Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, for many people this time of year can be a testing time mentally, emotionally, physically and financially.
This year you may be feeling it because of the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, the climate emergency, the war in Ukraine and other challenges - and it's okay if you’re not feeling full of joy during the festive season.
To help you through this time, please see the links below for support available in Plymouth:
You may also find ideas and resources here, on the Mental Health UK website, helpful.
From the Monday 9 January, Shekinah will be running three support groups from their premises on Bath Street, that are open for anyone to drop into:
Re:vive, to explore self-belief, mental wellbeing and roots of behaviours. Mondays, 9.30am-2.30pm
Re:develop, to learn to deal with stress, anger, relationships, anxiety and depression. Tuesdays, 9.30am-2pm.
Hearing Voices, held on the second Wednesday of the month, 1.30pm-4pm
In the meantime, if you're looking for a warm, safe space to spend time in as the weather gets colder, many of the organisations, charities and libraries in Plymouth will be happy to welcome you in. All of these spaces will have a place to sit comfortably. Many of them also offer free Wi-Fi, including all our libraries.
You can see each of Plymouth's warm, welcoming spaces on the map here.
Remember if you are struggling, you are not alone and there is no shame in asking for help. Everyone needs a little bit of extra support at some point in their lives.