Welcome
Welcome to this weeks Wellbeing Wednesday!
Read on to:
- Give yourself the gift of self-care this Christmas
- Find out how you can support yourself and others during this time of year
- Discover ‘In the moment’ support when you need it the most
If you have any ideas on themes or topics for future editions, or if you’d like to share a good news story, please do get in touch with us via cw.traininghub@nhs.net
We hope you find the tips, tools and resources useful.
Give yourself the gift of self-care
Why Self-Care ISN’T Selfish
This month’s video is a 5 minute insight into ‘Why Self-Care isn’t Selfish.’
Hear Dr Rachel Morris talk about the importance of self-care to re-energise ourselves.
There’s a team wellbeing activity to go with it (of 5 mins, 20 mins or 40 mins – you choose) which you can use in a meeting.
When you register, you’ll also get access to recordings of the previous trainings and lots of other helpful resources.
At this time of year, you might…
Feel lonely
We all experience loneliness from time to time but while the festive season can be a time of joy and connection – it can sometimes also have the opposite effect – making us feel lonely and disconnected.
Click below for some tips to support
Coping with loneliness during the festive season | Mental Health Foundation
Miss a loved one
Whether it’s your first Christmas since they died, or you lost someone many years ago, Christmas can be a particularly painful time.
Click below for support, tips and tools
Coping with grief at Christmas
Ways to remember someone at Christmas
Or if you would rather speak to someone – Cruse Bereavement support phone line have volunteers trained in all types of bereavement and can help you make sense of how you’re feeling right now. Call 0808 808 1677
Have lost someone to suicide
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide offer support for people who have been impacted by suicide loss.
If you find it easier to write down your thoughts and feelings or ask for information when it might be difficult to pick up a phone. Please email email.support@uksobs.org
Alternatively you can call the Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide support line to talk about your loss, get help on being impacted by suicide or for information.
The phones are answered by trained volunteers who have been impacted by suicide, so they will hear you with compassion and understanding.
Please call 0300 111 5065, lines are open everyday 9am-7pm
Worry about money
It can be tough to cope with the financial pressures of Christmas. This can be especially difficult if you’re already struggling with money and for many of us, rises in the cost of living will have made things even harder.
It may help to try some of these tips:
Access financial support
- Register with Vivup, your Employee Assistance Programme to access financial wellbeing support (when asked for your organisation enter ‘Coventry’)
- You could use the Turn2Us benefits calculator to work out what support you’re entitled to.
- Citizens Advice has information on how to get help if you’re struggling to pay your bills.
- You could call Trussell Trust’s free helpline for advice on accessing financial support.
Make lists, plans or a budget.
Noting things down can make them feel more manageable or help you think more clearly.
Creating a budget could also help you feel more in control of what you can spend, see this page on organising your finances for more tips
You could also use Money Helper’s free online budget planner.
Be kind to yourself
Money worries can have a big impact on our mental health, they might make us feel concerned, embarrassed or angry and they can affect self-esteem. Try not to blame yourself for your situation or how you’re feeling about it.
Please know, you are not alone.
Many people will be going through the same experiences and find the festive season tough.
In the Moment support
If you have been finding it hard to reach out to friends, family, or your colleagues, there are a variety of mental health helplines with trained volunteers who will support and listen to you.
Talking to someone who does not have a personal connection to you can lessen the stress and anxiety you may feel about discussing your mental health.
- Vivup have an ‘in the moment support’ service which is available 24/7, 365 days a year. Call 0800 023 9324
- Mind provide a support line that is open from 9am-6pm, Monday to Friday (except bank holidays). Call 0300 102 1234.
- National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK offers a supportive listening service to anyone with thoughts of suicide, which is available from 6pm-mindight every day. Call 0800 689 5652.
- Samaritans have a free listening service which is available 24/7, 365 days a year. Call 116 123. If you would like emotional support in Welsh, call the Welsh Language line at 0808 164 0123.
- Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text support service for anyone in the UK who is struggling to cope. To start a conversation, text the word ‘Shout’ to 85258.
