Support over the Christmas period

At Christmas we're expected to spend time with the ones we love the most, but sometimes our experiences don't match up with what we see of other's celebrations.

There are lots of reasons why we might not feel the Christmas spirit: health vulnerabilities, loneliness, social anxiety, family issues or bereavement are just some of these.

We hope that the information and signposts on this page (adapted from guides published by Kooth, Cruse and the NHS) will be helpful to you if you're affected by any of these issues.

It's not just elderly people who feel lonely at Christmas. Children and young people can find it tough if they have troubles with their family or feel ignored by friends or classmates. Social media doesn't help if someone can see others their age posting photos of friends and families enjoying a 'fairytale' Christmas.

If loneliness or feelings of exclusion are affecting you this Christmas:

• Reach out to any of your friends at Christmas. Some of the best Christmas memories come from others extending their families to include close friends. If you can't see each other in person, maybe you could arrange a phone or video call?
• Check out events and activities in your local area.  Check our What's On guide and Family Hub timetables for events happening in your neighbourhood. NB: it might be a good idea to check with the organiser or hub that events are going ahead before making a special trip.
• Volunteer to help others - offering your spare time to help those less fortunate can help you meet lots of new people and looks great on your CV.  Check the Volunteer Bradford District page for more details.

Some people are at particular risk to the effects of cold weather:

• people aged 65 and older
• babies and children under the age of 5
• people on a low income (so cannot afford heating)
• people who have a long-term health condition
• people with a disability
• pregnant women
• people who have a mental health condition

If you are in one of these at-risk groups, it's important to get medical help if you feel unwell.  The sooner you get help, the sooner you're likely to get better.  Help and advice is available from:

• a pharmacy – pharmacists can give treatment advice for a range of minor illnesses and can tell you if you need to see a doctor
• your GP – you may be able to speak to a GP online or over the phone, or go in for an appointment if they think you need to
• NHS 111 – go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111 if you have an urgent medical problem and you are not sure what to do

Consider getting vaccinated to boost your immunity against COVID-19 and flu. You might qualify for a free vaccination.

For more information on how to stay well this winter, please visit the NHS seasonal health page here. 

In an emergency, go to A&E immediately or call 999

Signs of anxiety can include an increased heart rate, dizziness, difficulty breathing, shaking, and nausea.

Social anxiety causes extreme levels of fear and worry when interacting with other people, whether in person or online. And while parties, visiting relatives and other events that happen around this time of year can be a fun and positive experience for many, they put people with social anxiety under further pressure to socialise and pretend to be happy.

If you feel overwhelmed by a social situation it's important to take as much time out as you need alone before thinking about returning. If you can sense an anxiety attack coming on, people will understand your need to leave if you explain that you're not feeling well.

Some tips for managing anxiety:

• Take a few deep, mindful breaths to release tension. This is an exercise that may only take a few seconds to do, but it can have a powerful grounding effect to reduce anxiety.
• If you can recognise in advance that a situation will prove overwhelming for your anxiety, whether it’s an online hangout with friends or a Boxing Day family buffet, put those feelings first and weigh up if you’ll feel able to make it or not.
• The most important way to navigate this season is to know your own boundaries for anxiety and thinking about which scenarios you can cope with and which you can’t.
• It’s key that you don’t let the pressure of social obligation convince you to attend a situation that will trigger an anxiety attack. Be honest with people if you are finding a situation difficult.
• Trying to ignore your anxiety will only make it worse, so find someone you can talk to about your feelings and let them know that you need some support
• Check out Kooth for more information on anxiety and ways to cope.

Part of what can make Christmas so hard to deal with for many is a difficult or distressing home life.  There are no simple solutions to this but Kooth make the following suggestions:

• Remember that not everything is as it seems on social media; try not to compare yourself with others. It may look like others are having a great time, but many are coping with difficulties of their own; what you see is not always the whole story.
• Be kind to yourself: It’s ok to have sad, angry or disappointed feelings about Christmas and what it brings up for you.
• Look after yourself: If you are old enough to drink, be mindful of your alcohol consumption. Also try your best to eat some healthy food, and focus on getting enough sleep, sunlight and exercise.
• Watch your triggers: Think about what may feel difficult for you from your experiences with family and think about ways to respond.

Whether it's your first Christmas since they died, or you lost someone many years ago, Christmas can be a particularly painful time. According to Cruse, you might want to:

• Consider different ways of celebrating
• Find ways to remember them
• Accept that others may have different ways of grieving
• Try to maintain a routine
• Look after yourself - avoid the temptation to drink too much or use drugs to numb the pain
• Take a break from TV and social media
• Talk to the bereavement charity Cruse on 08088081677 - they are open every day over the festive period. Click here for more information on the bereavement helpline.

Family Hubs are here to support families across the district. Please look at our timetables and check out our opening times over the Christmas period: 

• Monday 23rd December - Open
• Tuesday 24th December - Open
• Wednesday 25th December - Closed
• Thursday 26th December - Closed
• Friday 27th December - Closed

• Monday 30th December - Open
• Tuesday 31st December - Open
• Wednesday 1st January - Closed
• Thursday 2nd January - Open
• Friday 3rd January - Open 

You can call the Family Hubs using the contact details below:

Barkerend Family Hub, 365 Barkerend Road, BD3 8QX

Call us on: 01274 437523

Farcliffe Family Hub, 56 Toller Lane, BD8 8QH

Call us on: 01274 436700

Reevy Family Hub, Bedale Drive, BD6 3ST

Call us on: 01274 434940

Rainbow Family Hub, Braithwaite Grove, Keighley, BD22 6JB

Call us on: 01535 618005