Wellbeing at Christmas

Welcome to the **Somerset Emotional Wellbeing (SEW) podcast**! In this episode, **Wellbeing at Christmas**, our hosts **Dr. Andrew Tresidder** and **Dr. Peter Bagshaw** are joined by **Hazel Barron from Mind in Somerset** and **BBC Somerset Poet of the Year, Liv Torc** to discuss **how Christmas can affect our wellbeing**. During the conversation, they discuss **why Christmas can be really difficult for some people**, **the “An Antidote to the Xmas Blues” event to be held on the 18th of December** and **Liv Torc performs her new hilarious, yet poignant, poem “What If Everything Tastes Like Sprouts”**. To **register to attend** the **An Antidote to the Xmas Blues online event** (or for more information), please **visit the link below**: [An Antidote to the Xmas Blues]( https://www.mindinsomerset.org.uk/news/an-antidote-to-the-xmas-blues/) - In response to what is likely to be a very challenging Christmas this year, Somerset Mental Health Hub have invited BBC Somerset Poet of the year Liv Torc and Radio 4’s comic poet Matt Harvey to soften the blow of this strange year with their unique , gentle and ultimately human word-craft . In addition, add to your personal self-care toolbox with a ‘Mental Resilience’ workshop with trainer Pete Bearder from Tough Cookie. We would especially like to hear from you if you are an organisation that offers support to those who might be isolated in your community. This will be an opportunity for people to find out what’s available, and to share that with others in their community who may not be able to access the internet. We would also like to hear from anyone offering support around digital poverty. Conversations will be facilitated about how to influence and shape some Mental Health services as well as information around Open Mental Health. The **SEW podcast** is a **free weekly show** hosted by **Dr. Andrew Tresidder** and **Dr. Peter Bagshaw**. In each episode, the doctors discuss a different topic related to mental and emotional wellbeing and often invite **expert guests** to join them in conversation. The show is aimed at the people of Somerset and beyond; the advice and guidance provided should apply to anybody who needs it, whenever they need it. All episodes of SEW are now available to listen to free through **Spotify**, **Apple Podcasts**, **Deezer**, **Google Podcasts**, **Amazon Podcasts**, [https://somersetemotionalwellbeing.podiant.co](https://somersetemotionalwellbeing.podiant.co)/ or wherever you get your podcasts! Thank you for listening, see you next time! Please note: The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the NHS or any other organisation unless expressly stated [Mindline Somerset](https://www.mindinsomerset.org.uk/our-services/adult-one-to-one-support/mindline/) - To help address the emotional health needs of the public, Mindline (run by Mind in Somerset) has extended their hours so people can call and talk to someone about their anxieties and worries. Call 01823 276892 [Liv Torc](https://www.livtorc.co.uk/) - Liv Torc is a performance poet who plunges the vast caverns and dormant volcanoes of the human condition. A Radio 4 Slam Winner, a former Bard of Exeter and current co-host of The Hip Yak Poetry Shack. Liv runs the spoken word stage at WOMAD and the Hip Yak Poetry School. Her first published book ‘Show Me Life’ was released by Burning Eye in 2015.