Community
Tips for coping with Mental Health challenges this Christmas
CHRISTMAS is often described as the “most wonderful time of the year,” but for many, it can be a challenging period that impacts mental health. Whether due to stress, loneliness, or financial strain, the festive season is not always a time of joy for everyone. To support those struggling this Christmas, Mind Cymru has shared carefully considered advice to help navigate the season.
Why Christmas Can Be Challenging
For some, the holiday season can feel overwhelming:
- Stress and Expectations: The pressure to celebrate amidst personal challenges.
- Difficult Memories: Reflecting on the past or worrying about the new year.
- Financial Strain: Rising costs making the season harder to enjoy.
Sue O’Leary, Director of Mind Cymru, explains:
“Christmas is a time to celebrate, but it can also be a time of year where our feelings are magnified, and not always in a positive way. Sometimes there are other, less joyous things going on in our lives that make taking time out to be ‘merry and bright’ feel like less of a celebration and more of a challenge. There are so many reasons why someone might not feel like celebrating this Christmas, and we just wanted to remind everyone that it’s ok to feel this way and that there is support available for anyone who may be struggling with their mental health over the festive season.”
Tips from Mind Cymru
Mind Cymru has shared the following tips for managing mental health over Christmas:
Looking After Yourself
- Be patient with yourself; it’s understandable to find Christmas difficult.
- Set boundaries and say no to things that aren’t helpful.
- Take time out to focus on non-Christmas-related activities.
- Remember: the season won’t last forever.
Talking to Others
- Let people know if you’re struggling.
- Access online communities, like Mind’s Side by Side service, for support.
- Communicate how others can help and what activities you’re comfortable with.
Managing Relationships
- Plan responses to potentially difficult questions ahead of time.
- Discuss budgets and schedules with family to reduce stress.
- Maintain distance if you must be around people you’d rather avoid.
Planning Ahead
- Prepare items that help you feel comfortable, especially in unfamiliar settings.
- Avoid triggering environments if possible.
- Check the opening hours of key services you may need during Christmas.
- Ensure you have enough medication to last the holiday period.
- Plan something enjoyable for after Christmas to look forward to.
Where to Find Support
If you’re struggling this Christmas, help is available:
- Mind Helplines: Visit www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helplines/ (closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day).
- Side by Side Online Community: Available 24/7 at https://sidebyside.mind.org.uk/.
- Samaritans: Call 116 123 (freephone). The Welsh language line is open daily from 7pm to 11pm.
- SHOUT Crisis Text Service: Text SHOUT to 85258, available 24/7.
- Coping with Money Worries: Visit the Mind website for advice.
Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect, and it’s okay to prioritize your well-being. Mind Cymru reminds everyone that support is always within reach.
Community
Festive creativity shines as Kurtz MS meets card competition winner
SAMUEL KURTZ, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, visited Pembroke Dock Community School on Friday 12th December to present a prize to the winner of this year’s Christmas Card Competition.
The competition invited pupils to design a festive Christmas card, with entries received from schools across the area. The standard of artwork was exceptionally high, showcasing the creativity, imagination and talent of young people in the community.
During the visit, Samuel Kurtz congratulated the winning pupil and thanked all those who took part, as well as the teachers and staff who supported the competition. Each child who entered also received a certificate in recognition of their hard work and effort.
Speaking after the presentation, Samuel said, “It was a real pleasure to visit Pembroke Dock Community School today and announce the winner of my Christmas Card competition. This year the winner is Mair Moseley, aged 10, and she designed a wonderful Santa image that really stood out. She has won a chocolate selection set and a £20 book token to enjoy over Christmas.”
He added, “ The creativity and enthusiasm shown by all the children was fantastic, and it made choosing a winner extremely difficult. I want to congratulate all the entrants and thank the staff for their ongoing support.”
Pembroke Dock Community School Headteacher, Mrs Katie Crockford-Morris, added, “We were delighted to welcome Samuel Kurtz MS to the school to present the prize. The children thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the competition, and they were incredibly proud to receive their certificates.”
The winning design will now be used as Samuel Kurtz’s official Christmas card this year, with one copy already on its way to His Majesty, King Charles.
Community
Narbelles WI support Food Bank with festive donation
Group marks December meeting with charity collection and Christmas celebrations
NARBELLES WI rounded off the year with a festive December meeting featuring a bring-and-share buffet, party games and a Secret Santa gift exchange.
Members also used the occasion to support families in need across the county, collecting food items and presenting a £120 cheque to Ann Watling from Pembrokeshire Food Bank. The donation represents the proceeds of the group’s bucket collection during Narberth Civic Week 2024.
A spokesperson for the WI said the group was delighted to finish the year “with fun, friendship and a chance to give something back to the community.”
(Photo: Narbelles WI members presenting the cheque to Ann Watling, Pembrokeshire Food Bank.)
Community
Annual charity carol service raises funds for good causes
MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service held its annual Charity Carol Service on Wednesday (Dec 10) at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel in Crymych.
The event brought together members of the local community alongside Fire Service staff for an evening of carols, readings and festive refreshments, marking the Christmas season in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.
This year’s service supported two important charities — the Fire Fighters Charity and Cancer Research Wales — with all proceeds going directly towards their ongoing work.
A total of £597 was raised on the night, which will be shared equally between the two charities.
The Service thanked the congregation at Ebeneser Baptist Chapel for hosting the event, as well as everyone who gave their time, support and generosity to make the evening such a success.

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