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Keeping Well in Winter

Welcome to the #Keepingwellinwinter Campaign!

Winter can bring unique challenges, but with the right resources and support, we can navigate this season together. This page is designed to be your go-to for tips, local resources, and advice to help you and your community stay warm, connected, and well this winter.

We’ll be updating this page weekly, from week commencing the 9th December 2024 until the end of January 2025, with new themes, tips, and links. Please check back regularly to stay informed. Plus you can also follow our posts on our social media platforms by following Sheffield Flourish on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Join the conversation on socials using #Keepingwellinwinter to share your own tips and experiences!

Week 7:

The myth of Blue Monday, and importance of checking your mental health every day:

Blue Monday is a concept that surfaced back in 2005 as part of a marketing campaign by a travel company. Although no one day is more depressing than any other (our mental health is changeable day to day) the focus on Blue Monday does offer the opportunity to think about how you are feeling. Part of our #keepingwellinwinter campaign on social media looks at Blue Monday and ways to manage your mental health during winter. Below are images we shared, and here’s a link to a video posted on Instagram and on TikTok:

Week 6:

Understanding the Winter Blues and preparing for ‘Blue Monday’ 23rd January 2025

The “winter blues” refer to feelings of sadness or low mood that many individuals experience during the colder, darker months. Common symptoms include reduced energy, increased fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and low mood. These feelings often emerge in January, a month associated with post-holiday letdown, financial concerns, and the pressure of New Year’s resolutions.

January can be particularly challenging due to several factors:

  • Post-Holiday Letdown: After the festive season, returning to your usual routines might take some time, be gentle with yourself.
  • Financial Concerns: Holiday spending may have left you short this month and you’re anxious about covering all that you need to. Be as pragmatic as you can, prioritise the most important bills, and ask for help if possible.
  • New Year’s Resolutions: Have you set a new goal and already feeling you’re not keeping to it? Remember we are still in winter and it’s a time to hibernate and rest. You can choose to set goals at anytime of the year.
  • Limited Daylight: Shorter days can affect mood and energy levels. Again, remember it is winter, a time to conserve energy and rest.

5 Tips for Facing what’s been coined as ‘Blue Monday’

  • Embrace Natural Light: Spend time outdoors during daylight hours to boost your mood.
  • Stay Active: Regular physical activity can enhance mental well-being.
  • Maintain Social Connections: Engage with friends and family to combat feelings of isolation.
  • Practice Self-Compassion: Acknowledge that it’s okay to have less energy; rest when needed.
  • Seek Professional Help if Needed: If feelings of depression persist, consult a healthcare provider.

Need someone to talk to?

If you need to speak with someone about what you’re experiencing, or how you’re feeling there are people who can listen and offer support:

Mind support line

Call Mind‘s support line, a safe space for you to talk about your mental health on 0300 102 1234. 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday (except bank holidays).

Samaritans

You can contact Samaritans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year:

Remember the Samaritans is there for anyone who wants to talk. 

SANEline

If you’re experiencing a mental health problem or supporting someone else, you can call SANEline on 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm–10pm every day).

National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK

Offers a supportive listening service to anyone with thoughts of suicide. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK on 0800 689 5652 (6pm to midnight every day).

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) 

You can call the CALM on 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight every day) if you’re affected by suicide or suicidal thoughts. Or if you prefer not to speak on the phone, you could try the CALM webchat service.

Shout 

If you would prefer not to talk but want some mental health support, you could text SHOUT to 85258. Shout offers a confidential 24/7 text service providing support if you are in crisis and need immediate help.

Papyrus HOPELINEUK

If you’re under 35 and struggling with suicidal feelings, or concerned about a young person who might be struggling, you can call Papyrus HOPELINEUK on 0800 068 4141 (24 hours, 7 days a week), email [email protected] or text 07786 209 697.

Nightline 

If you’re a student, you can look on the Nightline website to see if your university or college offers a night-time listening service. Nightline phone operators are all students too.

Switchboard 

If you identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, you can call Switchboard on 0300 330 0630 (10am–10pm every day), email [email protected] or use their webchat service. Phone operators all identify as LGBT+.

Week 6:

Supporting Children Back at School After the Holidays

Now that children are back at school after the holidays it’s normal for them to experience a mix of emotions. The darker mornings and colder weather is still here and can make getting up and out the door feel challenging, and the transition from holiday freedom to structured routines might take some time to adjust to. Some children may feel excited about seeing their friends and diving back into learning, while others might feel anxious about the workload, social interactions, or changes in their school environment. Encouraging open conversations about their feelings can help children process their thoughts and feel more supported during this transition time.

Take time to ask the children in your care how they’re feeling about being back at school. What are they excited about and what are they concerned about? We’ve created a short video aimed at children, which explores common worries and offers some solutions to try out:

Watch the above video together and use it as a starting point for discussions about how they are feeling.

For links to services and resources on the Sheffield Mental Health Guide to support children’s mental health (age range 0-18) click HERE!

Week 5:

Domestic Abuse Awareness

The festive period and early new year often see an increase in domestic abuse. This may be due to heightened stress, financial pressures, or increased time spent together at home.

If you or someone you know is affected, remember that support is available:

Below are some images we used on Instagram…

And here are several resources of national services:

  • National Domestic Violence Helpline – 0808 2000 247
  • The Men’s Advice Line, for male domestic abuse survivors – 0808 801 0327
  • National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0800 999 5428
  • Action on Elder Abuse helpline: 0808 808 8141
  • Childline – 0800 1111 you can also go to https://www.childline.org.uk/get-support/
  • NSPCC (Monday to Friday 8am – 10pm or 9am – 6pm at the weekends) – 0808 800 5000 or Contact counsellors 24 hours a day by email or online reporting form [email protected]
  • Respect phoneline for perpetrators of domestic abuse – 0808 8024040
  • Samaritans (24/7 service) – 116 123

In an emergency always dial 999

Did you know? Dialling 55 after calling 999 alerts police operators that you need help but are in a situation where you can’t talk.

Pressing 55 lets the 999 operator know your call is genuine, and they will try to track your location. If you can’t speak, listen carefully to the questions and instructions from our demand hub call agents so they can assess your call and arrange help.

Find out more on the South Yorkshire Police dedicated web page: www.southyorkshire.police.uk/contact/how-to-make-a-silent-999-call

Week 4:

Starting the New Year

As the New Year begins, it’s a great time to reflect on your mental health and wellbeing in a way that feels right for you. There’s no rulebook for starting the year – whether you set resolutions, choose a guiding word, focus on a vibe, or simply take things one day at a time, it’s all valid. Be mindful of how social media can make it seem like everyone is gliding into the new year with ease; remember, there’s no race and no pressure to ‘keep up.’ Find what feels nourishing for you – perhaps journaling, setting small intentions, or resting and recharging. Your pace is the perfect pace.

Click the video below to hear what some of the Sheffield Flourish team had to say about making New Year’s resolutions. And you can read a story from one of our members about their experience with New Year’s Resolutions HERE.

Week 3:

Feeling Overwhelmed at Christmas

Christmas can bring joy, but it can also stir feelings of anxiety and overwhelm. The pressure to make everything perfect – choosing gifts, hosting, or creating magical moments… All this can lead to overspending and financial stress. Social events and family gatherings may feel obligatory rather than enjoyable, especially when you’re navigating tricky relationships or extended time with people you rarely see. Sensory overload from busy shops, loud festivities, and bright decorations can further heighten feelings of stress. Remember, it’s okay to set boundaries, decline invitations, or carve out moments of quiet for yourself. Taking time to recharge doesn’t require justification – your well-being is most important. #mentalhealthmatters

Week 2:

Avoiding Isolation – places to be around other people

Christmas can be a difficult time of year, and a positive move can be to go out and be around other people. We’ve rounded up some information on where is open and when.

Food Works sharehouse at Handsworth

Homeless and Rootless at Christmas

  • HARC is open for Christmas Day and Boxing Day
  • Opening times for guests: 08:30-15:00
  • Both volunteers and guests enter the main hall of Victoria Hall through the main entrance on Norfolk St. S1 2JB 
  • Drop in, or contact HARC to volunteer
  • Email: [email protected]​

Norfolk Park Tenants and Residents Association

  • A community food project in S2, offering food support, clothing, and advice without the need for debt validation
  • They are open on Friday 27th December
  • Email: [email protected]

The Sunday Centre

  • The Sunday Centre welcomes homeless and marginalised individuals to a warm, safe space for hot meals and companionship
  • Open Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th December, 1:30 to 3:00 pm, in the city centre
  • Email: [email protected]

YAFA

  • Brings together women of diverse backgrounds to share meals and cultural experiences
  • They will host a social eating event on Monday 30th December in Upperthorpe and Netherthorpe
  • Email: [email protected]

Sheffield Healthy Holidays

Sheffield Support Hub

If you need mental health support over the Christmas period, the Support Hub is open at these times:

  • Mon-Fri 6pm-midnight & Sat-Sun 2pm-midnight
  • Christmas Day support will be available only virtually – Call 07890 987384
  • Email: [email protected]

Two further links of round ups of where to get food over the Christmas period from Likewise – click HERE and Sheff Food – click HERE.

Week 1:

Introduction to the Campaign

  • We started things off with a very short campaign video to share why and what we’ll be doing over the next 8 weeks, and the hashtag to use to follow the conversation i.e. #Keepingwellinwinter

Theme: Tips to Keep Warm This Winter on a Budget

  1. Layer Up: Wear multiple thin layers to trap heat better than one thick layer.
  2. Use Draught Excluders, and curtains: Block gaps under doors or around windows to keep the cold out. Open curtains during the day to let sunlight in and close in the evening to keep cold out.
  3. Hot Drinks & Meals: Stay warm from the inside by enjoying soups, stews, and hot drinks. Holding a hot drink can act as a pleasant hand warmer too.
  4. Warm Places: Visit local “welcoming places” such as libraries or community centres. Find your nearest welcoming place here.
  5. Blankets & Heating Pads: Use these to stay cosy, especially when sitting still for long periods.

Resources & Links:

Next week, we’ll cover tips on avoiding isolation and staying connected during winter.

Have Feedback or Suggestions?

If you have suggestions for additional resources or want to share your feedback on the campaign, please get in touch with us. Together, we can make this page even more helpful for everyone in our community.

Follow the Campaign

Stay updated by following Sheffield Flourish on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Join the conversation using #KeepingWellInWinter to share your own tips and experiences!

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