Coping Over Christmas with Mid Kent Mind

For many people, Christmas brings with it all kinds of festive excitement, from family days out to busy shopping trips and long lunches with friends. But for some of us, it can also intensify feelings of loneliness, depression, anxiety and stress.

That's why we're working with our charity partner, Mid Kent Mind, to prioritise wellbeing this Christmas.

In the last year, Mid Kent Mind have helped over 4000 individuals and facilitated 14,394 sessions of support. This winter, there are more people than ever that need their services, and by making a donation to our winter wellbeing campaign, you can help Mid Kent Mind be there for more local people experiencing mental health problems this Christmas.

• A donation of £5 could provide materials for Mid Kent Mind's weekly arts and craft group.
• A donation of £25 could give one young person a session of intensive mental health support.
• A donation of £40 could help provide enriching online mental health training to a group of 10 individuals.
• A donation of £75 could help ensure that a wellbeing coach is available to run the Mid Kent Mind telephone service for one afternoon a week, for an entire month.

To make a donation, please visit our fundraising page here. Any donation, however big or small, makes a huge difference to those who need a little extra support this Christmas.

Your donations to date

So far, with your help, we have raised over £2,000 for Mid Kent Mind through our boot fairs, our charity quiz night and our birthday tombola.

We also donated 120 staff hours to transform their wellbeing centre in Maidstone, focussing on the two main delivery rooms, which are used to conduct counselling sessions, group wellbeing workshops and courses for the local community.

There were also sizeable donations from local businesses including JSP Building Services, Neptune Canterbury and Practical Car & Van Rental, Sittingbourne. We couldn't have done it without you!

Top tips for winter wellbeing

Exercise. Try to get outside for some fresh air every day; even a 10 minute walk can help clear your head.

Eat well. It can be tempting to overindulge over the festive season but try to eat regular meals which include fruit and vegetables.

Write. Sometimes, writing down how we are feeling can help us process our emotions and thoughts.

Celebrate. They can be big or small, but it's important to recognise your successes - whether it's getting out of bed in the morning and having breakfast, walking the dog or finishing a puzzle.

Ask. If you or someone you know is struggling or feeling overwhelmed, remember Mid Kent Mind are here to help. Simply call the team on   01622 692383.