Mental Health Trust launches new resources for the festive period

Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (AWP) is providing mental health resources, tips and advice to support local people over the Christmas period.

Staff from across the Trust have shared information for people who may find Christmas more challenging. It includes advice on how to support people who have an eating disorder and those with a learning disability who may be effected by changes to routine. The Trust’s Talking Therapies Team also give advice on how to reduce stress levels during the holiday period.

Chris Gilmore, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, at AWP has shared his advice: “While Christmas can be an exciting and a happy time for many, it can also take a toll on our mental health and emotional wellbeing. This may be due to feelings of stress and increase of pressure, financial or otherwise.

When life is feeling difficult, focusing on being compassionate to ourselves, as well as colleagues, friends and family, can make a difference. We hope that these tips will provide support for your mental health and wellbeing and those around you.”

Need more urgent support?

• Need emergency care now - If you, or someone you are with, is at immediate risk of harm, call 999.
• Need urgent help - If you need urgent help with your mental health dial 111 and select the mental health option. 111 will tell you the right place to get help. You may be able to speak to a trained mental health professional over the phone.

AWP provides healthcare for people with serious mental illness, learning disabilities and autism in inpatient and community-based settings. We service a population of around 1.8 million across Bath and North East Somerset (BaNES), Swindon and Wiltshire, and Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire.