Mental Health & Self-Care at Christmas —This Post is for Everyone but Especially for People Seeking Safety here in the UK.
The holidays are often described as a season of joy — but for many, Christmas can bring loneliness, grief, and painful reminders of all that has been lost or left behind. If this season feels heavy, know this: your feelings are valid, and you are not alone.
The message shown is from a young woman from Hummingbird Project and this is what she personally wants you to hear.
“We must keep protecting the gentle part within, no matter how hard life tries to take it away.”*
Self-care isn’t selfish — it’s survival. Here are a few gentle ways to look after your mind and heart this season:
🌿 **Give yourself permission to feel.** You don’t have to “be cheerful” if you’re hurting. Healing begins with honesty with ourselves.
🤲 **Stay connected, even in small ways.** A conversation with a neighbor, a call to a friend, or joining a local community group like Hummingbird Project can ease isolation.
🕯️ **Create new traditions.** A meal, a meditation, a walk, a moment of quiet reflection — small rituals can bring grounding and meaning.
💬 **Talk about what you’re going through.** Sharing your story with someone you trust can lighten the burden.
❤️ **Be gentle with yourself.** You’ve carried so much — rest, nourish your body, breathe, and allow yourself moments of peace.
If you’re struggling, please reach out to someone, if you are 14-25 and a refugee/claiming asylum - join one of our groups. They start back up from January 12th. (They are fun, educational and you will make some lovely friends).
Seeking help is a sign of strength.
Your strength and healing is the greatest message of hope for others.
This Christmas, may people seeking safety everywhere be met with compassion, safety, and dignity. And may we all remember: protecting the gentle part within is an act of resistance, resilience — and hope.
Thank you to
@alonglines for the wonderful photos, we will be sharing more very soon.
Please keep our work going by donating to our Xmas appeal.
/project/158653-show-your-support-to-hummingbird-young-people-this-xmas