For many people, January is a tough month. Short days, grey weather, post-Christmas fatigue and financial pressure can all affect mood and energy. This seasonal dip — often called the January blues — is common and normal.
But when low mood is combined with isolation, it can quietly deepen. That’s where community support matters.
Across the borough of Great Yarmouth, there are welcoming community groups and spaces offering warmth, connection and gentle routine. These include community hubs, libraries, cafés, churches, creative and social groups, youth spaces, nature-based activities and volunteering opportunities.
You don’t need a diagnosis, a referral or the “right words”. Just turning up is enough. Community spaces work because they:
- reduce loneliness
- restore routine
- build confidence
- offer connection without pressure
January isn’t a time for big changes — it’s a recovery month. Small steps matter. A cup of tea with others. Sitting in a warm space. Joining in for half an hour.
In Great Yarmouth, these spaces already exist. Helping people find them — and feel welcome — could make all the difference this winter.
Mental health support
Reach out to us at GYUP and there are so many people who WANT to help:…to name a few:
- Walk and Talk EA : no man left behind - https://www.walkandtalkea.co.uk/
- Just One Norfolk : Mental health support 0-25 including referral - https://www.justonenorfolk.nhs.uk/emotional-health/norfolk-waveney-mental-health-advice-support-for-0-25-s/
- STEAM HOUSE Cafe : Gorleston - https://steamhousecafes.co.uk/gorleston/
- Talking Therapies - https://www.nandwtalkingtherapies.org.uk/register-with-our-services/
- Samaritans : Call 116 123 ( 24/7 and free from any phone ) - https://www.samaritans.org/branches/great-yarmouth/
- Shout: Text Shout to 85258 for 24/7 text support and free - https://giveusashout.org/
- CALM : Campaign Against Living Miserably : 0800 58 58 58 ( daily 5pm to midnight) - https://www.thecalmzone.net/
- Support line : 01708 765200 - emotional support across ages - includes children - https://www.supportline.org.uk/
- MAP: 11-25yo support with mental health - https://www.map.uk.net/
- NRthirty : supporting young futures - try new things , meet new friends , safe places to go - https://www.nrthirty.com/
- Time Norfolk - support with choice and hope after pregnancy loss - https://www.timenorfolk.org.uk/
Private Counselling and support :
Alison Little - https://www.facebook.com/p/Alison-Julie-Counselling-61572608895911/
Tanya Kecskes : Tanya Kecskes Counselling and Relationship Therapy - https://www.tanyakecskes-counselling.com/