Mental health specialists are sending advice packs and handwritten Christmas cards to patients to give them extra support over the festive and winter period.
The Colchester Specialist Community Mental Health Team support more than 1,300 vulnerable people, many of whom struggle with loneliness, physical health issues as well as their mental health, money worries and other difficulties.
The team first started sending out the winter resilience packs with a personalised card last year as their patients were struggling with rising energy and food costs.
The packs contain a booklet produced by various public and voluntary sector organisations that are part of the One Colchester partnership. It includes information on who to contact to access food, financial support, and help with physical and mental wellbeing.
The mental health team also include a letter that explains where patients can get support for their mental health during Christmas and New Year. It also has a reminder about the physical health checks and personalised care plans provided by the team at their base in East Stockwell Street, Colchester.
Administration assistant Daisy Moore said: “There is a major focus this year on loneliness.
“A lot of our patients won’t see anyone over Christmas.
“Last year, one of the patients said our card was the only card he got over Christmas and he still talks about it now.”
Team manager Ash Moorcroft said many people become estranged from their families, and Christmas can be an especially lonely time.
He said: “After we sent the cards last Christmas, we bought birthday cards so if we have a patient who many not necessarily be alone but feels lonely, we can send them a birthday card from the team.”
They also support carers and the winter resilience packs include information on the help available to them too.
Patients gave positive feedback to receiving the cards last year and the initiative is just one of the ways the team aim to support their wider wellbeing.
During a refresh of the treatment rooms at Herrick House last year, staff asked patients what they would like to see added to help them feel more comfortable.
Planting and soft lighting have been added to a psychotherapy room to help people feel more relaxed.
Some patients receive their medication through a depot injection and need to stay on site for three hours so staff can check they are not experiencing any side effects.
Following patient feedback, the depot clinic room now has more comfortable and colourful chairs, and cupboards filled with snacks, drinks, art materials, games and activities.
Ash said: “Since we’ve turned the depot clinic into more of a café, nearly everyone turns up for their appointment.”
It has also encouraged people to talk more to each other and has led to friendships being created.
“We wanted it to be about the patient coming for an activity and getting their depot injection at the same time.
“Their life shouldn’t be just about getting a depot.”