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We know that this time of year can be especially difficult, for a number of reasons.
We see an increase in requests for our specialist counselling support at Christmas time, and it breaks our hearts that we are not able to say ‘yes’ to every parent who needs us at this time. We know that what you need now is specialist counselling, and we’re truly sorry if we can’t be there for you.
If we are unable to support you, or you are looking for a little more guidance over the festive period, we’ve put together this Christmas Care Collection: a little bundle of care and comfort, compiled by our team to support you at what can be a difficult time.
Supporting you: blogs and advice
Looking after your mental health over the festive period
Our Petals Counsellors share their five top tips for taking care of yourself this Christmas.
How to navigate difficult situations & conversations over Christmas
Senior Counsellor, Flora Saxby, supports with how to handle unwanted situations or uncomfortable conversations during holiday
get-togethers.
The Prescence of Grief at Christmas: Ritual, remembrance and reassurance for parents
Author and ambassador, Ali Harris, shares her experience of navigating grief at Christmas, and how her family keep Poppy’s memory alive.
Supporting you: videos & exercises
'Space to Breathe' Exercise
A quick ‘pitstop’ – take anywhere between 3 and 10 minutes to find a moment of calm before carrying on with the busyness of Christmas.
Grounding Techniques & Safe Place Meditation
Petals Counsellor, Anna Berkley, shares 8 gentle grounding techniques you can take anywhere over the holiday period.
Restorative Yoga
Take an hour to reset over the holiday season with this bespoke restorative yoga session, especially for Petals, from Lou at Move Your Frame.
Supporting others:
Supporting both parents following a loss this Christmas
Petals Counselling Manager, Bev Roles, shares ways friends & family can support both mothers and non-birthing partners at this difficult time.
Supporting & including children & siblings at Christmas time
Counsellors Russ and Lynette share guidance on how to support children following a loss.
You may also find comfort and support from our Facebook Groups: supportive communities who ‘get it’.
Click the icons below to access each group.
With love from everyone at Petals this Christmas x
Please note, we do not operate 24 hours and response times may be slower over the Christmas period.
If you feel you need immediate support following a loss or are worried about your mental health over the festive period, there are some excellent free listening services available to you if you need to talk to someone right now:
Samaritans: Call 116 123
Shout Crisis Text Line: Text ‘Shout’ to 85258
NHS 24: 111
If you are at risk of hurting yourself or someone else, consider seeking support by attending your GP, local A & E or contacting the Emergency Services on 999 (if you urgently need to take action).
If you live in Scotland and urgently need to talk to someone: Breathing Space: 0800 83 85 87 NHS Urgent Help for Mental Health information can be found here.