16 December 2024
Islanders who may be struggling with their mental health over the festive period are being
reminded of the support they can access online and in-person.
The Listening Lounge will be open in the run-up to Christmas and between Christmas and New
Year.
Meanwhile, Islanders can also access support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a
year, via the digital mental health support service TogetherAll.
For people who are in mental health crisis, the Adult Mental Health 24-hour Crisis Line can be
contacted on 445290.
As Christmas can be a difficult time for many, the Listening Lounge has also released
some top tips to support those who may be feeling isolated or anxious.
The Listening Lounge, which was awarded a three-year contract by Health and Community
Services in September, supports those Islanders aged 18 and over with common mental health
difficulties and wellbeing problems – such as low-level anxiety and depression.
A key aim of the service is to ensure Islanders can access the right support at the right time.
People can self-refer and walk-in for support and advice at the Listening Lounge, which is based
on Charles Street. There is also the opportunity to pre-book appointments if preferred.
During the festive period, the Listening Lounge opening hours will remain the same (10am-8pm
Monday to Saturday) except on Christmas Eve when the service will be open 10am to 6pm. It
will also be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
The three-year contract comes after the Listening Lounge ran a four-year pilot which identified
the need for therapeutic services to be offered for Islanders experiencing emotional or
psychological difficulties.
As part of the service, individual counselling sessions are available from professionals trained
in a range of therapeutic approaches. Group sessions that focus on psychoeducation and
shared experiences are also provided. These groups are facilitated by both counsellors and
peer support workers and are designed to provide practical insights and support in a
welcoming, communal environment.
Those needing additional help are signposted to support which is more appropriate to their
individual needs.
Andy Weir, Director of Mental Health Services and Adult Social Care, said: “I’m delighted that
we have secured this three-year contract with the Listening Lounge. We know from the pilot
scheme that the services the Listening Lounge provide are very beneficial to Islanders.
“Providing early mental health support is vital for people experiencing mental health difficulties.
We know that Christmas time can be very difficult for some people. If you are struggling this
Christmas, please seek support.”
Lucy Nicolaou, Director for Mental Health Provision LV Care Group, which operates the
Listening Lounge, said: “We're delighted that the Listening Lounge service will continue after a
very successful pilot.
“Difficult feelings like anxiety, depression and stress can affect all of us, and we know the
importance of support being available and accessible at the right time. We welcomed over
5,000 people through our doors in our first four years and look forward to meeting more
Islanders in the run-up to Christmas, and the year ahead.”
Top tips to support your mental health this Christmas:
- Acknowledge your feelings: It's okay to feel lonely or sad. Accepting your emotions can
help you process them without judgment.
- Connection: Contact a friend, family member, or support line, such as the Listening
Lounge on 01534 866793 or the Samaritans 116 123. Even a short conversation can make a
difference. Consider helping others in any small way you can, or volunteering in person or
online. This can help foster a sense of purpose.
- Sometimes connection can come from unexpected places. A friendly conversation with
a neighbour or a person on the bus can brighten your day, so staying open to connection can
help.
- Limit social media: Comparing your experience to others online can intensify feelings of
loneliness. Set boundaries.
- Practice self-care: Prioritise activities that nurture your wellbeing, such as mindfulness,
exercise or something else you enjoy.
- Set small goals: Achieving even minor tasks can build a sense of achievement and
structure your day.
- Seek support: If feelings of loneliness become overwhelming, consider reaching out to
professionals.
- Plan: Use this time to brainstorm things to look forward to in the coming weeks or
months, however small, like finishing a book, or arranging a meetup.
- Connect with nature: A walk outdoors or time in a park can uplift your mood and provide
a sense of calm as well.
- Practice self-compassion: Remind yourself that feeling lonely doesn’t define your
future. Reflect on how you’ve navigated challenges in the past. If a loved one was feeling lonely,
you’d likely offer comfort and support. Offer yourself the same care and understanding.
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