Advent 30 Day What's Up Challenge 19 - Don't be alone, get support if you need it over the holidays

Why is this good for your emotional health and wellbeing?

The holiday season is often associated with joy, celebration, and togetherness. However, for some of us, it can be a time of increased stress, anxiety, and loneliness. If you are feeling this way, it is important that you take care of yourself and find support – reach out and talk to someone. Talking about how you are feeling can help you feel less alone.

How to complete this challenge

1. Reach out to loved ones: connect with family members and friends, or neighbours who may also be feeling alone. Arrange a get-together, a video call, to share your feelings and support each other.
   
2. Volunteer to help others: Helping others can provide a sense of purpose and fulfilment, and you will make new connections with people.
   
3. Self-care: Take time for yourself and engage in the things that bring you joy and relaxation – getting warm and cosy, eating your favourite sweet treats, being with your pets, etc
   
4. Get some emotional wellbeing support: If you are feeling overwhelmed and are not sure who you can talk to, there are places you can go to seek support – see below who you can contact for support over Christmas
   
   

Places to go for support over Christmas and New Year:

• Kooth – Kooth.com is a free, safe and anonymous online wellbeing service for young people.

Image says… “I really like how with Kooth I can share my problems anonymously and et help from others.” Visit Kooth.com

Kooth is open 365 days a year, including Christmas Day, but with reduced cover on some holidays:

Weekdays: Open 12 PM–10 PM 

Weekends: Open 6 PM–10 PM

Reduced cover on Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, and Bank Holidays.

• ChildLine – If you are under 19, go to, childline.org.uk or call Childline: 0800 1111

• YoungMinds – Go to youngminds.org.uk

Crisis Support:

* Text SHOUT to 85258 Shout provides free, 24/7 text support for young people.

* NHS Crisis Support Line Call 111 and press the mental health option (24/7, any age).