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As the Christmas season approaches, national mental health charity Turn2Me is calling on communities across Ireland to check in on elderly neighbours and offering vital online mental health services to support those struggling during the festive period. The charity has launched a dual campaign to combat loneliness, strengthen community bonds, and provide critical mental health resources for anyone in need.
Small Acts of Kindness for Elderly Neighbours
Turn2Me CEO Fiona O’Malley emphasised the unique challenges faced by elderly people during the holiday season:
“Christmas can be an isolating time for elderly people, particularly those who live alone or have limited social connections. Loneliness and social isolation are serious challenges for many older adults, and the holiday season can amplify these feelings. Taking the time to check in on your elderly neighbours could brighten their Christmas and support their mental health.”
The charity outlined three key reasons for checking in on elderly neighbours this Christmas:
- Combatting Loneliness: Many elderly people spend Christmas alone, leading to feelings of sadness and isolation. Simple gestures, such as delivering a card, inviting them for tea, or watching a Christmas movie together, can remind them that they are cared for.
- Providing Practical Support: Winter weather and holiday closures can make accessing essentials difficult for older people. Offering assistance with shopping, medications, or clearing icy pathways can ensure their safety and comfort.
- Strengthening Community Connections: Reaching out fosters a sense of community and inclusion, encouraging elderly neighbours to feel more connected to their local area and its celebrations.
Mental Health Support Groups for the Festive Season
Acknowledging the pressures the season can bring, Turn2Me has also launched its online Christmas support groups to address the rise in anxiety, grief, financial stress, and loneliness often experienced during this period.
“This Christmas, we encourage everyone to take small steps to make a big difference. Kindness costs nothing, but it can mean the world to someone who feels lonely or isolated during the holidays,” O’Malley added.
The free online support groups, accessible on Turn2Me.ie, provide help for various challenges:
- Christmas Day (6pm): Christmas Blues
- St. Stephen’s Day (11am): Family Issues
- 27th December (11am): Bereavement
- 28th December (11am): Family Issues
- 29th December (11am): Bereavement
- 30th December (11am): Managing Anxiety
- 31st December (11am): Feeling Alone
- 1st January (11am): Feeling Down
Turn2Me’s other free services include up to six counselling sessions, a meditation programme, a ‘Thought Catcher’ mood diary, and articles offering practical mental health advice.
How You Can Help
This Christmas, Turn2Me is urging communities to take collective action to ensure no one feels alone or unsupported. Whether it’s extending kindness to an elderly neighbour or joining an online support group, small actions can have a lasting impact on mental health during the festive season.
For more information or to access Turn2Me’s resources, visit Turn2Me.ie.