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Staying well during the festive season

12 Dec 2024

Support information for the upcoming winter break

Winter Wellbeing

Whilst the festive season can be a happy time for some, we also recognise that this time of year can be challenging for some people. Below we’ve put together some tips for looking after your wellbeing during the holidays and details of a range of support services you can access, including urgent mental health support.  

Tips for actively looking after your wellbeing during the festive season 

  • Stay active: physical activity is a great way to boost mood and have some headspace.  
  • Keep a healthy routine and prioritise rest: it’s easy to fall out of our normal routines during this holiday. Sleep is vital for our wellbeing, as are regular healthy meals and drinking plenty of water.  
  • Stay supported: find ways to connect with friends and family, even if you can’t be physically together.  

Be mindful of your boundaries: Equally give some thought to your boundaries – make sure you are not saying ‘yes’ to too many things and forgetting what will make you feel well and energised. 

• Give yourself space: ensure you take time for activities you enjoy, whether it’s a walk, reading a book, watching a film, having a bath, listening to music or time out in nature. You can try free Headspace subscription offer for staff. 

Support over the festive period 

During the University closure period staff support services will be closed. If you need support over the break, please view the external support information below. (please check the support service website for opening times over the Christmas period) 

Urgent Mental Health Support  

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, or looking to signpost someone, the following services are available: 

Important: If you or someone else is in danger, call 999 or go to your closest Accident and Emergency department. 

Non-urgent support but you need to talk to someone 

Samaritans 116 123 (UK): for anyone at anytime for any reason. 

Staff Employee Assistance Programme: Health Hero  

Call 0800 358 5997 or +44 141 271 7555  (landline alternative for international and/or mobile use) to speak to an advisor. 

Lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Calls are confidential - Confidentiality may only be broken in a situation where you or someone else is in danger.  

Domestic Violence Support 

Refuge offer a confidential 24/7  freephone national domestic abuse helpline.  0808 200 24/7 

Men's Advice Line  offer a confidential helpline, 0808 8010 327  (Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm), or visit the webchat at Men's Advice Line (Wednesday 10am to 11.30am and Thursday 2pm to 4pm)  

If you identify as LGBT+ you can call Galop on 0800 999 5428 for emotional and practical support 

Anyone can call Karma Nirvana on 0800 5999 247  (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm) for forced marriage and honour crimes. You can also call 020 7008 0151 to speak to the GOV.UK Forced Marriage Unit 

Bereavement  

Greater Manchester Bereavement service: find bereavement support local to you. 

Cruse Bereavement Support  confidential support for anyone experiencing bereavement. The helpline will be open on Christmas Day 10:00 – 14:00. Find out more information on contacting this service and opening times here. Helpline: 0808 808 1677. 

National Bereavement Helpline Partnership: Open everyday 9am – 6pm for emotional support. Helpline: 0800 448 0800. 

Support if you are facing homelessness  

Shelter: Shelter offers an emergency helpline and further advice and support for people facing homelessness. Emergency helpline: 0808 800 4444 Monday to Friday, 8am - 6pm, Closed bank holidays 

Manchester City Council: 0161 234 4692 between 9am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) for local help and support.  

Drugs and alcohol  

Talk to FRANK: Find your nearest support service for drug related problems.   

Drinkaware: to find support services to help with alcohol addiction