The Hub is here for you this festive period

The festive period is known to be a time of joy and celebration, but it can also be difficult for many people for various reasons.

Against the backdrop of happy festivities, lots of factors can negatively impact people’s mental health and can make that divide feel really strong.

The dedicated and compassionate team at Portsmouth Mental Health Hub is wanting you to know that you are not alone if you are feeling negative emotions and thoughts. If you live in the Portsmouth area, the Hub is here to help you as well as its local community partners.

Here are a few situations which might resonate with you and your mental health, and ways which might help you navigate how you feel about them and experience them.

Feeling the financial pressure to spend

The large amount of advertising on TV, radio, online and social media in the run up to the festive period is all geared around buying presents for loved ones and friends. This tradition of exchanging gifts and buying presents can leave people feeling a certain expectation to spend. Some people will spend a worrying or concerning amount overall, not only on debit cards, but also on credit cards and perhaps even be vulnerable to taking up high interest loans which can load even more financial pressure on the individual. Some people might look to gambling to increase their money.

Others will be feeling the pinch of paying routine utility bills amid the current interest rates, even without the festive period aspects.

Are you recognising worrying spending behaviours in yourself or someone close to you? The Hub is there to listen and guide you to meaningful support.  

The expectation to socialise

This time of year sees a busier social and events calendar, with many tending to receive more invitations for events in their communities. If socialising is something that people normally struggle with, then feelings of nervousness and anxiety can be heightened with a higher number of events to respond to and attend. Feeling the need to socialise, and socialising itself, can leave people feeling emotionally and psychologically overwhelmed and even drained.

Those who have been bereaved during 2025, or have previously lost a loved one at this time of year, simply might want to limit social interactions, or not socialise at all. They might prefer to stay at home or in familiar and comforting surroundings. Being aware of people’s personal situations can create a compassionate and understanding environment amongst the jolly festivities.

It is ok to decline social invitations, you will know if these events will have a negative impact on your mental health.

Being on your own

If being on your own is the choice for you to look after your mental health this Christmas time, there are low cost or free activities which can be enjoyed in the comfort of your own time.

Activities like crafting, colouring, cooking, reading, watching movies, can help people feel relaxed and rested.

Boost your physical and emotional wellbeing

There is a powerful connection between emotional and physical wellbeing. In looking after both parts of life, people can feel their mental health improves overall.

At Christmas time, the weather isn’t always the best but getting outside in the fresh air and doing exercise can be natural mood boosters. When feel-good hormones are released by being active, they can help reduce anxiety and stress, and also help people sleep better.

Why not explore the outdoor spaces near to where you live? There will be walkways, green spaces, parks and other locations close by to enjoy.

Connecting with your community

Some people will want to connect with their community this Christmas time. There will be opportunities in your neighbourhood to take up which will help cancel out that being alone or feeling lonely. HIVE Portsmouth, a partner of Health and Care Portsmouth and supporter of The Hub, has a directory detailing what’s on locally – in warm and friendly spaces.

Do take a look at the HIVE’s website which lists information about free community meals, food banks and food pantries. These offers of help show the best of community spirit, with people working to support one another in these ways.

Soup kitchen and free community meals

Anyone who needs a hot meal can visit any of the services listed below. No referral needed. Please check opening times with providers over Bank Holidays, Easter and Christmas

Sunday

• 12.30pm-1pm, St. Swithun’s, Waverley Road, PO5 2PL (entrance via car park)
• 5.30pm-7pm, St. Simon’s Church, Waverley Road, PO5 2PW

Monday

• 5.30pm-6.30pm, Harbour Church at All Saints Church, 334 Commercial Road, PO1 4BT
• First Monday of the month:12pm, Monday Lunch at St Jude’s Church, Kent Road, Southsea, PO5 3EL

Tuesday

• 10.30am-1pm (arrive by 11am), InSight, Discovery Centre at St John’s Cathedral, entrance via the car park, Bishop Crispian Way, PO1 3QA

Wednesday

• 9am, LifeHouse, Harold Road, PO4 0JW (just off Albert Road)
• 12.30pm-7pm, Buckland soup kitchen, 174 Kingston Road, PO2 7LP (Queens Road entrance
• 6pm, FoodCycle, John Pounds Centre, 23 Queen Street, PO1 3HN

Thursday

• 6pm, LifeHouse, Harold Road, PO4 0JW (just off Albert Road)

Friday

• 10am-12pm, Eastney Roundabout Coffee Pot, Eastney Church, 21 Eastney Road, PO4 9JA
• 12pm-2pm, The Soup Sanctuary, Devonshire Avenue Baptist Church
• 8pm-10pm (food served until 9.30pm), Friday Fridge at St Jude’s Church, Kent Road, PO5 3EL, (by Palmerston Road precinct)

Saturday

• 10am-11am, Saturday Breakfast at All Saints Church, 334 Commercial Road, Portsmouth, PO1 4BT

Food banks

Food banks provide around 3 days food for your whole household if you can’t afford to buy food. Some food banks need a referral, and some can help you without being referred.

If you are visiting a food bank for the first time, you will need to take a form of ID before you can get a foodbank voucher.

Food banks accept referrals from a wide range of local community organisations, including schools and support workers. If you’re a city council tenant your local housing office can refer you. If you don’t know who can refer you, contact Advice Portsmouth (open Monday to Friday) – call 023 9279 4340, text 07789 550593 or email advice.portsmouth@theyoutrust.org.uk

Monday

• 11am-1pm, Hope Church Hall, Fraser Road, PO5 4QA

Tuesday

• 10am-11am, City Life Church, 85 Tangier Road, PO3 6JH
• 11am-12pm, All Saints Church, 334 Commercial Road, PO1 4BT
• 1pm-3pm, Haven Community Centre, Lake Road, PO1 4HA

Wednesday

• 11am-1pm, Hope Church Hall, Fraser Road, PO5 4QA

Thursday

• 12pm-2pm, Paulsgrove Baptist Church, Woofferton Road, PO6 4DW

Friday,

• 10am-12pm, Haven Community Centre, Lake Road, PO1 4HA
• 11am-1pm, Hope Church Hall, Fraser Road, PO5 4QA

Pantries, larders and other food options

• Baffins Community Pantry, open to residents of PO3 or PO4
• Cosham Community Larder and The Little Larder, open to residents of PO6 1**, PO6 2** or PO6 3**
• Fratton Together Pantry, open to residents of Fratton ward
• Hilsea Mobile Pantry, open to residents of PO2
• Landport Larder, open to PO1 residents (but all are welcome if in need)
• North End Pantry, open to residents of all PO2 and PO3 postcodes
• Oasis Pantry, open to residents of P01 1**, P01 4**, P01 5**, P05 4** postcodes
• Paulsgrove Food Pantry, open to residents of Paulsgrove and Wymering, with a PO6 postcode
• Portsea Pantry, open to residents of PO1 3** and PO1 2** post codes only
• St Mag’s Pantry, open to residents of all PO4 and PO5 postcodes
• Trash Café
• Olio surplus food app

Wishing you all a peaceful festive period, and best wishes for 2026.