Anchora Counselling

Time & Space for you

Menu
  • Home
  • Is Counselling for me?
  • FAQs
  • Services and Prices
  • Contact Details
  • Walk Talk Therapy
  • Blogs
Menu
christmas decorations

Reducing Loneliness this Christmas

Posted on December 17, 2020December 18, 2020 by Tanya Penn

Even during ‘normal’ times almost a million people feel lonelier at Christmas than throughout the year. This year when you add in the isolation many of us have experienced these past 10 months, the fact that many of us won’t be able to see our loved ones over the festive season and the lack of uplifting social events altogether, the number of people experiencing feelings of loneliness is at an all time high.

Loneliness isn’t the same as being alone. Some people choose to be alone and live happily without a lot of contact. Other people might have lots of social contact, be in a relationship or part of a family, and still feel lonely. Experts says that loneliness can have a negative impact on your mental health and is associated with an increased risk of mental health problems including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, sleep problems and increased stress.

If you are going to be alone this Christmas or are already feeling isolated and finding the Christmas period tough, there are a number of services that you can access that offer support, here are some of them listed below.

  • Re-engage – a free service for older people who live alone who would like a friendly phone call every week or two.
  • Calm – a helpline or webchat open every evening 5pm to midnight for anyone who is down or feels they’ve hit a wall
  •  Campaign to End Loneliness – tips and advice for staying connected if you’re shielding.
  • #JoinIn,  – a Twitter campaign led by comedian Sarah Millican for anyone who is lonely on Christmas Day.
  • The Silver Line – confidential, free helpline for older people across the UK , open 24 hours a day, seven days a week 0800 4 70 80 90.
  • Let’s Talk Loneliness – Government’s website that offers practical advice, inspiring stories and support routes
  • Gransnet – social networking site for the over 50s. offering discussion of the topics of the day, support and laughs
  • Age UK befriending service – free telephone friendship service
  • Side by Side  – online community to connect with others who suffer with mental health problems

For anyone finding the festive period particularly tough, these helplines are also available:

  • Samaritans – Free 24 hour helpline, seven days a week for anyone who needs to chat – 116 123.
  • Hopelink – Suicide prevention – Confidential advice and support for under 35’s. Call: 0800 068 4141 Text: 07860039967
  • Cruse – helpline for anyone struggling with bereavement – 0808 808 1677​
  • SHOUT – 85258 – a text support service for anyone who is struggling

#itsgoodtotalk #itsokaytonotbeokay

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Posts

  • Ten things your therapist wished you knew
  • Walk Talk Therapy
  • Worried about Lockdown ending?
  • Why new years resolutions don’t work
  • Reducing Loneliness this Christmas
  • Why stuffing your feelings down doesn’t work
  • Not another lockdown!
  • How to survive the winter months
  • Life after Baby Loss
  • Balance & Wellbeing
  • Reasons not to have counselling
  • How is counselling different to talking to a friend?

Contact Details

If you have any questions or want to contact me via email, use this contact form

mobile phone

phone number

Or if you prefer Text or call for a free 10 minute introductory phone call or a first appointment.

If you reach my voice mail please leave a message with your name, number and a convenient time for me to call you back.

Enquiries are confidential and will be responded to promptly.  If you don’t receive an email response within 48 hours, please check your SPAM folder.

Follow me on Facebook for updates and information

facebook

Anchora Counselling | Facebook

Contact Details

email: tanya@anchoracounselling.co.uk

text: 07963346216

phone: 07963346346216

 

         

anchora (latin term) –  a person or place that provides stability or confidence in an otherwise uncertain situation.

©2025 Anchora Counselling | WordPress Theme by Superbthemes.com