Whilst the festive season can be a happy time, we know that this can be a difficult time of year for some. Below we’ve put together some tips for looking after your wellbeing during the holidays, as well as details of a range of support services you can access, including mental health support.
Not everyone celebrates Christmas. You might be marking another holiday, like Hanukkah or Diwali, or none at all. These ideas can help you look after yourself in whatever way feels right for you.
It’s important to take time for yourself, unwind and reflect. You’ll find a range of health and wellbeing resources, websites and contacts on our Intranet – Staff Wellbeing Toolbox or here on Thrive.
For more inspiration, read the Mental Health Foundation tips for ways to look after your wellbeing during the festive period.
If you need urgent mental health help
If you or someone you know is in immediate distress or at risk of harm:
- Call 999 or go to your nearest A&E for emergency support.
- If it’s urgent but not life-threatening, call NHS 111 for advice and guidance.
- You can also contact the Samaritans at 116 123, 24 hours a day, for free confidential listening.
If you need to speak to someone
If you need extra support, help is available every day over Christmas and New Year. Check out our Christmas and New Year helpline numbers and opening times page.
For additional support, Vivup, our Employee Assistance Programme provider is available 24/7, 365 days a year by calling 0800 023 9324 or by visiting the website.
Navigating relationships, family dynamics and difficult situations
Family and social situations can sometimes feel tense, complicated or simply exhausting. It’s okay to protect your energy and set limits around what you can manage.
These ideas might help:
- visit Relationships Matter for advice for couples and families on building healthy relationships, including tips to handle arguments better
- find support for blended families or stepfamilies on the Family Lives website
- take a breath and try meditation to ease the stress of challenging family situations
- explore ways to set healthy boundaries over the holidays to protect your wellbeing
- if you’re not in contact with family members, find support through the estrangement charity Stand Alone
Wellbeing hubs and havens
Several local areas now have mental health services which anyone can walk in to for support and advice.
Everyturn Mental Health run Safe Havens in Ashington, Newcastle, and Wallsend. They are open from 2pm-10pm, every day of the year – including Christmas eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve. Find out more about Everyturn’s Safe Havens.
Wellbeing hubs are also open in Stockton, Hartlepool, Darlington, and York. Visit TEWV NHS Trust’s website for more details about these hubs.
In Whitehaven, Cumbria, people can get support from Hope Haven. Walk-in support is on offer at The Senhouse Centre in the run-up to Christmas. And people can book a video-call appointment with their ‘virtual safe haven’, open every day including Christmas eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve. Find out more about Hope Haven.
Money worries
Money worries can affect anyone. MoneySavingExpert has published a short guide with clear information, guidance and support for staff experiencing mental health challenges linked to debt, as well as for those supporting someone else. It includes free, confidential help and practical next steps.
Coping with grief and loss
This time of year can bring back memories of people we’ve lost or traditions that have changed.
Grief affects everyone differently, and support is available if you need it.
- Cruse – coping with grief at Christmas
- Relate – dealing with relationship issues at Christmas
- Full Circle Funerals – what to write in a Christmas card. Full Circle has more helpful blogs, including coping after a pet dies and music for wellbeing after bereavement. They also feature guides to practical matters and run regular online workshops. Visit Full Circle Funerals for more details.
Support with Violence and Abuse
In a emergency situation or someone’s life is in danger please call 999.
(If you’re worried someone might see you have visited a domestic violence help page, the Women’s Aid website tells you how to cover your tracks online.)
To report abuse please:
- complete an online form
- contact Adult Social Care at Newcastle City Council
- contact someone you trust, such as a GP, nurse, police officer or care worker. They will pass on your concerns to the safeguarding agencies.