Coping at Christmas: Help with Mental Health for Care Staff

​The festive season can be a joyful time, but it can also bring added pressures and challenges, especially for our care staff who work tirelessly to support others.

It's important to remember that help with mental health is always available, and you're never alone. Here are some key mental health service resources to support you over the Christmas period.

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The Care Workers Charity

When you need a little extra support over Christmas you can turn to The Care Worker’s Charity. Whilst their mental health service resources are available to you year-round, they can be particularly beneficial at Christmas time when financial strain, workload increases, and emotional strain at work can take their toll.

Do not hesitate to explore the many different ways you can get help with mental health online with The Care Worker’s Charity.

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Your Local Nurseplus Team

Your local Nurseplus team are always here to offer you help with mental health. Over the holiday season, they’re ready to offer a friendly ear and work hard to ensure your schedule fits around your personal commitments. Whether you’re hoping to spend more time with family or attend festive events, the team will do everything possible to accommodate your needs.

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In addition, your Nurseplus team is dedicated to creating a warm, festive, and enjoyable work environment throughout Christmas. From holiday gatherings to festive initiatives, there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate and connect with your colleagues. Don’t miss out on these moments to share in the holiday spirit, bond with your care colleagues, and access the support network available to you for help with mental health whenever you need it.

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Mental Health Service Support Lines and Websites

We recognise that sometimes you’ll need help with mental health outside of work hours, or that you may feel more comfortable sharing your concerns with someone outside of your professional life. If this is the case there are plenty of options you can access from the comfort of your own home and without the pressure of face-to-face communication.

We’ve listed the best mental health service support channels here: ​

NHS Mental Health Crisis Response Service (24/7) If you're in immediate need of mental health support, you can call 111 and select option 2 to speak to the NHS Mental Health Crisis Response Service. They are available around the clock to help you through any difficult moments. Website: NHS Mental Health Services	​ ​
Samaritans (24/7 Support) Samaritans offer a listening ear for anyone struggling to cope, no matter the issue. They are available 24/7 by phone or email. Call: 116 123 Email: jo@samaritans.org (response within 24 hours) Website: Samaritans	​ ​
Mind Mental Health Helpline Mind provides support and guidance for mental health concerns. Their helpline operates Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm. Call: 0300 102 1234 Website: Mind	​ ​
Shout Crisis Text Line Shout offers a free, confidential text service for those in crisis, available 24/7. Simply text "SHOUT" to 85258 to connect with a trained volunteer. If you're under 19, you can text "YM" instead. Website: Give Us a Shout	​ ​
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) CALM provides mental health support specifically for men, offering a helpline and webchat from 5 pm to midnight every day. They also provide a safe online space to connect with others. Call or WhatsApp: 0800 585858 Website: CALM Zone	​ ​

​We Want You to You’re Not Alone

Christmas can be a time of joy, but it’s okay if it feels overwhelming or isolating. Whether you're feeling stressed, anxious, or just need someone to talk to, these mental health services and your local Nurseplus team are here for you. We encourage you to share this information with your colleagues and make it part of your own self-care toolkit this holiday season.

Take care of yourself, as well as others, and together we can make sure everyone gets help with mental health so we can all enjoy the joys of Christmas.

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