Charity offers help with loneliness over festive period

The charity said it wants to help those who feel isolated at Christmas

A charity is offering a service to help people with their mental health over the festive season.

The Wiltshire department of the Rethink Mental Illness charity runs a helpline with trained volunteers who are there to listen and help manage things like anxiety, depression, panic attacks and abuse.

The charity says it conducted a survey of over 1,000 people across the country and found 77% of people feel isolated over Christmas, even when with their family.

Jonathan Baker, a digital officer at Rethink Mental Illness Wiltshire said: “If you’re already lonely or isolated due to your mental health, it can put a huge spotlight on that and cause a lot of issues."

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the survey also found that 88% of people said they feel pressured to enjoy or put on a pretence during Christmas.

There is also a free confidential text message support service available in the county, which can be accessed by texting WILTS to 85258.

The service will be funded by Wiltshire Council and the Wiltshire Commissioning Group.

Ian Blair-Pilling, cabinet member for Public Health at Wiltshire Council, said: “We hope everyone has a great time over the festive period, but if you are struggling, please do consider reaching out.

"Our support services won’t judge and are there to help everyone.”