Help is at hand if you feel snowed under this Christmas

North Lanarkshire Council has launched the '˜Feeling Snowed Under' campaign to help those suffering from anxiety and depression during the holiday period.
By The Newsroom
Published 6th Dec 2016, 12:10 BST
Updated 6th Dec 2016, 13:02 BST
Councillors Frank McNally (front, right) and Barry McCulloch (back, left) joined representatives from the Police, Fire Service, NHS Lanarkshire and Ambulance Service to launch the campaign at Motherwell Civic Centre.Councillors Frank McNally (front, right) and Barry McCulloch (back, left) joined representatives from the Police, Fire Service, NHS Lanarkshire and Ambulance Service to launch the campaign at Motherwell Civic Centre.
Councillors Frank McNally (front, right) and Barry McCulloch (back, left) joined representatives from the Police, Fire Service, NHS Lanarkshire and Ambulance Service to launch the campaign at Motherwell Civic Centre.

A booklet providing tips and advice to help people deal with pressures such as debt, stress and loneliness has been produced in partnership with NHS Lanarkshire, Police Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service.

Councillor Barry McCulloch, Convener of Social Work, said: “With 1 in 4 people suffering mental health problems we as a community can all help look out for each other.”

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“As a council, we are committed to helping people throughout the year but recognise that Christmas can be a difficult time for many. Worry, stress and depression can affect anyone and sometimes this is heightened during the festive period.

“As well as our Suicide Prevention campaign which we run all year, we are pleased to be working with other partner agencies to give practical help to people who many need it at this particular time of the year.”

The booklet also contains contact details for emergency services during the winter, financial and benefits help lines; stress control, domestic abuse support and alcoholics anonymous. Practical tips on staying safe at home and on nights out are also included.

Bobby Miller, head of Adult Social Work Services for North Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “The festive season is something most people look forward to and it should be a chance to relax and enjoy time with friends and family. For some however it can be a time when worries or loneliness can be heightened.

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“We hope this advice leaflet will be helpful in taking some of the stress out of the holiday period for those feeling under pressure. Help will be available if people but we all can play our part by looking out for those who are a bit more lonely or vulnerable and checking that they are okay.”

Local businesses including McDonalds, pubs, clubs, hospitals and hotels are all supporting the initiative and will have copies of the help booklet.

The ‘Feeling Snowed Under’ booklet can be downloaded here.

If you do need help at any time please call Samaritans on 116 123 or Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87.

Related topics:Police Scotland