While many people look forward to getting together with friends and family, swapping presents, and enjoying good company over a meal, others may find this time of year overwhelmingly stressful or isolating.
To help residents cope with the pressures of the festive period, Mersey Care, one of the biggest mental and community health trusts in the North West, has produced a new suite of resources designed to protect our mental health during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The new, specialist webpage is packed with practical advice, contact information and free resources to help everyone cope during the Christmas period.
Among the advice and resources available the Christmas health portal are:
- An animation providing hints and tips to help manage stress
- Access to Talking Therapies and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy short films
- Information on when to visit our Urgent Treatment Centres/Walk-in Centres
- Tips on self care to take charge of your wellbeing
- The importance of community to your mental health
- Information on children’s mental health and loneliness
- Urgent mental health resources and contact information.
Crisis mental health support
Available 24/7. If you no longer feel able to cope or be in control of your situation and need urgent help. Call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. NHS staff will then support you to get the help you need. The help line is available 24/7 for people of all ages including children and young people
Samaritans
A safe place to talk 24/7 about whatever is troubling you. Call 116 123. Visit www.samaritans.org/
Dr Noir Thomas, the Mersey Care’s Chief Medical Officer, said:
“We tend to think of Christmas as being a really enjoyable time for us to share quality time with friends and family, but for many it can be extremely stressful and even something to dread.
“Some people may be spending the festive period alone, while many NHS and other emergency workers will give up their precious time with families and friends and work through the festivities to look after patients and those in need of help. Our new suite of resources brings together support and guidance to help everyone look after their mental wellbeing.”
Cllr Christine Bannon, Knowsley Council Cabinet Member for Health, said:
“The festive period can be a genuinely difficult time for many residents, often presenting stresses and feelings of isolation that are sometimes hidden. I strongly welcome this comprehensive suite of resources from Mersey Care. It is vital that everyone knows where to turn for support, whether that’s for practical coping strategies, access to therapies, or urgent help.
“Protecting our community’s mental wellbeing is a year-round priority, and I urge everyone to make use of this excellent advice to ensure a safer and healthier Christmas for themselves and their loved ones.”
You can find Mersey Care’s mental health at Christmas portal on their website, where there is also information about the full range of services they offer for Cheshire and Merseyside residents.