RedArc’s nurses are providing additional support for those experiencing loneliness or bereavement at this time of year.
For many years, RedArc has created a Christmas support plan for the individuals that it believes are most vulnerable to these issues over the festive period. By putting in extra calls to those who are receiving bereavement support or who are lonely, helps people put coping mechanisms in place and supports them during what can be an unsettling period.
Christmas is a particularly difficult time for those who are bereaved, on their own, or who feel alone, and RedArc urges employers and insurers who offer support during this period to make sure it is communicated effectively.
Christine Husbands, commercial director, RedArc said: “From experience, we know that Christmas can be a particularly difficult time for many, so we increase our support for those who most need it.”
What are the main issues experienced over Christmas?
For many lonely or bereaved, the anticipation of Christmas can be much worse than the day itself and that is often because, whether at home or work, the build-up to Christmas is inescapable. The constant reminders of the festivities can be unbearable for some.
In addition, Christmas is also a time when normal support groups and social activities are often temporarily paused, which only serves to exacerbate feelings of loneliness and isolation for those who rely on them for social interaction and support.
What does support look like at Christmas?
RedArc urges employers, insurers and other organisations that provide mental health support, to be clear about what support is available and the extent of that support. Knowing what is and what isn’t available is important to ensure that an individual knows where to turn and what that support will look like if they are feeling low.
Support needs to be tailored to the individual’s needs and provided by the same practitioner who the individual will get to know and trust.
It may also include signposting to other national or local charities, reading materials, and complementary therapies or specialist bereavement counselling.
Christine Husbands, continued: “We often need to reassure people that they shouldn’t be pressurised into doing anything by well-meaning family and friends and should only do as much or as little as they want to do. It can be beneficial to try to avoid recreating old rituals and look to establish new traditions where they can.”
After the loss of a loved one, the right support can help people through this period if those in need understand what they can access and how to go about it.