Winter can be a challenging time for many and Somerset County Council is sharing some top tips to help support people through these challenges.

As the days get shorter and the weather wintery it is easy for people to become more isolated as they leave their homes less often. This can lead to loneliness, anxiety and even depression – and having Covid-19 still in circulation has added to this pressure.

Top tips to fight winter loneliness:

1 Connect and spend time with the people around you. Your relationships with family, friends, colleagues and neighbours can support your mental well-being and make you feel better.

2 Call up a friend or a family member for a chat. Spending time with the people around you, even if it is just over the phone or online, can make you feel better.

3 Keeping active is a great way to improve your mental well-being but this doesn’t mean you have to go to the gym. Take a walk, a stroll in the garden or just dance around the living room to your favourite music.

4 There are lots of great ideas to get outside at https://getoutsideinsomerset.co.uk/ to help you.

5 Take some time to be more aware of the present moment, including your thoughts and feelings, your body and the world around you. It can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges.

6 Learn a new skill - why not learn to cook a favourite dish that you’ve never eaten at home? Or sign up for that course you’ve always wanted to do?

7 Rediscovering an old hobby can improve your well-being. Whether it is model making, knitting, singing or writing stories.

8 The smallest act of giving can make a huge difference, whether it’s a kind word, a thank you or even just a smile.

10 Volunteering within your local community can help improve your well-being as well as making a difference to others.