Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust encourages residents to look after their mental health this winter by reaching out for support

January and the early months of the year can be a challenging time for many people. As the festive period ends and colder weather continues, feelings of loneliness, financial anxiety, bereavement and general winter pressures can have a significant impact on mental wellbeing. Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust (CWPT) is encouraging residents to look after their mental health and reach out for support across the community if they need it.

Winter pressures: loneliness and financial anxiety

Winter can heighten feelings of anxiety. Many people experience increased financial strain in January due to higher winter fuel bills, seasonal spending and the ongoing cost of living pressures. Financial worries can affect mental health, increase stress and reduce opportunities to connect with others, which can heighten feelings of loneliness.

Loneliness itself can have a significant impact on both mental and physical health. People who live alone, are separated from loved ones, or who have experienced bereavement may find this time of year particularly difficult.

CWPT and partners are reminding residents that support is available locally to help people stay connected, manage financial pressures and look after their wellbeing throughout the winter months - and that help can be accessed without attending A&E.

While A&E plays a vital role in emergencies, it is not always the most appropriate environment for people experiencing a mental health crisis. Busy emergency departments, long waiting times and noisy surroundings can sometimes increase distress rather than reduce it.

Across Coventry and Warwickshire, dedicated mental health services are available 24 hours a day, offering specialist support in calmer, more therapeutic settings. People who need urgent mental health help, but are not at immediate risk to life, are encouraged to call NHS 111 and select the mental health option or contact the Coventry and Warwickshire Mental Wellbeing Line on 0800 616 171.

Tips on how to support your mental wellbeing this winter:

Residents can take simple steps to support their own mental health and that of others:

Reach out to friends, neighbours or family members who may be feeling isolated or finding this time of year difficult.
Join local groups, classes or community activities based on your interests.
Spend time in places where you can be around others, such as cafés, parks or community hubs.
Contact NHS Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull Talking Therapies if you are struggling with anxiety or low mood.
Seek advice from Citizens Advice or local cost of living support services if financial pressures are affecting your wellbeing.
Warm hubs, community groups and social activities are available across the area to help people stay connected and supported this winter. Information is available via local council websites.

Kyriakos Gregoriou, Director of Nursing at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust , said:

At the start of 2026, we are reminding residents that there is help and support available if anyone is experiencing anxiety, stress or struggling with your mental health. If you're finding things overwhelming this winter, there are specialist mental health services available to you across Coventry and Warwickshire. Please reach out if you need help - you don't have to feel alone.

Mental health support across Coventry and Warwickshire

If you or someone you know needs urgent mental health help, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option, or visit www.covwarkpt.nhs.uk/find-help-now. In an emergency or if there is a threat to life, call 999.

There are many local services offering emotional support, crisis help and wellbeing resources:

Coventry and Warwickshire Mental Wellbeing Line: 0800 616 171 (24/7).
NHS Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull Talking Therapies: https://www.talkingtherapies.covwarkpt.nhs.uk/. Self help guides and support for anxiety, stress and depression
Wellbeing for Life: Advice on improving mental and physical wellbeing
Wellbeing for Warwickshire: Emotional support and a 24/7 confidential helpline
Samaritans: 116 123
Coventry and Warwickshire Safe Havens: 024 7601 7200
Mind Coventry & Warwickshire: Finding help now - CWWMind
Recovery and Wellbeing Academy: recoveryandwellbeing.co.uk
Dimensions of Health and Wellbeing: dimensions.covwarkpt.nhs.uk
RISE (children and young people): 08081 966798 (Option 2)
YoungMinds Crisis Messenger: Text YM to 85258
Kooth: Free online support for 11-25 year olds
Amparo: Support for anyone bereaved by suicide
Hopeline UK: 0800 068 4141 24/7
Shout: Text Shout to 85258
Stay Alive app: Support for people at risk of suicide or worried about someone

For a full list of mental health and wellbeing services, visit:

Financial wellbeing support

Local organisations across Coventry and Warwickshire offer practical help for anyone feeling stressed or anxious about money:

Warwickshire Cost of Living Support: Information on managing household costs and accessing financial help
Coventry Cost of Living Support: coventry.gov.uk/costofliving
Mind's Money and Mental Wellbeing Toolkit: Tips and techniques to manage money and support mental wellbeing
Citizens Advice: Free, confidential advice on debt, benefits, budgeting and hardship funds
Ask Bill: Free and impartial help with money and bills

Community support and warm spaces

A wide range of organisations offer warm, welcoming places and opportunities to connect:

Warm Hubs (Warwickshire Rural Community Council): Safe, warm spaces with hot drinks and company
Coventry City Council: Befriending groups, social activities, gardening, music and faith based groups
Warwickshire County Council: Local support groups and wellbeing activities
Age UK Coventry & Warwickshire: Friendship groups, walking football and social events
ARC CIC: Weekly nature based wellbeing sessions for people who feel isolated

Bereavement support

Support is available for anyone struggling with grief:

Keeping warm and managing winter costs

Practical advice and information on financial support can be found at:

Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust encourages residents to look after their mental health this winter by reaching out for support | News

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