For many people, Christmas is the highlight of the year, a time for joy and excitement. However, for others it can be an incredibly intense and stressful time with mental, emotional, physical and financial strains all adding up.
According to statistics from Mental Health UK, around 77% of people think their mental health problems worsen during the festive period whilst 73% experience loneliness and isolation even when surrounded by other people.
If you are feeling this way, know that you are not alone, lots of people struggle at this time of year. Luckily, there are lots of places that you can go for support across the Isle of Wight.
- Safe Haven – Newport
Operated by the Two Saints charity and located on High Street, the Safe Haven service in Newport provides a safe space for people in a mental health crisis. You can get support from staff and volunteers by telephone, email, text or face to face during evenings, weekends and bank holidays. The service is open Monday to Friday, 5pm-10pm, and 10am-10pm at weekends. You can contact the service by calling: 01983 520168 or by emailing: [email protected]
- Access to Intervention
The Island’s Access to Intervention team are open between 8am and 4pm, 7 days a week and can be contacted by calling: 01983 522214. They can provide a range of support, as well as signposting and referrals to other services if necessary. - NHS 111
Our NHS 111 Mental Health Triage Service provides advice, support and guidance, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for anyone living on the Isle of Wight. - SHOUT Crisis text service
Text ‘HANTS’ to 85258. This free, confidential service is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year and can listen and support you to get to a calmer, safer place. - Samaritans
You can contact the Samaritans by calling 116123, by emailing [email protected] or by visiting their website samaritans.org. They offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you. They are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. - Kooth – kooth.com
Kooth is a free and confidential online counselling and emotional well-being support service providing young people aged 11-25 years (up to 26th birthday) with a safe and secure way to receive mental health support online. Counsellors are available from 12 midday to 10pm on weekdays and 6pm to 10pm at weekends, every day of the year.
Lucy Abel is Clinical Director for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s Isle of Wight Division. Recognising the issue, Lucy said:
“We know how difficult this time of year can be but many people aren’t aware of how much amazing support is available to them, right in our communities, if they need it. If you’re struggling with your mental health at this time of year, it is important to seek help as soon as possible, there are plenty of options across the island.”
“These services can have a real impact if you are in distress, offering a quiet space or a listening ear that can really help. However, if you are seriously unwell or feel you might hurt yourself or someone else, please call 999 immediately or head to your nearest Emergency Department – mental health emergencies are emergencies.”
It’s the time of year you remember this who have died before you. Christmas reminds you of who is missing from your gathering. Even if you don’t like Christmas celebrations it’s a very emotional time of year