Mental health services flag up Christmas support

Those wanting support over the festive period have been urged to find their local safe haven

Mental health services in the south-east of England have been signposting support ahead of Christmas.

A number of services in the region have seen an increase in demand in recent years, and Jen Clay, deputy CEO of Oakleaf in Guildford, Surrey, said the charity saw a spike during the festive period every year.

East Sussex-based Holding Space said: "The important message is that you are not alone; reach out for help and support."

Those wanting support over the festive period have been urged to find their local safe haven, which is open on Christmas Day.

• If you've been affected by the issues in this story, help and support is available via the BBC Action Line.

Take Off, in Canterbury, Kent, said the festive season could be difficult for many who experienced loneliness, financial strains or social expectations.

"Social media's portrayal of a 'perfect Christmas' can leave individuals feeling inadequate, while financial struggles and disrupted routines contribute to heightened stress and anxiety," said a spokesperson.

Take Off is running online activity groups on Christmas Day for those who might otherwise face the day alone.

Safe havens, which provide mental health support, will also remain open in Canterbury, Dartford, Folkestone, Gillingham, Maidstone, Ramsgate, Margate and Tunbridge Wells.

John Anderton, head of operations at the Mary Frances Trust in Surrey, has also urged people to visit a local safe haven if they need support.

He said: "While the festive season is enjoyed by many, the demand for mental health services is often exacerbated during the Christmas and New Year period."

There are four safe havens across Surrey, in Guildford, Woking, Redhill and Epsom, which also offer support virtually via video call.

People in Surrey who need help can also self-refer to Community Connections, a free service that provides individual tailored support and access to activities designed to break isolation.

Additionally, the Surrey Crisis Mental Health Helpline is available 24 hours a day on 0800 915 4644, including during Christmas and New Year.

'Over-stretched'

East Sussex-based Holding Space, which provides parent peer support for families whose children or young people are struggling, said it had also experienced an ongoing increase in demand for years.

It explained: "Services are over-stretched all year round and not just at Christmas."

There are havens open in the region in Hove, Crawley, Worthing, St Leonards and Eastbourne.

Kent County Council emphasised the importance of talking and listening and has opened a free helpline called Release the Pressure.

The council's director of public health, Dr Anjan Ghosh, said: "Helping a family member, friend or someone in your community with their mental health is one of the greatest gifts you can give."