Christmas Opening Hours
Here are the festive season opening hours for Community Living Well Talking Therapies:
Mon 18th Dec – Friday 22nd Dec:
Usual hours (Mon – Thurs 8am-8pm, Fri 8am-5pm)
Mon 25th and Tues 26th Dec:
CLOSED – Bank Holiday
Wed 27th – Fri 29th Dec
Gertrude Street – CLOSED
St Charles – Open 9am-5pm only
Mon 1st Jan
CLOSED – Bank Holiday
Tues 2nd Jan
Gertrude Street – CLOSED
St Charles – Open as usual (8am-8pm)
Wed 3rd Jan onwards
Usual hours at St Charles and Gertrude Street (Mon – Thurs 8am-8pm Fri 8am-5pm)
Community Living Well Peer Support are running activities during the festive season. Please see all groups and activities on our events calendar.
Our partners, SMART, have some activities over the festive period, including on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. Visit their website for details or click to view the poster:
Tips and Advice
Take time for yourself
– pay attention to how you are feeling. Track your mood and look after your emotional health. Mind has information on how to identify what you’re feeling and ways to try and manage these feelings.
– focus on what you enjoy. It could be doing something creative, watching your favourite film or TV show, or spending time outdoors.
– take a break from social media and the internet in general, like reading the news. Take part in an activity like we mentioned above and have a break from your phone.
– it’s ok to say ‘no’. If it’s difficult for you to take part in something or you’re invited to an event or meet-up that you don’t want to go to, then politely decline. You don’t need any additional worry.
Connect with others
If you are feeling up to it, connecting with other people can help boost our mood.
– arrange to talk to people over the phone or via video call if you don’t want to go outside. This might be a trusted friend or family member who you’re comfortable opening up to.
– go online and connect with other people who might be spending Christmas alone. You could try Mind’s online community, Side by Side.
– engage with your local community. Some local events might not be happening, but you may be able to find virtual events to join. Take a look at the Community Living Well events calendar and see if there are activities you’d like to try.
Choose to not celebrate, if that feels easier
– tell others about your plans so they know whether or not to mention Christmas.
– exchange any gifts in advance.
– stay off social media and try to avoid festive adverts on TV or online.
– eat the same foods and do the same activities as you would any other day.
For more information and tips, visit the Mind website.
If you need additional support, you can refer to the Community Living Well service here.
If you need urgent help with a mental health crisis, see our list of contacts.
Author: Stewart Gillespie
Posted on: 20th December 2023
