December 2025
Positive Vibes in 2025!
Working Wonders for Wellbeing and Creating Caring Connections…
This year has flown by with exciting opportunities for carers to flex their creative muscles, expand their knowledge and improve their wellbeing.
The running theme has been connection, engagement and collaboration. Using feedback from carers to improve and expand our support for carers, impact the guidance given to professionals working with carers and tailor the advice for companies employing carers.
Here are a few of the highlights:
- Numerous information sessions and workshops with partners from: Coop Estate Planning, British Red Cross, and Community Neurology.
- Regular information and advice drop-ins sessions from: SGN Outreach Project, Advice Portsmouth, Remind, Citizens Advice and MacMillan Cancer Support, and Connect to Work.
- Regular carer support groups: Carers & Cake (with SEND Butterflies SC), Room One Loved Ones Group, South Asian Carers Group, Young Adult Carers Group, Rebound, and Dementia Carers.
- Special events and celebrations: Young Carers Actions Day, Carers Week, Carers Rights Day, and World Mental Health Day.
- Variety of Carers break activities.
- Carers Breaks research project: Your Break, Your Way – Inviting carers to join the conversation about our breaks offer.
- Carers Create Video Book launch: Saw artwork and creative writing by carers shared around the city and online, raising awareness and sparking discussion.
A massive thank-you to every carer who joined us this year – you are the heart of everything we do.
We would like to wish you all Seasons Greetings and a Happy New Year.
From the Portsmouth Carers Service Team.
Make a Note of our Opening Times
Opening Times over the Festive Period:
- Monday 22nd December – 9am to 5pm
- Tuesday 23rd December – 9am to 5pm
- Wednesday 24th December – 9am to 4pm
- Thursday 25th December – CLOSED – Christmas Day
- Friday 26th December – CLOSED – Boxing Day
- Monday 29th December – CENTRE CLOSED – Email/Phones 9am to 5pm
- Tuesday 30th December – CENTRE CLOSED – Email/Phones 9am to 5pm
- Wednesday 31st December – CENTRE CLOSED – Email/Phones 9am to 4pm
- Thursday 1st January – CLOSED – New Year’s Day
- Friday 2nd January – 9am to 4.30pm
Need support over the holidays?
We’re still here for you. Call us on: 02392 851864 or email: carerscentre@portsmouthcc.gov.uk for information and support.
What’s on at the Carers Centre
Mental Health Matters
Looking after your Mental Health this Christmas
The festive season can be a time of joy, but for many, it can also feel overwhelming or isolating. If Christmas feels challenging, you’re not alone. It’s important to prioritise your mental health and reach out for support when you need it.
Why mental health matters during the holidays Christmas often brings extra pressures—financial worries, family expectations, or feelings of loneliness. These can impact your wellbeing, so taking steps to care for yourself is essential. Simple things like setting realistic expectations, taking breaks, and staying connected with supportive people can make a big difference.
Support is available If you’re struggling, there are services ready to help:
- NHS 111 Mental Health Triage Team 24/7 mental health support for all ages across Hampshire. Visit https://111.nhs.uk or call 111.
- Portsmouth Mental Health Hub A dedicated phoneline for anyone aged 16+ who’s unsure where to turn. You can call for yourself, a loved one, or someone you work with. 📞 0300 123 6621 💬 Chat online: https://www.mentalhealthinportsmouth.co.uk Opening times: • Monday to Friday: 8am – 6pm • Closed: Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Year’s Day
- 24/7 Mental Health Support • Samaritans: Call 116 123 (free, confidential, 24/7) • NHS 111: Dial 111 or go online for health and mental health advice • Shout Crisis Text Line: Text SHOUT to 85258 for immediate support
- Adult Social Care (including Safeguarding): 📞 023 9268 0810 (available out-of-hours)
If you need emergency help immediately, call 999.
Remember: Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether you need someone to talk to or professional guidance, support is just a call or click away.
YOUR BREAK, YOUR WAY: Update
Your Break, Your Way – Update
Thank you for sharing your ideas and helping us shape carers’ services that truly reflect your needs. Here’s how your feedback is making a real difference:
Our Journey So Far
- Stage One: We listened to what matters most to you about our current services.
- Stage Two: Guided by your views, we explored new ways to enhance our offer and make the best use of our resources.
- Stage Three: We’re now developing and trialling new approaches – working closely with carers and community organisations every step of the way.
What You Told Us – What We Did
- You wanted more variety in Carers Breaks: We’ve teamed up with Portsmouth City College, BH Live, and the British Red Cross to offer a wider range of activities and information sessions.
- You asked for better communication: We are supporting a carer-led Facebook group for parent carers (special thanks to Helen!) and have held our first co-production meeting to improve our website and online communications.
- You wanted a simpler booking process: We’re collaborating with our Digital Customer Experience team and will invite carers to help shape this next year.
- You needed more flexible respite options: We’re improving agreements with care agencies and working with services like The Royal Albert Day Centre and Shared Lives to develop new alternatives.
- You’re trialling new community break options: Carers are providing feedback on initiatives like the Porchester Dementia Hub.
- You wanted better value from the Carers Break Fund Card: Carers are now trialling Click Learning with Flourish Rewards and Carefree hotel breaks to get the best value breaks for carers.
Thank you for your ideas and support – together, we’re making a real difference!
What’s Next?
From January to March next year, we’ll review your feedback and experiences from the trials to choose the best ways to enhance our Carers Breaks offer – so you can enjoy “Your Break, Your Way”.
If you would like to share your recommendations for any local activities of services which you have enjoyed when you have a break from caring, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Gina on 02392 851864 or by email at gina.mula@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
Bring the Joy Indoors
Celebrating Holidays When You’re Unable to Leave the House
The festive season is a time for warmth, connection, and celebration – but for those unable to leave the house, it can feel isolating. With a little creativity and care, you can bring the magic of the holidays indoors and make it meaningful and joyful.
Bringing the Festivities In
- Decorate the space: Transform the living area with festive touches – a small, accessible Christmas tree, twinkling lights, and ornaments that spark happy memories. Opt for soft, warm-toned LED lights for a cosy atmosphere.
- Aromas and tastes: Fill the home with seasonal scents using candles, essential oils, or potpourri. Treat yourself or arrange delivery of favourite festive foods.
- Music and entertainment: Play beloved carols or holiday playlists to lift spirits. Enjoy classic films or TV specials for a dose of nostalgia.
Connecting with Others
- In-person visits: If possible, plan short, manageable visits rather than long ones to avoid fatigue.
- Virtual connection: Use video calls to join family celebrations, watch gift openings, or simply share smiles.
- Cards and care packages: Encourage friends and family to send cards or small parcels filled with notes, treats, and photos to show they care.
Engaging in Meaningful Activities
- Share memories: Look through photo albums or treasured decorations and reminisce about past Christmases.
- Simple crafts: Try easy festive crafts like making cards or decorating pre-baked biscuits.
- Quiet moments: Create a peaceful corner for rest – Christmas can be overwhelming, and downtime is essential.
The greatest gift you can give is your time and presence. Showing someone they are loved and included helps combat loneliness and makes the season truly special.