A workshop is being offered to people across Sheffield to cope with the pressures of Christmas.
Space to Breathe have organised the events offering advice on how to navigate the mental stress that is often associated with the festive season.
Andy Freeman, 54, owner of the organisation, which is based at Scotia Works, supports people through services including counselling, mindfulness and psychotherapy.
The ‘Coping with Christmas’ workshop was created as a response to how difficult people find the winter period.
Mr Freeman, who founded the non-profit social enterprise seven years ago, highlighted the Christmas period can feel much worse for those coping with bereavement or loss, or for those affected by the cost of living crisis.
He said: “We are all talking about inflation going down and the chancellor this week has said that he thinks the country’s turned its corner, but that would not be my experience of what people are feeling right now.
“More than last year the sense I’m hearing of the pressure to afford presents. People are asking ‘how can I cut back?’ or ‘What are people going to think of me if I don’t get as big of a present, are my kids going to feel let down?'”
Mr Freeman explained one of the attendees of the workshop felt under pressure at work because they couldn’t afford a £15 Secret Santa gift.
Emma Taylor, 51, the lead for partnerships and engagement at Sheffield City Council said she had also noticed a change in Sheffield’s residents’ concerns about Christmas.
Ms Taylor said: “The focus is not necessarily ‘what am I going to spend on Christmas’ it’s actually ‘am I going to be able to afford to put my heating on?’, or ‘am I going to be able to afford to eat?’
“People on universal credit or job seekers allowance are asking for advances because of the pressure of Christmas.”
Ms Taylor said that her role as part of a crisis team is reacting to the record numbers of emergency financial support and food bank referrals.
If you need any help this Christmas you can call the Community support helpline at 0114 263 4567 or contact ‘Space to Breathe’.
