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A workshop is being offered to people across Sheffield to cope with the pressures of Christmas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Space to Breathe have organised the events offering advice on how to navigate the mental stress that is often associated with the festive season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Andy Freeman, 54, owner of the organisation, which is based at Scotia Works, supports people through services including counselling, mindfulness and psychotherapy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The \u2018Coping with Christmas\u2019 workshop was created as a response to how difficult people find the winter period. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said:\u00a0\u201cWe are all talking about inflation going down and the chancellor this week has said that he thinks the country\u2019s turned its corner, but that would not be my experience of what people are feeling right now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMore than last year the sense I\u2019m hearing of the pressure to afford presents. People are asking \u2018how can I cut back?\u2019 or \u2018What are people going to think of me if I don\u2019t get as big of a present, are my kids going to feel let down?'”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr Freeman explained one of the attendees of the workshop felt under pressure at work because they couldn’t afford a \u00a315 Secret Santa gift.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Emma Taylor, 51, the lead for partnerships and engagement at Sheffield City Council said she had also noticed a change in Sheffield\u2019s residents’ concerns about Christmas.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ms Taylor said: \u201cThe focus is not necessarily \u2018what am I going to spend on Christmas\u2019 it\u2019s actually \u2018am I going to be able to afford to put my heating on?\u2019, or \u2018am I going to be able to afford to eat?\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“People on universal credit or job seekers allowance are asking for advances because of the pressure of Christmas.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n