christmas Presents for Children: Social services, a health visitor or school can refer you to a scheme run by the Salvation Army that provides gifts for children, or you can contact your nearest Salvation Army centre to find out how to access their support. Christmas Sparkle is a similar local project that collects and distributes new, unwrapped toys and gifts to families whose children and young people would otherwise miss out on a present at Christmas.
The Government Christmas Bonus (£10): If you receive certain benefits during the first full week of December, you will automatically receive a tax-free £10 payment. It’s not a huge amount, but every little helps at this time of year! You don’t need to apply for it.
Coping with Money Worries
Finally, here are some thoughts on how we can minimise the financial worries of Christmas, drawn from our article ‘Self-help tools to stay well over the holiday season’.
- Don’t break the bank: Reject consumer pressure and remember that you don’t have to buy anything for Christmas to make it meaningful. Instead, focus on the non-material aspects of the holiday.
- Creating a budget and making a list of priority expenditures can help keep things manageable.
- Talk openly with loved ones about your situation so you can explore free or low-cost ways to celebrate. Making deals with family and friends not to buy each other presents can help reduce financial pressure and stress.
- Look for free events in our Festive Wellbeing Kit.
- Be kind to yourself. Financial worries can impact your mental health. Remember not to blame yourself for the situation.
And if you need support with your mental health, OMH is here for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Please get in touch with our team at Mindline Somerset, locally on 01823 276892 or freephone 0800 138 1692.
Mindline Live Web Chat is available every day from 8 pm to 11 pm on our website, or you can send us a message.