Tag: support

Blow for homeless community as Streetreads Library to close

Streetreads Library, a vital community space, based in Nicholson Square in Edinburgh, which serves 150-200 people experiencing homelessness every week, is facing closure after unexpectedly being served an eviction notice.

The well-used independent service, operated by Simon Community Scotland and solely reliant on donations and fundraising, provides not just books but a sense of belonging and hope to those who visit.  It currently costs around £75,000 a year to run.

Fiona Williamson, Head of Service for Simon Community Scotland in Edinburgh, said: “We are devastated and deeply concerned about the impact this will have on people who use the library.

“Streetreads opened in 2021 and has grown exponentially alongside the people we support. There will be a huge gap in services and support while we seek new premises, as our appeal for more time to find an alternative site has sadly been declined.

“At very little cost, Streetreads creates immeasurable value for the city. Losing this space is not just a blow for the most vulnerable and isolated people in our city — it’s a setback for Edinburgh as a whole.”

Michelle, a regular visitor to the space, said: “Streetreads is more than a library— it’s a sanctuary. It’s the only place where I feel human.”

With up to 100 people rough sleeping in Edinburgh and over 5000 people living in homelessness accommodation, the need for safe spaces has never been greater.

Simon Community Scotland is urgently seeking a new location to ensure no one is left without this lifeline service. 

The charity needs funds to help secure the right space that will meet the needs of the people being supported, including mental health support, creative writing and arts, educational opportunities, advice, community and hope, as well as the opportunity to find a quiet, warm, safe space to read, get a cup of tea and have a chat.

Lorraine McGrath, CEO for Simon Community Scotland, said: “The need for safe places, support and hope has never been greater.

“This eviction underscores the growing challenges facing people in Edinburgh who are increasingly at risk of homelessness and all the related harm and trauma. We need urgent support to find a new home for Streetreads. We have been advised that alternative premises are likely to add an additional £20,000 a year to running costs.”

Award-winning authors Ian Rankin and Michael Pederson have voiced their support for the charity.

Rebus creator Ian Rankin, said: “I’ve known and supported Streetreads from the very beginning and always enjoyed visiting the library and drop-in centre.

“I’m so hoping that suitable accommodation can be found for this crucial enterprise. Streetreads means the world to its many users.”

Michael Pedersen, writer in residence at The University of Edinburgh and Edinburgh’s Makar (Poet Laureate), said: “Streetreads Library is an incredible, crucial, and vital resource to Edinburgh and Scotland beyond.

“It’s refuge and salvation, it’s connection and inspiration, and so so much more. I’ve been awe-struck by the work they do, their warmth and innovation, and the enthusiasm their clients have for the space, its people and the facilities.

“Quite frankly, it’s invaluable. And all this from a library that’s only in its infancy (in the grand scheme of things). We need to be growing it, supporting it, championing it and celebrating it. It’s a model for others to learn from, to follow, but only if we rally behind them now and henceforth.

“What a formidable loss this location would be, a beacon of hope taken from the chest chamber of our capital city.”

Fiona Williamson added: “This isn’t just a library—it’s a lifeline. This is a chance for Edinburgh to show its spirit and solidarity. We’re asking landlords, businesses, and community members to help us to secure the right space which requires investment and funding.

“I am excited that together, we can ensure no one is left without the safety, opportunities, learning and hope that is provided by this vital service.”

If you can help, please contact Simon Community Scotland immediately via hello@simonscotland.org or visit www.simonscotland.org.

If you would like to donate please go to: 

https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/streetreadslibrary

UK and Ukraine to sign ‘landmark 100 Year Partnership’

The UK and Ukraine will sign a historic partnership, as the Prime Minister travels to the country to meet President Zelenskyy

  • Treaty will bolster military collaboration on maritime security through a new framework to strengthen Baltic Sea, Black Sea, and Azov Sea security and deter ongoing Russian aggression
  • Will bring together experts to advance scientific and technology partnerships, in areas such as healthcare and disease, agri-tech, space and drones, and build lifelong friendships through classroom projects
  • New UK-built Grain Verification Scheme will also be launched to track stolen grain from occupied Ukrainian territories

The UK and Ukraine will sign a historic partnership, as the Prime Minister travels to the country to meet President Zelenskyy.

The unbreakable bonds between the UK and Ukraine will be formalised through the landmark new 100 Year Partnership between the two countries, broadening and deepening the relationship across defence and non-military areas and enabling closer community links.

From working together on the world stage to breaking down barriers to trade and growth and nurturing cultural links, the mutually beneficial partnership will see the UK and Ukraine advocate for each other to renew, rebuild and reform for generations to come.

The partnership underpins the Prime Minister’s steadfast leadership on Ukraine as his government continues to provide support. Spanning nine key pillars, it will harness the innovation, strength and resilience that Ukraine has shown in its defence against Russia’s illegal and barbaric invasion; and foster it to support long-term security and growth for both our countries. The Treaty and political declaration, which form the 100 Year Partnership, will be laid in Parliament in the coming weeks.

It is expected to bolster military collaboration on maritime security through a new framework to strengthen Baltic Sea, Black Sea, and Azov Sea security and deter ongoing Russian aggression, bring together experts to advance scientific and technology partnerships, in areas such as healthcare and disease, agri-tech, space and drones, and build lifelong friendships through classroom projects.

It also cements the UK as a preferred partner for Ukraine’s energy sector, critical minerals strategy and green steel production.

The 100 Year Partnership is a major step in supporting Ukraine’s long-term security – ensuring they are never again vulnerable to the kind of brutality inflicted on it by Russia – and committing to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with a sovereign Ukraine for the next century.

Ukraine has a highly trained military, and a thriving technology sector that is rapidly designing and deploying state of the art battle-ready equipment: a security partnership with Ukraine will make Britain stronger. 

To mark the signing of the partnership today, the Prime Minister is expected to announce new UK support for Ukraine from lethal aid to economic resilience.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Putin’s ambition to wrench Ukraine away from its closest partners has been a monumental strategic failure. Instead, we are closer than ever, and this partnership will take that friendship to the next level.

“This is not just about the here and now, it is also about an investment in our two countries for the next century, bringing together technology development, scientific advances and cultural exchanges, and harnessing the phenomenal innovation shown by Ukraine in recent years for generations to come.

“The power of our long-term friendships cannot be underestimated. Supporting Ukraine to defend itself from Russia’s barbaric invasion and rebuild a prosperous, sovereign future, is vital to this government’s foundation of security and our Plan for Change.

“Through this partnership, we are creating a strong economy that works for the British people, a safe country that protects our interests at home and abroad, and a prosperous society.”

The Prime Minister will join a Ukrainian class dialling into a primary school in Liverpool today, who will be joined by the Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson. He will hear from the next generation about how the partnership will deliver brighter futures for children in both countries, fostering cultural exchanges and learning for youngsters.

100 schools in the UK and Ukraine will be partnered over the coming months as part of a two-way programme built around reading for pleasure. Through sharing stories from their own cultures, they will explore the power of reading to overcome adversity – building links between the countries for generations to come.

The Prime Minister is also expected to see firsthand how UK aid is supporting Ukrainians living under bombardment through a visit to a Ukrainian hospital. He will meet patients and doctors and hear how £100m of UK humanitarian funding is supporting needs across Ukraine and specialist medical care for burn victims, including those maimed by Russian missiles raining down on neighbourhoods.

The hospital is being supported by specialist NHS doctors, who are upskilling Ukrainian medical teams and providing lifesaving opinions on treatment for severely injured patients, both virtually and through short deployments to the country. Many admitted to the hospital have burns to between 30% and 40% of their body surface.

The Prime Minister will also announce £40m for a new economic recovery programme to unlock hundreds of millions of pounds worth of private lending to bolster the growth and economic resilience of small and medium businesses in Ukraine, which form the backbone of the country’s economy.

The programme will create opportunities for UK companies by supporting key growth sectors in Ukraine, opening up enhanced trade and investment opportunities with one of our closest allies. The funding will be targeted at businesses supporting the green economy, and marginalised groups including women and veterans.

It is hoped over the long term, the programme, called TIGER (Triggering Investment Growth and Economic Resilience), will reduce reliance in Ukrainian communities on humanitarian support and help build economic resilience.

And as part of the partnership, a new Grain Verification Scheme will also be launched to track stolen grain from occupied Ukrainian territories. The UK developed the new scheme following an ask from Ukraine to the G7 to help trace snatched grain from Ukraine fields under Russian control, which is then relabelled and sold on.

Using cutting edge science to help determine where grain has been grown and harvested, the UK has developed a database to support Ukraine’s efforts to trace and stop theft of grain from occupied regions.

Ukraine, a country which remains a major supplier of agricultural produce, is crucial for global food security. The database will be handed over to Ukraine from the Environment Secretary in the coming weeks.

Today’s announcement builds on the £12.8 billion package of support the UK has given Ukraine, including £7.8bn of military assistance, a commitment for £3bn in military aid until as long as it takes, and ongoing energy infrastructure support to help hospitals and community facilities provide light and warmth to innocent civilians impacted by Putin’s invasion.

The UK and Ukraine will use an annual high-level Strategic Dialogue to ensure progress on the partnership for decades to come.

Gordon Macdonald MSP calls out Labour’s betrayal of 24,230 WASPI women across Edinburgh

Gordon Macdonald MSP has hit out at UK Labour government’s betrayal of WASPI women as figures from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) reveal 24,230 women across Edinburgh may have lost out on pension payments.

As a result of the DWP’s failure to inform them of changes to the state pension age, it is estimated that a total of 355,910 women across Scotland did not receive money they were entitled to.

Now, following their electoral victory in July last year, the UK Labour government have reneged on their promise to compensate these women. The SNP however continues to call for the WASPI Women to receive the compensation they deserve, doing so again in a Holyrood debate this week.

Commenting, Gordon Macdonald MSP said: “The Labour government’s betrayal of the WASPI Women is utterly shameful.

“As many as 24,230 across Edinburgh have lost out as a result of a UK government mistake, and many have tirelessly campaigned for decades to right this wrong.

“For the Labour Party – after mere months in power – to break their promise to compensate these women is wrong and an enormous breach of trust.

“The SNP will continue to campaign alongside the WASPI Women for the compensation they deserve. I urge the Labour government to see sense and u-turn on their decision.”

Based on NRS mid-year 2023 population estimates

Local authorityNumber
Aberdeen City11,360
Aberdeenshire16,560
Angus7,990
Argyll and Bute6,670
City of Edinburgh24,230
Clackmannanshire3,320
Dumfries and Galloway11,120
Dundee City7,820
East Ayrshire7,860
East Dunbartonshire7,480
East Lothian7,170
East Renfrewshire6,130
Falkirk9,500
Fife23,710
Glasgow City29,560
Highland16,430
Inverclyde5,490
Midlothian5,630
Moray6,240
Na h-Eileanan Siar1,890
North Ayrshire9,730
North Lanarkshire19,840
Orkney Islands1,520
Perth and Kinross10,500
Renfrewshire11,240
Scottish Borders8,740
Shetland Islands1,380
South Ayrshire8,610
South Lanarkshire21,140
Stirling5,400
West Dunbartonshire5,820
West Lothian10,070

What a brilliant idea! Blackmoon switches local charities on to a new source of energy-efficient illumination

A Midlothian company is literally bringing light into the lives of hard-working teams and big-hearted volunteers who staff Scotland’s charities with a brilliant initiative which will also cut waste and boost the circular economy.

Blackmoon Lighting, which has been operating out of Loanhead since 2004, has established a scheme in which whenever it is engaged in a Category (Cat) B fit out, it recovers energy-efficient light fittings from existing Cat A fit outs which otherwise might be thrown away, refurbishes them and donates them to worthy causes.

A Cat A fit out is a basic operational fit out that provides a finished empty space, ready to move into, while a Cat B fit out involves bringing all office design elements, including flooring and furniture, to create an operational workplace.

The firm, which specialises in concept designs, lighting modelling and supplying energy efficient, sustainable lighting solutions, founded the scheme following the appointment of a new management team in May last year.

It gives perfectly serviceable light fittings a second life by collecting them, refurbishing them and distributing them to charities or recycling them. Any fittings donated to charitable causes come with a five-year guarantee.

Matthew Wright, who has taken on the role of Managing Director at Blackmoon, said: “There are lots of Cat B fit outs going on across the Central Belt of Scotland, where a workplace is completely re-designed to a client’s unique specifications, and often the first thing they do is rip out the lights and replace them with new ones. That’s where we step in.

“This re-purposing initiative is our way of closing the loop, reducing resource consumption, lowering emissions and making a contribution to building a Net Zero future through our circular economy approach.

“We have already helped the Smart Works charity in Edinburgh and a major educational concern in the city. Energy-efficient light fittings benefit charities financially, but many can’t afford them. Now all they have to do is get in touch with us and we’ll see how we can assist.”

Smart Works Scotland, which gives unemployed women the clothes, coaching and confidence to secure employment and change their lives, has two centres, at Annandale Street in Edinburgh and in Glasgow.

Rachel Shields, its Fundraising and Partnerships Manager, said: “We were delighted that the light fittings were donated free to our charity’s new centre in Edinburgh by this amazing and sustainable initiative. 

“Thanks so much to Blackmoon Lighting for supporting our cause and helping to transform our new centre into a warm and welcoming hub where even more women can access our transformative interview, dressing and coaching service to help them connect with their potential, get the job and change their lives.”

The new management team at Blackmoon Lighting, which includes Ewan Arthur as Sales Director and Marc Faughnan as Operations Director, took over on the retirement of the company’s founder, Kenny Morrison.

It employs 12 people and carries out installations across the UK. The fast-growing company also has the facility to design and manufacture bespoke luminaires and systems for both decorative and commercial applications.

Healthy Heart Tip: How to drink less alcohol this New Year

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK

Alcohol can often be at the forefront of the festive season. This time of year, is for gathering and celebrating with your loved ones, which can often mean consuming too much alcohol.

Over 60% of drinkers in the UK over-indulge during the festive period, consuming more alcohol than usual and having their first drink at an earlier time of day. Alcohol consumption can have a negative effect on the heart and a few drinks can cause you to sleep poorly and be tired the next day, making you reach for unhealthy foods for a quick energy fix.  

In this week’s healthy tip, we share some ideas for how you can reduce your alcohol consumption this festive season and enter the new year feeling full of energy. 

Alcohol-free drinks 

With so many alcohol-free alternatives of your favourite big-name brands now available, why not use Christmas as a time to try them out?

You may need to try a few to find one that you like, but often they taste very similar to their alcoholic counterpart. Even if you don’t quit drinking entirely, you can reduce the amount of alcohol you consume by alternating your regular drink with an alcohol-free version.  

Mocktails 

Mocktails or cocktails without alcohol are a great way to enjoy a tasty drink this festive season. Bars and restaurants often have a wide range of mocktails for you to choose from, and they’re usually cheaper too.

Be mindful when choosing your drink of how much sugar is in it, try to avoid those containing sugar syrups and fruit juices. Instead, opt for ones containing ingredients like mint, lime juice and soda water. A fancy glass makes all the difference, so why not buy some decorative cocktail vessels, and make some indulgent mocktails at home. 

Enjoy alcohol in moderation 

To look after our heart, we don’t have to stop drinking completely. The key is to enjoy alcohol in moderation and adopt other healthy lifestyle habits alongside this.

The NHS recommends drinking no more than 12 units of alcohol per week, spread across three or more days which is the equivalent to six medium (175ml) glasses of wine or six pints of 4% beer.

By not exceeding these recommendations, you may feel more able to be physically active and cook healthier meals. 

Edinburgh residents urged to aim for a tobacco-free 2025

ASH Scotland is encouraging people in Edinburgh who smoke to aim for a tobacco-free 2025 to improve their physical and mental wellbeing.

The health charity’s call is part of its campaign promoting NHS Scotland’s free, expert stop-smoking support services.

Quitting smoking is one of the most impactful steps a person can take to lower their risk of long-term smoking-related illnesses, and also save money.

When people decide to make give up smoking their New Year’s resolution, not only will they find their health can improve but also an average smoker can save in the region of £250 by the end of January.

60% of people in Scotland who have given up smoking did not use anything to aid their quit attempts while 25% used Nicotine Replacement Therapy such as gum, patches and lozenges.

Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, said: “Tobacco can be highly addictive so, if you’ve tried to quit before and gone back to smoking, don’t be discouraged. Each attempt helps you to understand better what methods work best for you.

“Giving up tobacco is the most important step you can take to improve your health, your finances, and the wellbeing of you and those around you. And you don’t have to face quitting alone.

“This New Year, we encourage people to reach out to local stop-smoking services or the national Quit Your Way Scotland service. With their specialist support, you’ll gain the confidence, tools, and motivation you need to have a tobacco-free 2025.”



For tips and resources to help you quit smoking, visit QuitYourWay.Scot or call the Quit Your Way Scotland free helpline on 0800 84 84 84.

NHS Lothian: Quit Your Way

Your local community pharmacy provides a free stop smoking service.

You can drop in when it suits you to chat to your local pharmacy team. They will explain the nicotine replacement products available to help you quit smoking and advise on the pros and cons of each to help you decide which option is the best for you.

Find your local pharmacy ⬇

www.nhsinform.scot/scotlands-service-directory/pharmacies

Mental health support over festive season

The festive season can be difficult for some. It’s important we all take care of our #MentalHealth Support is available

#MindtoMind

http://nhsinform.scot/mind-to-mind

@NHS24 Mental Health Hub – call 111

#BreathingSpace – 0800 83 85 87

@samaritans – http://bit.ly/CallSamaritans or… call 116 123

Quit for a week and save a day, say health experts

Smokers who choose to quit on the 1 January could save a whole day of their life by 8 January, according to new research

  • New research finds smokers who choose to quit on New Year’s Day could save a whole day of their life by 8 January  
  • On average, every cigarette smoked steals approximately 20 minutes of life 
  • This equates to nearly seven hours of life lost with every 20 pack of cigarettes smoked, demonstrating the importance of government commitment to a smokefree UK 

Smokers who choose to quit on the 1 January could save a whole day of their life by 8 January* according to new research from University College London (UCL), published today (30 December).  

The research commissioned by the Department for Health and Social Care shows, smoking is more harmful than previously thought, with every cigarette stealing on average approximately 20 minutes of life from smokers.

This equates to nearly seven hours of life lost when smoking an average pack of 20 cigarettes. 

If a smoker quits on New Year’s Day, by 20 February, smokers could get a week of their life back and by the end of the year, they could have avoided losing 50 days of life. 

Any smoker considering quitting for 2025 can find advice, support and resources with the NHS Quit Smoking app, which has recently been updated with new information about beating cravings, as well as the online Personal Quit Plan, which tailors its advice to each smoker’s preferences. 

The research follows the introduction of the landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which recently passed Second Reading in the House of Commons.  

The world-leading Bill includes measures to create the first smoke-free generation ,  phasing out the sale of tobacco products across the UK to anyone born after 1 January 2009. 

The Bill delivers on one of the three key shifts in the government’s 10 Year Health Plan, to move from sickness to prevention. Achieving this will help reach a key measurable milestone set out by the Prime Minister in his Plan for Change to cut waiting lists and protect the NHS. 

Public Health Minister Andrew Gwynne said: “Smoking is an expensive and deadly habit, and these findings reveal the shocking reality of this addiction, highlighting how important it is to quit.  

“The new year offers a perfect chance for smokers to make a new resolution and take that step. 

“For anyone looking to quit in 2025, the NHS provide a range of services to help break free from the habit. 

“This government is going further than ever to protect children and young people from ever becoming hooked on nicotine through our Tobacco and Vapes Bill.”

Dr Jeanelle de Gruchy, Deputy Chief Medical Officer said: “Smoking has an immediate impact on your lung and heart’s health as well as significantly increasing your chance of getting a chronic illness or disability and of dying young.

“Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do to improve your current and future health. This new year – start afresh and leave smoking in the past.”

Separately, new research conducted by Censuswide shows more than half (53%) of smokers are planning on quitting smoking as a new year’s resolution in 2025.  

Smoking is the number one preventable cause of death, disability and ill health in the UK. It causes around 80,000 deaths a year in the UK and 1-in-4 of all cancer deaths in England and kills up to two-thirds of its long-term users. 

Just 72 hours after quitting, your breathing will feel easier, and your energy will increase. After 12 weeks, your blood circulation will improve and by the time one-year rolls around, your risk of heart attack will have halved compared to a smoker.

Sarah Jackson, Principal Research Fellow, UCL Alcohol and Tobacco Research Group said: “It is vital that people understand just how harmful smoking is and how much quitting can improve their health and life expectancy.  

“The evidence suggests people lose, on average, around 20 minutes of life for each cigarette they smoke. The sooner a person stops smoking, the longer they live. Quitting at any age substantially improves health and the benefits start almost immediately.

“It’s never too late to make a positive change for your health and there are a range of effective products and treatments that can help smokers quit for good.”

Ex-smoker, Kamran, started smoking in university and tried to quit several times without success. With support from his local stop smoking service, Kamran quit smoking as a 2024 New Year’s resolution. 

Kamran said: “It wasn’t until I quit smoking that I realised how much it had affected my health; I often felt short of breath and couldn’t keep up with my children.

“I tried to quit a few times without any help, but after a few days I would find myself thinking about it again.  

“Quitting can be challenging but keeping busy and using stop smoking products was the best way for me to get through it.

“Now that I’m smoke free, I feel less stressed and am able to play a more active role in my family. I am proud of myself, and I feel great that I’ve managed to control it.” 

Using stop smoking services is three times as effective as an unassisted quit attempt. To support current smokers to quit, the government recently confirmed an additional £70 million for stop smoking services in England, for 2025/26, with local authorities having received confirmation of their funding amount.  

This is in addition to the NHS recently announcing the roll-out of a pill, Varenicline, that could help tens of thousands of people give up cigarettes. 

Professor Sanjay Agrawal, NHS England national speciality advisor for tobacco dependency said: “NHS treatments, including nicotine replacement therapy, are helping thousands of adults each year to live healthier lives and we have seen adult smoking rates drop by more than half in the last three decades.

“But smoking remains a huge public health issue and giving up is one of the best things someone can do for their health, so if you’re looking for support to help you quit, please contact your local NHS stop smoking service.”

NHS GP and TV doctor, Dr Sarah Jarvis, said: “As a GP, I see firsthand the devasting effects smoking can have on health. Each cigarette smoked not only shortens life expectancy but also significantly increases the risk of many health conditions including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, dementia and COPD.

“I often see patients attempting to quit smoking with no support, but going cold turkey can be tough. Quitting smoking is easier when you have a plan and the right support – you don’t have to do it alone. The NHS offers a range of free quitting support, including the NHS Quit Smoking app and local stop smoking services.”

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill contains powers to extend the indoor smoking ban to certain outdoor settings to reduce the harms of second-hand smoking, particularly around children and the vulnerable. Children’s playgrounds and outside schools and hospitals are being considered in England and will be subject to consultation. 

This sits alongside plans to crack down on youth vaping, with the Bill banning vape advertising and sponsorship, as well as giving powers to restrict the flavours, display and packaging of all types of vapes and nicotine products, subject to consultation. 

Disposable vapes are also due to be banned from 1 June 2025 under separate environmental legislation. 

The UK government is committed to cutting waiting lists – backed by an additional £22.6 billion for day-to-day spending over two years – as announced by the Chancellor in her first Budget. Protecting children and young people from smoking will free up valuable NHS services and help cut waiting lists.  

In October, the Health and Social Care Secretary launched  change.nhs.uk to encourage the biggest conversation ever about the NHS to help inform the 10 Year Health Plan for England. 

Samaritans: We’re here for you today, tomorrow and every day

With the extra pressure that the festive season can bring, our worries and fears may seem worse this time of year. It’s important you check in on yourself and look after your wellbeing.

No matter how or if you celebrate, it is normal that this time of year can affect your mental health. You may be feeling like you aren’t enjoying the things you usually do this time of year. You may be worried about friends and family or other things happening in the world. You are not alone. There are all sorts of reasons you might find this time of year difficult and that’s OK.

At Samaritans, we’re committed to helping you, however we can. If you don’t feel like there’s anyone you can talk to, our volunteers are here for you. Call free, day or night, on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.

In case it’s helpful, we have gathered some tips and resources to help you cope this festive season.

Take time for yourself

  • Make time for something you enjoy. It could be doing something creative, watching a favourite movie, or wrapping up warm and spending time outdoors.
  • Remember it’s OK to say no. Try not to overwhelm yourself, if you’re not feeling up to socialising, or aren’t in the festive spirit. You don’t have to take part in things that might be difficult for you, whether they’re online or in person.
  • Be gentle with yourself. Manage the festive period in a way that works for you. It’s not selfish to prioritise your wellbeing – try not to feel guilty about this. Many people are struggling financially, this year particularly. Try not to put pressure on yourself and remember that quality time is the best gift of all. If you find that you’re enjoying yourself, know that this is OK and not something you should feel guilty about either.

Manage your social media

  • Try to avoid comparing yourself to others. Social media can be difficult during the festive period, with advertising and gift sharing impacting many people’s self-esteem. Remember that social media is a place where people share their highlights – try not to compare your experiences to what you see others doing online.
  • Take a break. It’s OK to log off. If you’re active online, making time for other activities can help you to take a break from the news or social media. If you find it hard to stay offline, try switching off your notifications or leaving your phone in another room for a few hours.
  • Choose what you consume. There can be a lot of upsetting news during the festive period, and it can feel overwhelming at times. Read our practical tips if you find yourself ‘doomscrolling’ social media for tips on how to make your social media a more positive space.

Plan ahead

  • Take time to work out what you’re feeling. Think about the things that you might find difficult about this time of year. Are there things you can do that might help you cope? Are there things it would be helpful for you to avoid? Try to identify what you can and cannot change about things that are troubling you. Writing these down or sharing your concerns with someone you trust can be a helpful step.
  • Set boundaries. If you can, try to have conversations with friends or family about everyone’s expectations of any celebrations well in advance. Be honest about how you want to spend the holidays.
  • Structure your days. Sitting on your sofa, wrapped up in a blanket, watching TV can be comforting, but try to schedule some other activities. Whether it’s baking your favourite treat, volunteering at a local charity, or finally crossing that DIY task off your to-do list, give some purpose to your days. If you can, try to get outside at least once a day, even if it’s just for a brief walk.
  • Look back with kindness. Many people find themselves reflecting on the past year during the festive period, focusing on what they haven’t achieved. Be kind to yourself. We’re all on our own timescales and there’s not just one correct path. Focus on what you have achieved, and plan something to look forward to.
  • Be open to possibility. You don’t have to create New Year’s resolutions. Try not to put pressure on yourself by setting strict or unrealistic goals. Enter the New Year living in the moment – you don’t need to have a big plan for the year ahead. It’s OK to live day-to-day and be open to new possibilities.

Reach out

  • Spend time with loved ones when you feel able. Try not to isolate yourself all season; being around others may be helpful. Surround yourself with people you love and trust but know that it’s OK to put yourself first and say no if you’re not feeling up to it.
  • Be honest about how you’re feeling. It can be hard to reach out if the people around you seem happy when you don’t. We’d encourage you to try talking to a trusted friend or family member. Talking about how you’re feeling can help put things into perspective and may help you feel more positive.
  • Remember we’re always here. If you don’t have family or friends close by or don’t feel like there’s anyone you can talk to, you are never alone. Samaritans volunteers are here for you every day of the year, including during the festive period, round the clock.

Try a relaxation exercise

Sometimes something simple like controlled breathing can help us feel calmer. Muscle relaxation exercises can also help reduce feelings of stress or anxiety.

If you can, find a quiet space and try to breathe along to the exercises below. It’s easy to memorise and can be practised almost anywhere.