How people in Sheffield can maintain positive mental well-being over Christmas

Christmas is considered to be one of the loneliest times of the year for many – ranging from the old to the young.

According to Age UK Sheffield, 12,000 older Sheffielders are always or often lonely, but they are not the only ones.

International university students for example, may be equally as lonely because they are not able to go home for Christmas like most of their peers.

To help the people of Sheffield maintain positive mental well-being over the festive period, Sheffield Flourish, a mental health charity, has come up with five tips:

1, Keep in touch and reach out. It is believed that if we all reach out more, we can try to feel less lonely together.

2, Do things that you enjoy - whether it is treating yourself to something relaxing, or doing something that gives you a boost of confidence.

3, Talk about how you’re feeling. Sheffield Flourish describe how it can be hard but at the same time, it can be a massive relief and ‘an opportunity to connect more’.

4, Look after your body. It may be doing something active, like taking a walk, or making a change to your diet, for example, drinking less alcohol.

5, Give and share. Research shows that giving and gratitude can make you feel good. It does not have to be something physical either, it could be doing someone a favour, or simply giving someone a compliment.

Although Sheffield Flourish will be closed over Christmas – as is typical with many organisations that provide mental health support – volunteers at places like Samaritans will still be available to talk.

Samaritans is free to call on 116 123, day or night, 365 days a year.