Isolation and loneliness can make Christmas one of the hardest times of the year for people with a mental health problem. However, new research released by national Mind suggests a third of people (36%) find it difficult to admit they are lonely at Christmas and a quarter of people feel unable to ask for help when struggling emotionally.

Please help us be there for those that need us and ensure that no-one is alone this Christmas. If you can, please donate to Buckinghamshire Mind by either setting-up a regular gift or making a one-off donation. Please give today

Although loneliness is often associated with older people, the age group most likely to say they find it difficult to admit that they’re lonely at Christmas is 18 to 24 year olds (45%) with people aged 65 and over actually least likely to say they felt embarrassed (29%).

Feeling lonely isn’t in itself a mental health problem, but the two are strongly linked. Having a mental health problem increases your chance of feeling lonely, and feeling lonely can have a negative impact on your mental health.

Buckinghamshire Mind addresses this in a number of ways, including through our outreach services, befriending service and wellbeing and peer support groups.

Buckinghamshire Mind is responsible for its own funding and the services it provides. You can help us be there for people who need us by making a one-off donation or through regular giving. Your contribution really does make a difference:

· £5 pays for creative materials for adults and younger clients to use in counselling sessions.

· £10 pays for a day session for an older adult with memory loss.

· £20 pays to train a volunteer to carry out a befriender role.

· £30 pays for a creative arts session in our day services.

· £40 pays for one adult or young person to have a counselling session

· £50 pays to take a small group to an activity in the community.

Please help us to address isolation and loneliness this Christmas. Simply click on the Donate Now button or click here