Making Space launches Christmas campaign to address the hidden costs of Christmas on mental health

Making Space Fundraising Manager, Bob Towers, said:

"At Making Space, we wanted to focus on something beyond the financial cost of Christmas. While often portrayed as a joyful time, the reality can be very different especially for people living with dementia, mental health conditions, learning disabilities, unpaid carers, and those who may not celebrate Christmas at all.”

"For many, the season brings increased feelings of loneliness, loss, financial pressure, and emotional strain as they face comparisons to idealised festive images and cope with challenges that become especially intense during the holidays. This period can be particularly isolating for those who don’t celebrate, as the prevalence of holiday traditions and gatherings may heighten feelings of exclusion or disconnection, adding unique challenges during the season."

Funds raised will go towards essential services including activity groups to reduce isolation, hardship support for basic living costs, access to emotional support and counselling, and practical advice and information.

GET INVOLVED

In December, Making Space will host its "Baking Space" coffee mornings and bake sales, aimed at bringing communities together and supporting those in need. In Warrington, the event will be held at the charity's HQ on Allen Street, just a short walk from the town centre, from 11am to 1pm on Wednesday, 11 December. The venue, Café Connect, is a community café offering affordable meals, social connections, and mental health support.

As part of the event, Mario Li from Monia’s Cakes (The Hive, 27-31 Sankey Street, Warrington WA1 1XG) will judge the Bake Off competition. Mario will provide feedback to all entrants before selecting the winner, who will receive a voucher generously provided by Monia’s Cakes.

In addition to a variety of great treats, Heather Arnold from Find Your Calm Sanctuary CIC will give a talk on supporting mental health during the festive season—a time that can bring stress and difficult emotions. She will share mindfulness techniques and calming breathing exercises to help reduce Christmas burnout.

Additionally, The Village Hotel will host a Baking Space event, 11am-2pm on Friday, 6 December in The Pub & Grill.

Find out more about Baking Space here.

A collection bin is also available at Tesco Extra on Warrington Road until 20 December, where donations of practical and gift items are being gathered to support those in need this Christmas. Suggested items include gloves, scarves, hats, socks, toiletries, blankets, chocolates, biscuits, jams, adult activity books, hot drink gift sets, and non-perishable food items like cereal and noodle pots. A full list of examples will be displayed on the collection bin. Your generosity can make a real difference this holiday season!

Bob, added:

“We’re also grateful for the support of local businesses, including Countrywide Health Care in Barnsley and Neuven in Manchester, for collecting gifts for those we support, and Wiltshire Farm Foods for donating cakes to our Baking Space events and hampers to Sandalwood Dementia Day Centre in Doncaster.”

WIN PRIZES

You are also invited to take part in the Making Space Christmas Raffle, where for just £2 a ticket, you could win incredible prizes like £200 cash, vouchers from Marks and Spencer, Amazon, and more - including a paintball session for ten and other fantastic gifts. The raffle draw will take place on 2 January 2025, and is open to over-18s.

This year, Making Space invites your support to make Christmas a season of compassion and care for all. Learn more about the campaign, make a donation here.

If you’re finding it difficult to cope with your mental health, don’t hesitate to seek support. Visit the Mind website for helpful resources and advice on managing mental health during the Christmas season.