MENTAL health specialists in Colchester 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 supports more than 1,300 vulnerable people, many of whom struggle with loneliness, physical health issues as well as mental health, money worries and other difficulties.

The team 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, also available to carers, contain a booklet produced by various public and voluntary sector organisations which 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 includes a letter which explains where patients can get support for their mental health during Christmas and New Year. 

It also includes 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 may not necessarily be alone but feels lonely, we can send them a birthday card from the team.”

The psychotherapy room at the group's HQ has also now been kitted out with planting and soft lighting to help people feel more relaxed.

Ash said since the depot clinic was turned into more of a café, nearly everyone turns up for their appointment.

He added: “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.”