Whether or not Christmas is part of your life, your mental health might be affected by it happening around you. It's a time of year that often puts extra pressure on us, and can affect our mental health in lots of different ways.

If you - or someone you know - has a mental health crisis during the festive period, help is at hand. Crisis Safe Spaces, part of Open Mental Health (an alliance of mental health organisations) is open throughout Christmas offering out-of-hours support to anyone over 18 in crisis.

Traditionally the festive period can be a very difficult time for people and this year the rising cost of living also impacts people's mental health. Often people in need of support struggle to know where to go and who to talk to, but it doesn't need to be this way.

Open Mental health is an alliance of mental health organisations that provide a single point of access for mental health support across Somerset, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This support provides everyone, even those who may not feel like they are in crisis, with a place to go no matter their mental health need.

At this time of year when certain health services may not be operating as normal, making sure people know there is someone ready to listen no matter the time, is especially important. Crisis Safe Spaces also provide vital out-of-hours support for those in mental health crisis, providing people with somewhere they can go for dedicated, non-judgemental support.

Shane Weller, Crisis Safe Space Senior Recovery Navigator, said: "Crisis Safe Space is open out of hours throughout Christmas offering zoom or phone support to anyone over 18 in crisis in Somerset. We have 90-minute slots, and you are likely to be able to speak to someone on the day you call.

"There is no triage system, if you want support, we are here to give it to you. We're taking the pressure off our GPs and our A&E giving you help from skilled workers who all have their own lived experience."

Chris Malin, who previously had support through a Crisis Safe Space, is now working there as a trained peer volunteer helping others in crisis.

He said: "Christmas can be a difficult time. I know in the past I have not enjoyed Christmas; you try to be happy for others, but inside you are crying. Even if you're with your family, you can feel alone."

"Crisis Safe Space helped me when I was in a bad place and close to suicide. I felt really listened to and was given support and tools like creating a safety plan and a wellbeing plan and that really helped me."

"I now work at the service as a peer volunteer, I'm able to say, I know how this feels and I can say you will get there. I love giving back to a service that helped me so much."

If you find yourself struggling:

Mindline - Open Mental Health's 24/7 helpline - is open all day every day to take your call if you are in crisis. They can refer onto Crisis Safe Space and other mental health services. The number to call is: 01823 276892 or 0800 138 1692

Additional support:

Crisis Safe Space Is run by Mind Somerset in Taunton and Yeovil and by Second Step in Bridgwater, Glastonbury and Frome. Both Mind in Somerset and Second Step are part of the alliance of voluntary sector organisations and the NHS in Somerset called Open Mental Health.

Open Mental Health, Somerset

Is an alliance of mental health organisations who have come together to provide 24/7 support to adults in Somerset. They have a shared ambition is to ensure that people living with mental health problems get the right support at the right time. Working together, they support people to live a full life, by enabling access to specialist mental health services, housing support, debt and employment advice, volunteering opportunities, peer support, community activities and physical exercise, to help support and improve their wellbeing and quality of life. Somerset's Mental Health Alliance - Open Mental Health

Mind in Somerset

Are here to make sure anyone with a mental health problem has somewhere to turn for advice and support. Their core purpose is to provide services and support to anyone affected by mental illness, improving their quality of life and wellbeing

Through our 24/7 Mindline service, Peer support groups, Garden, Art therapy and much more there is a way in for everyone and a service for everyone. They have an open door and treat everyone as individual, ensuring the right support, at the right time in the right way.

They have offices in Taunton, Yeovil, Bridgwater, Minehead and Shepton Mallet as well as groups and services across the county. Mind in Somerset

Second Step

Second Step is a leading mental health organisation in the Southwest. They believe that with the right support, everyone can take control of their life and make their future their own. Working hand-in-hand with the NHS and local authorities, they offer practical help and emotional support tailored to each individual and their recovery.

They also look at the blocks and barriers people come across in the system and actively find ways to improve and change the way organisations work together. Second Step | A Leading Mental Health Charity in Bristol, Bath & Somerset (second-step.co.uk)