Talking and listening are free but precious gifts

For anyone missing absent loved ones, it can also be desperately lonely.

If things don’t feel right, talking about your feelings can help – and there is support available.

There’s also help on hand if you are supporting someone who is struggling with their mental health.

KCC Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, Dan Watkins, said: "Every year our Release the Pressure helpline and text service helps thousands of Kent residents with mental health matters.

“Just sharing how you feel with someone who listens, and doesn’t judge, can help you reassess and get life back on track.

“One in four people experience mental health challenges at some point in their life so please don’t think you are alone – and reach out for support."

Kent County Council Director of Public Health, Dr Anjan Ghosh, said: "The festive holidays are a happy time for many. For others they can be the hardest days of the year.

“Helping a family member, friend or someone in your community with their mental health is one of the greatest gifts you can give.

“Check out the free training available to help you know what to do if someone opens up to you, or you can see they are struggling.”

Release the Pressure

• Release the Pressure offers free expert advice from trained counsellors who can support no matter what you are going through
• Text the word ‘SHOUT’ to 85258, to start a confidential conversation with one of the experienced team who can give you help at any time, wherever you are. Alternatively, call the 24/7 freephone helpline on 0800 107 0160.

Supporting others

If you would like to learn how to better help people with mental health issues, confidently have conversations or signpost to support, there’s free training available:

• Mind training – funded by the Kent and Medway Suicide Prevention Programme, Maidstone-based Mid Kent Mind offers free learning to anyone looking to gain the confidence to talk about challenging emotions and experiences and get to a better place.
• Movember Conversations – men are less likely to seek help with their mental health. Movember Conversations includes practical tools to teach you to confidently have conversations with the men in your life who might be struggling.

Visit the Kent and Medway Mental Wellbeing Information Hub for all the services available to help with mental health and wellbeing.

Looking after yourself

Staying active, quitting smoking and drinking and eating sensibly can all help boost wellbeing.

• Visit One You Kent to find out more about making lifestyle changes and
• Get advice and support on staying healthy this winter.
• Keep in control of your drinking with the Know Your Score quiz and free online tools
• Smoking increases the risk of anxiety and depression. Find the best quit route for you with One You Kent (now including Allen Carr's Easyway programme!)

Other urgent support

• NHS 111 – is for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or has concerns about a loved one. You can use NHS 111 online, or call 111 and select the ‘mental health option’ to speak to a trained mental health professional. NHS staff can guide callers with next steps, such organising face-to-face community support or getting access to other services.
• Kent and Medway Safe Havens – offer drop-in mental health support to adults in crisis, or heading towards a crisis. The Havens operate from 9 locations 7 days a week, including bank holidays over the festive period, with no need for a referral or appointment. Two sites in Medway and Thanet are open 24 hours. You can access support in-person, or virtually via phone or video call. Visit the Kent and Medway Mental Wellbeing Information Hub for information about all the Safe Havens across the county
• Samaritans – can be contacted anytime, on 116 123
• 999 – in an emergency, when someone’s life is at risk, always call 999