We are 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.

Top tips for the festive period

How to have a less stressful Christmas

How to support a loved one with an eating disorder

How to support someone with a learning disability

Concerned about the impact of gambling?

Our South West Gambling Service is run by AWP and includes a range of interventions like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). It supports people across the South West and works in partnership with Mental Health Matters, H2CD, Togetherall, Dr Julian and Intuitive Thinking Skills. To chat to someone in the team call 0330 022 3175 or for more information click here. 

Support for Children and Young People

I’m struggling. What should I do?

  • Speak to your parents or carers
  • Avoid comparing your winter holiday to others
  • The winter break doesn’t last forever!
  • Let yourself experience your feelings
  • Arrange a phone call with people you can’t see over the holiday
  • Reward yourself after doing something difficult
  • Take happy objects with you if you go away

You can find information and tips on keeping mentally healthy on the Every Mind Matters.

Someone I know is struggling. How can I help?

  • Tell them they are not alone
  • Understand that the winter holiday means something different to each person
  • Tell them you are there for them, they can talk to you
  • Listen to what they say and accept their feelings
  • Ask what you can do to help
  • Get a trusted adult to help
  • Give them a call or send a letter
  • Don’t force them to cheer up and join in, their feelings are valid

Resources for Children and Young People

Support for adults

As we approach Christmas, it's common for people to feel excited and enthusiastic about the festivities and celebrations.  But it is also true that it can be stressful and affect our wellbeing.   Research tells us that there are five simple things we can do to have a positive impact. 

The first is to connect with other people, using our relationships to get emotional support and share positive experiences. 

Keeping active can also make a difference, helping our fitness and lifting our mood. 

Trying to learn a new skill can boost our confidence and self-esteem, such as learning to cook a new recipe or trying a new task at work.  We can also gain a great deal from helping others, such as volunteering or visiting family or friends that you haven't seen for a while. 

Lastly, bringing our attention to focus on the present moment so that we increase our awareness, can help us understand ourselves better, changing how we feel and developing 'mindfulness'. 

Trying one or more of these five things may help your wellbeing click here to find out more. 

Resources for Adults

Need advice or someone to talk to

You can find information and tips on keeping mentally healthy on the Every Mind Matters.

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.

If you already receive specialist mental health services, you can also make an appointment to speak with your regular clinician / care co-ordinator / keyworker.

Need emergency care now

If you, or someone you are with, is at immediate risk of harm, call 999.