For some people, Christmas can be a stressful, overwhelming and lonely time.  

Alongside the obvious stresses caused by the hectic season, people may be alone for a variety of reasons, meaning Christmas can be particularly difficult. 

But there are always things you can do to improve your wellbeing and help others who might experience difficulties at this time of year. 

The Health and Wellbeing Implementation Group has developed a list of support services for staff that may be helpful, particularly if you’re feeling lonely. This includes links to our Employee Assistance Programme, support from the NHS and other local and national services. 

Take action 

One of the obvious Christmas stresses comes from the extra expense. At this time of year, the Staff Benefits scheme offers some great discounts on things like larger supermarket shops or big-ticket purchases.  

Have a look at the My Durham Staff Benefits site which could help reduce seasonal financial stress. 

If you’re feeling lonely at Christmas – or at any time of year – it might help to: 

• Think about your mental health and wellbeing and consider how this might be impacting feelings of loneliness. There are online tools that could help, including the NHS depression and anxiety self-assessment quiz
• Find things to do at Christmas that help you feel less alone. Again, there’s lots of online advice about making connections that could be useful.  
• Plan ahead and arrange to meet up with others if you’d rather be in company. 

Many local organisations run activities and host events for people who might be on their own in December. There are lots of befriending groups on Durham Locate, social groups and activities on the Meetup website and local events on This is Durham’s website. If you know of any other local activities, please share them in the comments section below.  

Volunteering can also help you connect with others, as well as doing something positive in the community. A few ideas for volunteering around Christmas include a full range of opportunities managed by the University, volunteering with the Durham Foodbank, Newcastle’s Crisis team or finding volunteer opportunities across County Durham.  

Speak to someone 

If you are struggling with feelings of loneliness, experiencing emotional distress or struggling with a mental health difficulty, our staff Mental Health First Aiders can help. MHFAs are a great point of contact for colleagues looking for support and information about mental health services and are available to all colleagues during working hours.  

If you need support outside of these hours, our staff signposting guide has details about local services. 

You can find out more on the MHFA intranet page. 

As part of our Wellbeing Calendar we’re helping you to De-Stress for December, so look out for information and activities to help you tackle stress.  

Looking ahead to January, we’re running a workshop to help you manage your energy, not your time. It’ll help you to shift your perspectives on time, optimise your energy and create consistency and rhythm in your working pattern. Have a look on the Health and Wellbeing intranet site for more details. 

You can also keep updated on all things health and wellbeing at the University, so whatever you do this Christmas, you can find help if you need it.