MERSEY Care is aiming to help Cheshire and Merseyside residents cope with the stresses of the festive period with a suite of resources designed to protect their mental health during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Many people in our communities look forward to getting together with friends and family or swapping presents and enjoying good company over a meal, but others may find this time of year overwhelming or isolating.

It has prompted Mersey Care, 1 of the biggest mental and community health trusts in the North West, to develop a new specialist webpage packed with practical advice, contact information and free resources to help everyone cope during the Christmas period.

Dr Noir Thomas, the Trust’s Chief Medical Officer, explained:- “We tend to think of Christmas as being a really enjoyable time for us to share quality time with friends and family, but for many it can be extremely stressful and even something to dread. Some people may be spending the festive period alone, while many NHS and other emergency workers will give up their precious time with families and friends and work through the festivities to look after patients and those in need of help. Our new suite of resources brings together support and guidance to help everyone look after their mental wellbeing.”

Among the advice and resources available on our Christmas health portal are:-

• An animation providing hints and tips to help manage stress

• Access to Talking Therapies and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy short films

• Information on when to visit our Urgent Treatment Centres/Walk-in Centres

• Tips on self care to take charge of your wellbeing

• The importance of community to your mental health

• Information on children’s mental health and loneliness

• Urgent mental health resources and contact information.

You can find Mersey Care’s mental health at Christmas portal on their website, where there is also information about the full range of services they offer for Cheshire and Merseyside residents.