Look after your mental health this Christmas

Christmas is a time of year that can bring all sorts of challenge, pressures and expectations - it may be a time when you feel your mental health is affected as a result, especially after the year we have had.

If you are finding this time particularly challenging, please know that you are not alone - there are organisations who are there to help and listen whether for you or if you are worried about friends, colleagues and loved ones. Please see some of these below, with links in pink to their websites.

Mind, the national mental health charity, gives tips on how to cope at Christmas and New Year and suggestions for supporting others: Mind: Mental Health and Christmas

The Samaritans offer wonderful support 24/7 whether you want to call - 116 223, email on [email protected] or write to them and offer a self-help app too.

For tips on looking after your mental health this Christmas, visit: Mental Health Foundation

Healthier Lancashire & South Cumbria provide a list of services which can help if you or someone you know are experiencing suicidal feelings based on where you/they live. 

Age Concern offer befriending services, Covid support and welfare checks - contact their local offices for services in your local area Age Concern Central Lancashire

An all-ages 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Line is available - 0800 953 0110 - with trained mental health professionals offering help, advice, mental health assessments, referrals and access to Lancashire and South Cumbria Foundation Trust’s wider mental health services.

Kooth is a service for young people who may need support with their mental health and wellbeing.

Andy's Man Club - Preston is a peer to peer support group, for men who are 18 or over. The club meets every Monday, 7pm - 9pm except Bank Holidays.

The Mix offer a mental health support and advice for young people under age 25, including phone, email and crisis text service The Mix 

The Haven in Preston offers drop in and support for those struggling with their mental health. 

CHATS – Parents Support Group is available in the Morecambe and Lancaster area for anyone looking after a child or young person with any kind of emotional/mental health condition. Visit their CHATS Facebook Page

The Silver Line is a free confidential helpline - 0800 4 70 80 90 -  providing information, friendship and support to older people, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
 
Contact this national charity offering debt advice & support:  Step Change. 

Ynot Aspire charity in Accrington supports young people with their mental health and at risk of homelessness. 

Take good care everyone and be gentle with yourself this season.