Festive wellbeing kit: Finding support and calm this Christmas

For many of us, the Christmas holidays bring unique challenges. While it’s often pictured as a time of joy and connection, we know reality can be different; a difficult season marked by stress, loneliness, and financial worries.

The good news is that we don't have to face these pressures alone. To help you manage the ups and downs of the holidays, Open Mental Health has brought together practical advice and resources in the annual Festive Wellbeing Kit.

What is the Festive Wellbeing Kit?

The kit is a collection of resources and helpful advice gathered from across the Open Mental Health alliance. It’s designed to offer practical, preventative steps you can take to keep physically, financially, and mentally well over the holiday period, with a focus on things you can do right away to improve your mental wellbeing

Inside the kit, there are support options that focus on essential areas:

• Health and wellbeing: Fresh ideas and tips for looking after mind and body, including creative activities and an emotional wellbeing wheel
• Families and young people: Resources tailored to family life during the festive break
• Money and socialising: Practical advice on managing budgets and navigating social pressures, including guidance on where to get Christmas financial support
• Loneliness and caring: Finding support for those who feel isolated or for carers.

Check out the Festive Wellbeing Kit on the Open Mental Health website, where you can find your calm this Christmas.

Need to talk? Open Mental Health is here 24/7

Sometimes, talking things through with someone is the best first step. Even for those who are feeling a little anxious or stressed, Open Mental Health's core services are running throughout the holiday season:

• Mindline Somerset: If you need a confidential, safe place to talk, Mindline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No problem is too small; you are not wasting anyone's time
• Call Mindline Somerset locally on 01823 276892 or freephone 0800 138 1692
• Crisis Safe Space (CSS): When we’re struggling with our mental health, Crisis Safe Space offers out-of-hours appointments with a supportive team member who can listen and help. It’s a calmer alternative to going to A&E and offers a safe place to talk when things feel overwhelming
• Please call Mindline Somerset (details above) to arrange an appointment or book online.

In an emergency: If you feel your life is at risk right now due to suicidal thoughts or you have seriously harmed yourself, please seek urgent medical help. Call 999 for an ambulance or go straight to A&E. Ask someone to help you if you can’t go alone.

Open Mental Health is here to ensure that anyone struggling with poor mental health in Somerset can access the right support at the right time. We wish you a peaceful and supported holiday season.